Did you know that the Peperomia genus has over 1,000 species, but only a dozen or so are suitable as houseplants. Crazy isn't it? They’re diverse in appearance, some with heart or lance-shaped leaves, others almond or oval-shaped. Their leaves can be solid green, marbled or striped — even grey or red. Native to tropical areas like southern Florida, South and Central America, they can be found on the forest floor, making them suitable for lower light conditions.
Light
Thrives in medium to bright indirect light, but can tolerate low indirect light.
Water & Fertiliser
Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light.
When it comes to fertilising your peperomia plants, less is more, using FabGardenMama Organic Fertiliser.
Discoloured or dropping leaves are usually a sign of inadequate light or excessive watering, not poor nutrition. As a slow-growing epiphyte, the peperomia can go its entire life without supplemental fertiliser, getting what it needs from its planting media.
Common Problems
Very resistant to disease and pests.
SYMPTOM: Wilting plant, dry potting mix
CAUSE: Underwatered
SYMPTOM: Yellowing leaves, black stems
CAUSE: Overwatered
Temperature & Humidity
They will tolerate dry air but prefers high humidity. The average home temperature of 18°C-24°C. Basically, f you’re comfortable, the Peperomia is comfortable.
Soil
The key to a thriving houseplant choosing a soil blend that mimics these conditions and is chunky, loose, and acidic. An orchid potting medium typically works well, but regular potting soil is fine too—you can always lighten it with a handful of peat moss or vermiculite.
Propagating
Because of their thick, succulent nature, peperomia plants are easy to propagate via cuttings.
Plants in the peperomia genus can look so different from one to the next that it's difficult to discern if they are even related. But one thing all peperomia plants have in common is that they are slow-growing, can be planted all year long, and are low maintenance.