How to Care for a Peperomia Plant

Peperomias are first-class plants to grow indoors. They have many features that make them the perfect houseplants for almost anyone. There are over thousands of varieties of this plant. Mostly this type of plant is native to Mexico, the West Indies, Central and South America. Surprisingly, this plant belongs to the “pepper” family which is a super broad plant family. With the peperomias that we are familiar with in the indoor plant industry, the design on the leaves may be marbled, heart-shaped, green, gray, and solid color. All Peperomia plants have one thing in common - they are usually very slow-growing.

Caring for your Peperomia Plant

The Peperomia plant is the best choice for a beginner houseplant. When growing this plant you must locate the plant in low or medium-light away from direct sunlight. You can also grow your plants under fluorescent lighting. Peperomia varieties all require very similar care, so we've put together a condense set of instructions to help you care for your Peperomia plant.

Peperomia Care Summary

• Light
• Water
• Soil
• Temperature
• Fertiliser
• Potting

Light

Peperomia plants grow well in medium to bright indirect light. Morning and filtered light are good for this plant as well as 12-16 hours of artificial light. Low levels of light will result in slow-growing and leaves will drop from your plant. Direct sunlight on the plant can burn the leaves. It is necessary to keep Peperomia plants in bright, indirect sunlight in temperatures of between 20 to 30 C°.

Water

Allow the top half of the soil to dry out before you water the Peperomia again. It’s best to water these types of plants from the bottom. This tip and technique will help prevent plant diseases and keeps the leaves dry. Over-watering is the main cause and serious problems of the Peperomia plant. The thick leaves of the Peperomia plant can hold water, allowing the plant to bear for a long time without water.

Soil

Use a well-oxygenised loose potting dust that drains quickly. Choose soil that contains these conditions: loose, acidic and thick. Regular potting soil is good for any plant.

Temperature

Peperomia plants should not be exposed to a temperature less than 8 degrees celcius. Warm temperatures between 15 to 26 C° are ideal. You must check the temperature in summer and winter to keep your plant in safe conditions.

Fertiliser

Fertilise your plant monthly in both the spring and summer seasons. It’s not necessary to feed your plant in the summer and winter. Fertiliser is the best way to grow your plant with strength. It can save plants from diseases such as discoloured or dropping leaves.

Potting

Peperomia plants can live for years in a small space or container. These types of plants enjoy a root-bound existence. Container culture is the best and popular way for this because it allows you to cultivate this slow-growing plant. Re-pot your plant to the next container when the roots come out from the existing plant pot. Over-watering may cause your plant to grow slow so do be careful.

Conclusion

Peperomia plants are one the most popular and beautiful plants for indoor decorations. They are small in size and grow slowly so you don't have to keep repotting them. They can be grown in small plant pots for many years. These types of plants have many different varieties and look beautiful because of their smooth and thick leaves. Use thick and loose potting mix for the best results with your Peperomias.