Peperomia: care, propagation, and popular species

Peperomia (Peperomia) is one of the most beloved houseplants among gardeners due to its compact size, variety of shapes, and ease of care. It is perfect for decorating apartments, offices, and can even be planted in garden containers or compositions for the summer. In this article, you will learn about popular species of peperomias, including round-leaved peperomia, as well as about propagation of peperomia in various ways and the main care rules for it.

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1. Popular species of peperomias

1.1. Round-leaved peperomia (Peperomia rotundifolia)

• Features: has small round leaves on thin hanging stems, which can create beautiful cascading compositions.
• Application: ideal for hanging in pots or growing on shelves with the possibility of free cascading shoots.

1.2. Watermelon peperomia (Peperomia argyreia)

• Features: distinguished by leaves that resemble the coloring of a watermelon: light green and silvery stripes alternate with dark green.
• Care tips: loves bright, diffused light and moderate watering.

1.3. Blunt-leaved peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia)

• Features: has fleshy glossy oval leaves. There are many varieties with variegated leaves.
• Advantages: withstands temporary lack of moisture and retains an attractive appearance even in relative shade.

1.4. Wrinkled peperomia (Peperomia caperata)

• Features: characteristic wrinkled leaves with a pronounced texture, often dark green or burgundy in color.
• Conditions: prefers a warm and humid microclimate.

1.5. Raindrop peperomia (Peperomia polybotrya)

• Features: distinguished by large round leaves resembling drops of water.
• Decorativeness: looks great as a standalone plant in a pot with minimalist design.

Tip: Although most peperomias are houseplants, they can be temporarily placed in flower beds near the house in containers or in places with diffused light, especially in warm weather. However, they should be protected from excessive moisture and direct sunlight.

2. Care for peperomia

2.1. Lighting

• Peperomias love bright, diffused light but can also grow in partial shade.
• Avoid direct midday rays, as they can scorch the leaves.

2.2. Temperature and humidity

• Optimal temperature range: 20–24°C. In winter, the temperature should not drop below 16°C.
• Peperomias prefer moderately humid air (60–70%), but most species adapt well to apartment conditions.

2.3. Watering and substrate

• Watering should be moderate, as peperomias do not like overwatering. The top layer of soil should dry out between waterings.
• It is recommended to use fertile and well-drained substrate (you can add perlite or vermiculite).

2.4. Fertilization

• Use complex fertilizers for ornamental-leaved plants 1–2 times a month during the warm season.
• In winter, reduce or stop fertilization.

2.5. Transplanting

• Young plants are transplanted every spring, while mature ones every 2–3 years.
• Choose a pot slightly larger than the previous one. Too spacious pots provoke excessive root growth and can lead to water stagnation.

3. Peperomia propagation: proven methods

3.1. Propagation of peperomia by cuttings (apical or lateral shoots)

1. Choosing a cutting: Cut a shoot 5–7 cm long with 2–3 leaves.
2. Preparing the cutting:
   • Make the cut at a 45° angle.
   • Remove the lower leaves to prevent them from rotting in the soil.
   • Optionally treat the cut with a rooting hormone.
3. Rooting:
   • Plant the cutting in moist sandy substrate or a mixture of peat and perlite.
   • Cover with a transparent bag or jar to create a greenhouse effect.
   • Place in a warm spot with diffused light, ventilate daily.
   • Roots appear in about 3–4 weeks.
4. Transplanting: When the plant strengthens, transplant it into a separate pot with permanent substrate.

Tip: If you are looking for how to “propagate peperomia from a leaf”, this method (leaf propagation) is described below.

3.2. Propagation of peperomia by leaves

1. Cutting a leaf: Choose a healthy leaf (preferably with a petiole), cut it carefully.
2. Treating the cut: Optionally use a rooting hormone.
3. Planting:
   • Root in moist sandy substrate or in special soil for peperomias.
   • The leaf is placed vertically or slightly at an angle.
4. Creating a mini-greenhouse:
   • Cover the leaf with a transparent bag or glass jar.
   • Ventilate daily, monitor humidity – the substrate should not dry out.
5. Result: In about 4–6 weeks, roots appear and new shoots begin to form. Then you can transplant the young plant.

3.3. Propagation of peperomia by seeds

1. Preparing the substrate: Use a light mixture of peat, perlite, and vermiculite.
2. Sowing: Scatter the seeds on the surface, lightly cover with a thin layer of substrate.
3. Temperature regime: Keep the sowings at a temperature of about 20–22°C.
4. Moistening and greenhouse: Lightly moisten the substrate, cover with transparent film or glass.
5. Care for seedlings:
   • Ventilate, avoid direct sunlight.
   • When the seedlings strengthen and produce 2–3 true leaves, transplant them into small pots.

4. Care for young peperomias after propagation

1. Watering: In the first weeks, young plants are particularly vulnerable to overwatering. Water moderately as the top layer dries out.
2. Lighting: Choose a well-lit place without direct sunlight.
3. Temperature: Maintain 20–22°C, avoid drafts.
4. Humidity: If the air in the room is dry, mist the leaves or place pots on a tray with wet expanded clay.
5. Fertilization: Start fertilizing no earlier than a month after rooting.
6. Pest prevention: Inspect the leaves, spray with biological insecticides if necessary.

5. Using peperomia in interior design and flower beds

• In home interiors: Peperomias look great on windowsills, shelves, and hanging pots. Due to their compactness and variety of shapes, they harmoniously fit into modern, Scandinavian, and classic interiors.
• Outdoors: In warm weather, peperomias can be placed on balconies, terraces, or even used in a flower bed near the house (provided the plant is placed in a container with proper drainage and protection from direct sunlight). This little “greenery” will wonderfully complement your DIY flower beds, adding originality to them.

Conclusion

Peperomias are an ideal option for both beginners and experienced gardeners. They quickly adapt to indoor conditions, require no complicated care, and are easily propagated by cuttings, leaves, and even seeds. By following our tips on peperomia care and propagation, you can decorate your space with lush and healthy plants. And experimenting with different species, including round-leaved peperomia, will allow you to create a true collection of these undemanding yet very decorative houseplants.

Try propagating peperomia right now and enjoy the results – there is nothing more pleasant than seeing a new full-fledged plant grow from a small leaf or cutting, complementing the coziness of your home or decorating a floral composition in your yard!