Peperomia, the low-maintenance radiator plant

This is a very popular houseplant. With so many varieties, you can choose from lots of shapes to complete your interior perfectly. It makes a welcome gift, because it belongs in every plant lover’s collection.

You can also take advantage of its ability to filter formaldehyde from indoor spaces. This comes in handy if you have bought particleboard furniture for your home. Because the plant is not toxic, you can place it in a child’s room or a home with pets without a second thought.

 

Which species should you choose?

Peperomia has hundreds of species, native to Central and South America. It is also found in Africa and southern Asia. It belongs to the pepper family, so it is related to the well-known pepper. For many years it was called Peperomia sandersii. Most of the species you can grow have distinctive, striking leaf patterns.

For a hanging plant, you can choose, for example, Peperomia Tettraphylla Hope or the even more popular Peperomia Prostrata, whose leaves look like tiny turtle shells, which is why it is also called “string of turtles”. If you are looking for a compact statement plant, Peperomia Caperata Lilian is a good choice.

These are small plants that rarely grow taller than 20 to 30 cm. Still, they should not be underestimated, because their stems grow very fast, up to 10 cm a year. 

This beautiful houseplant also flowers. It most often treats us to its blooms in the summer months. The flowers are white and usually contrast with the shape and color of the leaves. 

Photo: Peperomia Raindrop

 

How do you care for peperomia?

To keep its compact shape, the plant needs to be divided into at least 2 pieces. With the right care, peperomia keeps a full shape. But if you want more offshoots from one plant, you can divide it into as many as 4 pieces. Plant these in individual planters. Until the plants are properly established, though, they need to be kept in higher humidity. You can do this with an ordinary mister or with humidifiers.

Interestingly, plants with stiff leaves can live happily even in dry, heated rooms. Radiator plants with soft leaves, on the other hand, need higher humidity. Keep in mind not to place the plant in a south-facing spot or near a radiator. It does not like dry air or drafts. You will make it happiest by placing it in or near the kitchen, for example.

 

Light conditions

These plants do not need much light. If you put them in direct light or sun, their leaves could start to wilt and drop. For the same reason, they also need to be protected from high temperatures. At temperatures above 24 °C, it will no longer be entirely happy. On the other hand, if you cut back on watering, it will be happy even in cooler rooms. That is why you can confidently buy one in the winter months, too.

 

Watering and environment 

The radiator plant loves moisture and warmth. That does not mean, however, that you should overwater it. Water sparingly and ideally always into the saucer.

If larger amounts of water got onto the leaves or into their folds, the plant could start to rot. In the winter months, it can easily go 2 to 3 weeks without water. So it can be a good fit for people who sometimes forget to water their plants, and for those who often travel for longer periods. Never leave it standing in water. To keep the plant happy, carefully remove every dry or rotting leaf or stem. It appreciates soft water that has been left to stand, which you can also use to mist it. It also likes being placed in mini greenhouses or window display cases.

 

Photo: Peperomias propagate well from leaf cuttings. Just leave broken-off leaves in water, and in a few weeks they will put out little roots and new shoots will start popping up.

 

Fertilizing and propagation

Just as peperomia does not need much water, it does not need much fertilizer either. During the summer months, add half the recommended dose of fertilizer to the water. Fertilize every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing season. For easier dosing, liquid fertilizers are the better choice. (Forestina all-purpose fertilizer (dmp.cz)).

To propagate this plant, take tip cuttings and stick them into smaller planters. Then cover them with a plastic bag or plastic wrap. You can help them root successfully by placing them in a small greenhouse or propagator. 

If you accidentally break off a leaf while handling the plant, it is no disaster. You can use it to propagate in another way. Simply put the leaf in a cup or glass of water. In about 2 weeks, you will see the peperomia’s first little roots. Watching it grow is something both you and your kids will enjoy.

 

Problems and pests

What problems can they have? If you notice the leaves fading, it means the plant is in too bright a spot. Simply move it somewhere shadier.

If, on the other hand, the leaves start to drop, it is probably too cold. Try moving it to a warmer spot to keep it from losing more leaves.

If the leaves and stems start to turn black, the plant is overwatered. One possible solution is to take the plant out of its soggy potting mix and repot it in dry potting mix. Rotting leaves and stems must be carefully removed on a regular basis. In the end, you can always rescue the plant by propagating it from tip cuttings or by dividing it.

Of all the pests, spider mites are the ones most drawn to this plant. You can recognize them by the tiny webs on the leaves. A suitable spray will help your peperomia get rid of them.

 

 

Author: Nikola Soudek