Peperomia flower care at home. Peperomia: care at home, features of cultivation and reproduction

Peperomia is a popular indoor plant among gardeners. About 1,100 species are known that migrated to our windowsills from the forests of South America. Different types of peperomia have different characteristics. The height of plants varies from 15 to 50 cm. Ampelous - capable of reaching a length of about 50 centimeters. Bush - form shoots up to 30 centimeters. The leaves of different types of peperomia are extremely diverse. The color can be light and dark green, golden, brown, silver-striped, with white or yellow spots and streaks.

Peperomia (Peperomia) - a genus of perennial evergreen herbaceous plants of the Pepper family ( Piperaceae)

Peperomia ferreira. © succulents Content:

General information about peperomia

Peperomia are quite shade-loving and difficult to care for plants, but for the sake of the mesmerizing decorativeness of the leaves, it is worth making the effort. The difficulties of caring for peperomia lie in maintaining a presentable appearance for a long time. It is not easy to comply with all the recommended conditions in which the plant will develop fully and maintain its unique appearance.

When buying peperomia, choose specimens with bright, rich, colored patterns on the foliage. Make sure the stems and leaves are intact and there is no rot at the base of the bush. Peperomia leaves should not be damaged, limp or dull. This indicates a lack of moisture and inappropriate growing conditions. Such a specimen is unlikely to survive at home.

Peperomia blooms in summer. Elongated vertical ears with small white flowers are formed. The inflorescences do not have much decorative value and are odorless. To preserve the rich crown of the plant, it is better to remove flower stalks at the formation stage so that the peperomia does not waste energy on flowering. If you leave the flowers, then after flowering the bush becomes less dense, begins to shed leaves and lose some of the stems.

Peperomia dolabriformis. © Robert Maijer Peperomia Fraser. © Robert Maijer Peperomia macrothyrsa. © Robert Maijer

Peperomia care at home

Peperomia does not tolerate waterlogging of the soil. In summer it is necessary to water as it dries, and in the winter months once every 10-25 days. Warm, soft water is best for watering. Since peperomia leaves have their own supply of liquid, like succulents, the plant can remain in dry soil for a short period.

It is worth considering that this only applies to those species that have dense leaves. For peperomia species that are not characterized by a fleshy leaf texture, complete drying of the soil in the pot is extremely undesirable. Avoid stagnant water in the plant pot. This threatens the death of the root system, and then the entire bush.

Peperomia does not like direct sunlight, as it naturally grows in shaded areas. Also, you should not grow peperomia in insufficient lighting. In this case, the shoots will stretch towards the light source and have leaves sparsely located on the stem, which gives the plant a very unsightly appearance. Diffused lighting is best. Eastern and southern windows are strictly contraindicated for keeping this type of indoor flowers.

The optimal temperature for keeping peperomia in winter will be +15..18 °C. The maximum permissible temperature in summer is +25 °C. In hot conditions, peperomia leaves begin to wilt. In this case, do not allow the soil to become waterlogged. Spray the plant on the leaves to compensate for the lack of moisture.

Soil and transplantation of peperomia

Peperomia should be replanted in the spring. At this time, growth is activated and the plant noticeably increases in size. Don't choose pots that are too large. Use miniature shallow bowls. When planted in an overly spacious pot, peperomia may become painful and may not retain its proper decorative appearance. The base of the stem should not be deepened too much. It is better to leave it above the soil surface.

The soil for growing peperomia should be loose and nutritious. A mixture of humus, sand and peat is perfect for this plant. Heavy soil prevents oxygen from reaching the roots, which can cause the bush to die.

Peperomia mountaina. © Robert Maijer Peperomia by Wolfgang Krahn. © Robert Maijer Peperomia Hutchison. © Robert Maijer

Peperomia propagation methods

An effective way to propagate peperomia is by cuttings. Pinch off the top of the plant and root the cuttings using Kornevin for the fastest root formation. For growing, it is best to use a greenhouse container. This will help ensure constant moisture and prevent the soil from drying out. When the shoot has taken root and begun to grow, it should be transplanted into a separate small pot. You can try rooting peperomia leaves. This applies to species that have a dense texture.

In addition, when the crown of the plant is trimmed, side shoots begin to actively develop, which contributes to the formation of a dense bush. Peperomia requires artificial formation of a bush. Sometimes its individual shoots grow too long, while others are significantly stunted in growth.

When the plant reaches a large enough size, when transplanting it can be divided into several parts.

At home, growing peperomia from seeds is almost impossible. This is due to the fact that many species have such microscopic seeds that it is quite problematic to create conditions for germination.

Peperomia wrinkled. © Jerzy Opioła

Peperomia companion plants

Excellent neighbors for peperomia are ivies, dracaenas, philodendrons and hederas. It looks great in mixed plantings with plants that require the same conditions.

Peperomia asperula. © Robert Maijer Peperomia fragrant. © Robert Maijer

Many plants are characterized by various beneficial properties. Peperomia is able to smooth out the contradictory nature of the owner. This plant is definitely recommended for those who cannot find a common language with loved ones and constantly get into disputes and conflicts.

For people who constantly complain that everything in their life is not going well, peperomia will help increase their self-esteem and set themselves in a positive mood. The plant helps to establish a friendly atmosphere in any team or family.

A variety of leaf shapes and colors, crown type and size allow the use of peperomia in floristry. Creeping plants have small ribbed leaves that look great in flower arrangements. Large-leaved and variegated species perfectly decorate the interior of any room. The unusual appearance of the leaves of Wrinkled and Silvery Peperomia attracts the attention of gardeners with its exclusivity and uniqueness.

Peperomia ( Peperomia) - a genus of perennial evergreen herbaceous plants of the Pepper family ( Piperaceae) with decorative leaves and shoots thickened at the nodes. The height of the plant varies from 15 to 50 cm. About 1000 species of peperomia are known, most of which come from the tropical regions of Asia and America. Various peperomia have a rich outfit and invariably stand out among other plants with their original leaves - leathery and shiny, smooth or wrinkled, green or multi-colored. There are peperomia with erect, hanging or creeping shoots. In culture, peperomia are used as ornamental leafy plants and are grown indoors or in open ground. This article will tell you about the features of caring for peperomia.

Peperomia obtufolia ‘Greengold’. © James Steakley

What do peperomia look like?

Peperomia are extremely diverse in leaf shape, size and color. There are species with round, oblong, lanceolate, heart-shaped leaves - from miniature and delicate to large and fleshy. The color of the leaves can be light or dark green, brown, olive, golden, silver-striped, with white or yellow spots and streaks. Peperomia leaves are most often entire. Their surface can be smooth or pubescent, as well as rough and wrinkled.

Small white flowers of peperomia are collected in dense spike-shaped or cob-shaped inflorescences on long peduncles. A well-developed bush usually has 10-15 inflorescences. Peperomia seeds do not ripen under room conditions.

Features of growing peperomia

Location: All types of peperomia cannot tolerate low temperatures, so in winter they are kept at 18-20 degrees. They prefer good lighting, but can also grow in partial shade, even under artificial light. Only direct sunlight cannot be tolerated.

Watering: Careful. The soil is allowed to dry between waterings, but the leaves of the peperomia are not allowed to begin to wither. In winter, water very little; when watering, use lukewarm water.

Air humidity: Peperomia prefer moderate humidity. In summer, the leaves are sprayed from time to time. Do not spray in winter.

Reproduction: Peperomia is propagated by cuttings. Bush-like forms are leafy, and erect and hanging forms are stem.

Transfer: If possible - sparse, if necessary, every few years they are transplanted into a larger pot in the spring.

Peperomia wrinkled. © Jerzy Opiola

Peperomia care at home

Peperomia is a fairly unpretentious plant that can be successfully grown indoors with proper care, but does not tolerate drafts well. For peperomia, choose a warm place with bright, diffused light or partial shade. Green-leaved peperomias are less light-loving, while variegated ones are more demanding of light (they turn green when there is a lack of it), but do not tolerate direct sunlight. Peperomia grow well in artificial light. With a lack of light, peperomia leaves lose their decorative effect: they become dull and turn pale.

Water the peperomia regularly and moderately with soft, lukewarm water. Between waterings, you need to let the soil dry (but not allow the leaves to wilt). In winter, peperomia is watered less and kept at a moderate temperature (18-20 degrees, warm soil is important).

Peperomia species with fleshy leaves tolerate dry air; peperomia with tender leaves need moist air and frequent spraying. In a warm room, peperomia leaves are periodically sprayed from April to September; When kept cool and in winter, spraying is undesirable. Due to excessive watering, too humid air, or “cold feet,” the leaves of peperomia become lighter, lose their luster, and become deformed. Weeping spots may appear on them - eventually they fall off. Also, due to stagnation of moisture in the soil, leaves, petioles and stems rot (rot spots may become covered with a gray or pinkish-white coating - fungal mycelium), and root rot develops.

Peperomia creeping. © doras

Shallow pots are chosen for growing peperomia, as their roots are quite short, thin and delicate. There must be one, or better yet, several drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. When planting, high (6 cm) drainage is provided. In spring or summer, young peperomia ripen annually, plants older than three years - every two years. Old plants are replanted as needed. The substrate should be nutritious and loose: leaf soil, humus, peat and sand (2: 1: 1: 0.5). Or: leaf, humus, turf soil, peat and sand in equal parts. Planting peperomia in heavy soil leads to root rot.

The tops of long shoots of peperomia are pinched in the spring (to cause them to branch), and the “bald” plant is pruned. From April to September, peperomia are fed with complete mineral fertilizer every three weeks.

Peperomia clusifolia ‘Red Margin’. © Stefano

Popular types of peperomia

Peperomia caperata

An exquisite miniature plant with small, dark green, corrugated leaves on long, fragile petioles. The leaves are densely collected on short stems. Graceful spike-shaped inflorescences, snow-white, like a cloud, rise above the dark mass of leaves. A very attractive plant for indoor floriculture. Soil: nutritious loose mixture of leaf, humus soil and sand (1:1:0.5).

Peperomia clusiifolia

A large plant with ascending, thick, fleshy stems that take root in the lower nodes. The leaves are alternate, with short petioles (no more than 1 cm), large (up to 15 cm long, 6-8 cm wide), obovate with a blunt or notched apex and a more or less wedge-shaped, sometimes slightly eared base; very thick, fleshy, dark green with a reddish tint and a dark purple narrow border along the edge, matte. Homeland - Antilles, Venezuela. In indoor culture, the garden form Variegata is also well known - with leaves along the midrib dark green with light green splashes, then towards the periphery - milky white or yellowish with a reddish tint and a bright purple border along the edge. There are variegated forms of yellowish or reddish shades.

Peperomia magnoliaefolia

Plants with abundantly branching, erect or ascending fleshy reddish stems rooting at the lower nodes. The leaves are alternate, with short (2 cm), slightly winged petioles up to 15 cm long, 3-8 cm wide, rounded to obovate-elliptic, almost spatulate, with a rounded, often notched apex and a wedge-shaped or suddenly narrowed base. Thick, leathery, green, shiny. Homeland - Antilles, Panama, northern South America (Venezuela, Colombia, Guiana). In addition to the typical form, the garden form Variegata is very popular with irregular white and yellow spots on the leaves. A species close to Peperomia obtusifolia.

Peperomia magnoliafolia. © Michael Wolf

Peperomia pereskiifolia

A plant with long ascending, later lodging and rooting blunt-ribbed stems. Leaves are 3-5 in whorls, 3-5 cm long, 2-3 cm wide, elliptical or rounded diamond-shaped, with a blunt apex, three arcuate veins, very hard, leathery, dark green. Homeland - central and northern South America, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, Peru.

Silver Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia)

A compact plant with a shortened stem bearing alternate, clustered, rosette-like leaves. Leaves with long (more than 10 cm) dark purple petioles, 6-9 cm long, 5-8 cm wide, ovate, with a short-pointed apex and thyroid base, with 9-11 arcuate veins, dark green on top of the veins , between the veins - light, silvery, below - light green. Homeland - northern South America, Venezuela, Brazil. Soil: leaf and compost soil, sand (2:2:1).

Peperomia griseoargentea

The species is similar in growth form to the previous one. Leaves are 8-9 cm long, 3-6 cm wide, with long petioles exceeding the length of the blade, rounded-ovate, obtuse-pointed at the apex, heart-shaped or thyroid-shaped at the base with 7-9 arcuate veins, silver-green, shiny, with slightly wavy surface and edge. Homeland - Brazil. In indoor culture, the garden form Nigra with black-green leaves along the veins is also well known.

Peperomia obtusifolia

A species very similar to Peperomia magnoliafolia, from which it differs in the details of the structure of the ear and fruit. In the vegetative state it is difficult to recognize by its more spread-out growth form, somewhat less foliage and blunter leaf tips. Homeland: Antilles, Mexico, center and north of South America (Venezuela, Colombia, Suriname). Several garden forms are known: Alba - with milky white or cream fronds; Albo-variegata - with leaves that are gray-green in the center, silvery along the edges, etc. The plant is quite undemanding to care, but light-loving. The soil must be fertile: a mixture of leaf, turf soil, peat and sand (1:1:1:1).

Peperomia gray-silver. © James Steakley

The main difficulties in growing peperomia

Peperomia leaves with brown tips and edges. The reason is an unexpected drop in temperature. Remove all damaged leaves, protect the plant from drafts, and avoid cold window sills.

Sudden leaf drop in succulent varieties. The reason is a delay in watering. Water peperomia when the soil is slightly dry, but before the leaves begin to wilt.

Peperomia leaves are limp and faded. Rot spots on the stem or leaves. Corky growths on the leaves below. The reason is waterlogging of the soil, especially in winter.

Unexpected fall of peperomia leaves in winter. The reason is the air temperature is too low.

Peperomia pereskifolia. © KENPEI

Useful properties of peperomia in the home

All bush-like peperomia: ivy-leaved, silver and wrinkled - have variegated leaves. Contradictions coexist perfectly in them. The very shape of the peperomia bush, which can be called a “friendly family,” and the variegated leaves speak of the friendly nature of the plant and its ability to reconcile contradictions.

It is good to have any of the bush-like peperomia in a house where people live, in whose character a rebellious spirit is clearly manifested, those who, even against their will, out of habit, will do something contrary to the wishes of others.

Peperomia maintain a calm atmosphere in the home. Where there are peperomia, benevolence and peace reign in the atmosphere. With peperomia, the very atmosphere of the house inclines a person to sincerely show concern for his neighbor.

Peperomia silvery. © Eric Hunt

It is believed that this indoor plant has a strong influence on human physical health. It is directed, like most plants of the Cancer sign, primarily at the organs and systems controlled by this zodiac sign: the digestive tract, mammary glands, gall bladder. They say that neat little peperomia on the windowsill promote the fusion of sutures and the healing of wounds of these organs.

We cannot say how true this is, but it is a fact that peperomia is unpretentious and very beautiful.

A flower called peperomia - Peperomia(dwarf pepper)- most often a small herbaceous plant with thick leaves of different sizes and shapes, colors and structures. Belongs to the Piperaceae (Pepper) family. The homeland is considered to be Tropical America and Asia. The name translated from Greek means: “peperi” - “pepper” and “omos” - “same”. In nature, it can grow on bushes and tree bark, rotting parts of plants, in forests on soils rich in peat, and less often on rocky terrain. Popular names such as “pepper-like” or “plant with a rat’s tail” are common.

It can grow as a shrub, subshrub and sometimes as a hanging crop. Due to this, it is widely used at exhibitions and in floral compositions. The flower is rich in an abundance of shapes and shades, which makes it a welcome guest not only in homes, but also in botanical gardens. Thanks to its wide variety of species, it often serves as the basis for flower arrangements, and variegated varieties often play the role of bright additions and color accents.

Peperomia at flowering time

During flowering, peperomia produces numerous spikelet-shaped inflorescences, somewhat similar in appearance to the color of plantain, and inconspicuous small flowers. This is where the name “rat tail plant” comes from. The inflorescence reaches a length of 6-7 cm and is a thin, slightly twisted or bent process. Flowering usually occurs in spring or summer. The appearance of the flowers varies depending on the species and variety. Some flowering species have fragrant inflorescences. At the end of the flowering period, fruits are formed, which are presented in the form of small dry berries, very easily separated from the “cob”.

A photo of a blooming indoor peperomia is offered below for your reference - appreciate the extraordinary nature of the green “pet”:

A beautiful crop for collectors, especially for those who have limited space for plant placement. In addition, it is quite unpretentious, which makes the process of growing it simple. Home indoor peperomia flowers reach a height of 50-55 cm, dwarf varieties - up to 15-20 cm. The plant is distinguished by its great species diversity. The leathery, shiny leaves can be different shades of green and have all sorts of shapes - from small and thin to fleshy and wide with a curled end. The dense, fleshy stems of tall plants can bend under their own weight as they grow.

An interesting feature of this flower is that when you lightly rub the leaf plate with warm hands, you can feel a delicate subtle aroma, somewhat similar to the smell of bell pepper.

Convince yourself of the rich variety of indoor peperomia flowers by looking at the photo below:

The images show several examples of this unusual plant.

Varieties and varieties of peperomia: photos, names and descriptions of indoor plants

According to the latest information, there are more than 1160 species of this plant. Conventionally, they can be divided into three varieties of peperomia flowers:

• Ampelous.
• Bush.
• Erect.

Some types of peperomia flower can be grown as hanging plants in shallow pots. Such varieties are characterized by the presence of downward falling stems up to 1.2-1.5 m long. If necessary, they can be trimmed in the spring if they do not look too thick. This provokes the formation of new side shoots.

The ampelous types include:

• Climbing.
• Creeping.
• Pereskifolia.
• Glabella.
• Round-leaved.
• Rotundifolia.

Below is a description of some of them. Types of hanging peperomia and the names of varieties bred from them with attached corresponding photos are presented below:

Peperomia scandens Variegata(climbing)- a beautiful type of flower, which is characterized by the presence of a compact root system and the accumulation of water in the leaves and stems. The leaf plate is round in shape and beige in color as it grows, stretches up to 5-6 cm and forms a pointed end, while acquiring a green color.

Peperomia serpens(creeping) has an oval-shaped leaf blade with a pronounced pointed end. The color is dark green with a cream edging at the end.

Peperomia pereskiafolia(peperomia pereskifolia) another type of dwarf pepper with small, dark-colored foliage and pronounced veins. The leaf plates are collected in rosettes of 4-5 pieces.

Peperomia glabella species ( Peperomia glabella) - Peperomia capita. The shoots grow upward first and droop only when they become too heavy.

Peperomia rotundifolia(round-leaved)- a type of indoor plant called peperomia, which has small round leaves of a light green color with a delicate texture that is pleasant to the touch.

Peperomia angulata(peperomia beetle) It has dark green leaves growing in pairs with light stripes.

Peperomia rotundifolia(Peperomia rotundifolia) has creeping stems up to 30 cm long. Rounded flat leaves of a dark shade of green reach 2 cm in diameter.

Hanging shoots of a variegated variety " Variegata » Peperomia serpentine ( Peperomia serpens ) are wonderful hanging plants.

Photos are presented below for detailed information. The most famous bush species include the following:

• Wrinkled.
• Watermelon.
• Velvety.
• Multicarpal.
• Gray-haired.
• Angulata.
• Lillian.
• Marble.

Shriveled peperomia ( Peperomia caperata) - a plant with very wrinkled leaves.

Peperomia watermelon ( Peperomia watermelon) And pereromia silvery ( Peperomia argyreia) develop, like Peperomia caperata, in a rosette form. Silver is perhaps the best known species for its silvery-striped leaves.

Velvety ( Peperomia velutina) grows like a bush and has brownish-brown branches and trunk. It reaches a height of 20-50 cm.

Peperomia multitaste ( Peperomia polybotrya) It is distinguished by powerful, highly branching shoots up to 40 cm high. The leaf blade is round and wide.

Gray-haired ( Peperomia incana) has an unusual heart-shaped leaf blade. It has a uniform dark green color and a velvety surface.

Peperomia Angulata ( Peperomia Angulata hanging) – a compact bush up to 15-17 cm high. It is a moisture-loving plant of dark green color.

Peperomia Lilian ( Peperomia Lilian) - a low-growing shrub with dark green, heart-shaped leaves. The plant is native to Mexico.

Marble– this type of pepper is a small herbaceous branched shrub. The peculiarity lies in the color of the leaf plate - brownish-burgundy veins are clearly visible on a green background.

Beautiful and popular varieties of bush peperomia include the hybrid “ Tricolor ", which is distinguished by leaves with a white border.

Very large variety " Emerald Ripple" .

Yellow-green leaves "Greengold" , « USA " and dwarf variety " Minima ».

Look at the photos of bush varieties of peperomia offered below:

Having studied them, any grower will find an option to their liking. Erect plant species include:

• Tupolistnaya.
• Magnolifolia.
• Clusielifolia.
• Whorled.

Below are photos of types of erect peperomia with official names and brief characteristics:

Peperomia obtufolia ( Peperomia obtusifolia) characterized by weakly succulent oval-shaped leaves with a beveled edge.

Peperomia magnoliafolia (Peperomia magnoliaefolia) has shiny leaves up to 5-5.5 cm long, which grow alternately on succulent brownish stems.

Peperomia clusifolia ( Peperomia clusiifolia) It is distinguished by its fleshy, oval-shaped foliage with a pointed end.

Peperomia whorled ( Peperomia verticillata) has small leaves up to 2 cm in length, collected in whorls of 5-6 pieces. The color is light green with a white downy layer on the surface of the leaf blade.

Very unusual varieties of peperomia flowers are offered below. Each of them has its own characteristics that add special decorativeness and originality to the plant.

Peperomia chisel ( P. dolabriformis) characterized by very succulent shoots, which become woody as they grow.

Columella or columnar ( P. columella) has erect shoots covered with scales. Grows up to 20 cm in height. The leaf blade and trunk are painted in a dark green or emerald shade.

Peperomia Ferreira ( P. ferreyrae) It is famous for its unusual shape of oblong leaves of a light green hue folded in half, which are collected in star-shaped rosettes.

Peperomia graveolens ( P. graveolens) It has brightly colored foliage. The top of the plate is dark green, and the bottom is a bright burgundy color.

Favorable conditions for growing peperomia

By its nature, it is an unpretentious plant that does not require special environmental conditions. To organize proper care for a peperomia flower, it is enough to pay attention to a number of factors:

• Location.
• Temperature.
• Air humidity.
• Substrate.
• Watering.
• Feeding.
• Trimming.

Species and varieties with green leaves love light, but not sun; in summer they can be placed in partial shade. Variegated varieties need as much indirect light as possible. Window sills on the western and eastern sides are best suited. In winter, these plants will not mind a few hours of sun or exposure to fluorescent lamps. For artificial lighting, it is enough to place the device at a distance of 50-70 cm from the plant pot and leave for 2-3 hours.

The flower does not tolerate drafts, so fresh air on the balcony or loggia will create unfavorable conditions for full growth. Take care of insulating the window frame using special foam inserts, tape or putty during the cold periods of the year.

Caring for a peperomia flower at home also involves maintaining the optimal air temperature, which should be as warm as possible, not lower than 13 °C. The most suitable temperature range ranges from 20 to 22 °C in spring and summer, from 18 to 20 °C in autumn and winter.

And the temperature of the earthen coma should not be below 17°C. In winter, warm soil is needed to maintain the viability of the heat-loving root system.

Air humidity is preferable to at least 50%, especially during the growing period from March to October, otherwise leaves will fall off at high temperatures. Spraying is not a mandatory care item, but it will not be superfluous during hot periods. But as for the gray and round-leaved type of plant, such a procedure is undesirable, because it may lead to a loss of color and shine of the leaf plate.

To care for indoor peperomia flowers, a standard flower soil mixture for decorative foliage plants is suitable as soil. The main requirement for soil is its loose structure. The substrate must allow both air and moisture to pass through it well.

In terms of watering, the flower is unpretentious. It is enough to keep the substrate slightly moist. If there is excess moisture, the leaves fall and the plant often dies. It is best to use soft, settled water. A warm shower will also not be superfluous, but provided that the plant does not bloom. Such procedures are especially favorable during hot summer periods.

Feeding is preferable once every 3 weeks, in winter - once every 6 weeks using mineral complex fertilizers, which can be purchased at specialized flower shops.

Peperomia pruning and how to pinch shoots

Pruning for peperomia is not mandatory, but a desirable procedure to increase its decorativeness. Ampelous varieties, after cutting off young shoots, grow even more, which makes the flower “fluffy”. The pinching method can help you grow a more branched and taller houseplant. As a rule, erect shoots are pruned when they reach a height of 20-25 cm. Higher shoots break under the weight of their own weight. At the cut site, 2 to 4 new shoots grow. Bush plant species do not require pruning.

How to pinch peperomia shoots is described in detail in the video below:

Watch it for detailed study and confidence in the correctness of your actions.

Transplanting peperomia: how to transplant a plant correctly

Transplantation of young peperomia up to 3 years of age is required every year. For an adult plant, 1 transplant is allowed within 2 years. This is done in the spring - in April. The pot is selected based on the size of the root system. Wide and shallow containers are best suited, but with each transplant their diameter should be 1.5-2 cm larger.

The transplantation process consists of several stages. The first is to prepare a substrate consisting of leaf soil, humus, sand and peat in a ratio of 2:1.5:1:1. The second step is to provide a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot to allow water and air to drain away. Thanks to this, excess liquid will not accumulate in the earthen coma. For drainage, use large expanded clay or crushed brick, lay it on the bottom of the pot in a layer of up to 2 cm. At the third stage, the prepared soil mixture is poured (if ready-made is used, the first stage is excluded) to two-thirds of the volume of the pot.

The fourth step is to directly plant the plant in the hole and cover it with a layer of soil, which should eventually reach the side of the pot. The last and fifth action remains - watering with warm water.

Important to remember that after transplantation no fertilizing is required. During the entire period until spring, the new substrate is still full of useful microelements and substances and the plant adapts to the new living conditions. Feeding in this case can harm the flower.

How to properly transplant young peperomia is described in detail in the video file below:

Take a look before you start the planting process.

Peperomia propagation scheme by cuttings and leaves

Peperomia can be propagated at home using:

• Apical cuttings.
• Leaf cuttings.
• Divisions of the root system.
• Semyon.

In species growing in a rosette, only the second reproduction option is allowed, since there are basal leaves.

Propagation of peperomia flower by cuttings produced in spring or summer. To do this, use a sharp knife or scissors to carefully cut off the shoot with one or more buds. After which the shoot is planted in a fertile substrate, covered with polyethylene or a cut plastic bottle (like a mini-greenhouse). The shoot is placed in a warm place for rooting until its root system grows 3-4 cm in diameter. Then it is enough to transplant the grown plant into a slightly larger pot for its further growth and development.

It happens roughly according to this scheme. Firstly, cut off a healthy and elastic leaf and place it in purified, settled water for rooting. During the entire period until root shoots up to 4 cm long are formed, the water must be renewed daily. Then it is enough to plant the young rooted plant in a nutrient substrate for further growth.

How to propagate peperomia by seeds and how to root a flower by division

The plant is propagated by seeds only in early spring. Planting material is pre-soaked in warm water for 50-60 minutes to swell. In March, the finished seeds are planted in a nutrient substrate consisting of peat soil and sand. Having poured the soil mixture into the pot, spread the germination material in a thin layer and cover it with a 1 cm thick layer of soil. Then moisten it a little with warm water. Cover the pot with thick polyethylene or a plastic bottle. The seeds remain in this greenhouse for 1.5-2 months until they are completely rooted and germinate to a height of 5-8 cm. The finished plants can be planted in pots one at a time or in small groups.

There is nothing complicated about how to propagate a peperomia flower by dividing the rhizome. To do this, take a healthy adult plant with a sufficiently developed root system. Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut off part of the plant along with a piece of rhizome. Then it is enough to plant the cut shoot in nutrient soil.

How to root a peperomia plant in various ways is described in detail in the attached video file:

Check it out for a detailed look at this issue.

Possible diseases and pests of peperomia

It is possible that peperomia may develop diseases and pests due to improper care.

Possible diseases of house plants:

Root rot.

Mealybug.

Shield.

Of all the diseases of the peperomia flower, the most common is root rot, which is accompanied by suppuration of the root collar. Rot of stems and leaves spreads at too low temperatures and excess moisture. For treatment, it is necessary to treat the plant with a fungicide (Topaz, etc.), replant it in fresh, dry soil, removing all rotten parts of the roots with sharp scissors, and reduce watering to a minimum.

Dwarfism virus is an incurable disease, such flowers are not able to grow and develop, which causes curvature of the leaf plates and disruption of the life cycle, which manifests itself during the flowering period. Most often, plants affected by this virus are purchased from unscrupulous breeders. Therefore, it is worth buying copies in specialized stores.

Below are photos of infected peperomia and the names of the diseases that affected them:

They also show an approximate picture of the development of the disease with a clear example of its foci.

Of all the peperomia flower pests, the most common is the spider mite. Its presence is easy to notice, because small lesions appear on the plant, covered with a thin white cobweb. The most likely reason for the appearance of this pest is excessively dry air.

To eliminate this problem, you need to wash the plant with soapy water and rinse it off under a warm shower, then humidify the air in the room.

To combat the pest, it is necessary to wash the plant with a solution of laundry soap or alcohol. In case of extensive lesions, the surface of the flower should be treated with Actellik or Fosbecid.

Why do brown spots appear on peperomia and leaves turn yellow?

Often, a flower can be exposed to the harmful effects of thrips insects. At high air temperatures and low humidity, these pests can appear. A sign will be the appearance of brown spots on the leaves of peperomia. To solve the problem, it is necessary to transplant the flower into fresh soil and treat it with a fungicide (Fitoverm, Actellik, etc.). At the initial stage of infection, you can simply replace the top layer of soil rather than replant the plant completely.

The mealybug makes its presence known by the formation of white, waxy lumps on the surface of the leaf blade and stem. If treatment is not done in a timely manner, the leaves of the plant curl and fall off.

To get rid of insects, just remove them manually with a cotton pad or rag, wash the leaf blades and stem with soap and warm water.

Below are photos of the varieties of peperomia pests with the approximate appearance of the lesions:

Common Problems When Growing Dwarf Peppers

Convex spots on the leaves of the peperomia flower indicate excessive systematic waterlogging of the soil or a violation of the drainage system. In the first stages, small watery formations appear, which over time become brown and dry. If you ignore this problem, the plant will rot and die. To avoid such situations, choose light, loose soil and be sure to take care of the drainage layer at the bottom of the pot. Moderately abundant and regular watering, combined with properly selected housing conditions, will ensure a long life for the green “pet”.

If peperomia leaves gradually turn yellow and then become covered with brownish-brown crusts, this is the result of exposure to direct sunlight for a long time. That is, in fact, this is a sunburn, and the condition of the flower will be improved by being in partial shade, moisture and the removal of burnt leaves.

If peperomia gradually turns yellow after feeding with mineral fertilizers, then most likely this is an excess of introduced substances. Perhaps the single dose was simply calculated incorrectly, and in the future you need to carefully study the instructions for use. In a more dire situation, the formation of rusty dry spots and stains is possible.

The answer to a common question about why peperomia leaves turn yellow can be a simple hypothermia of the plant. If kept for a long time at temperatures below 13-14 °C, the heat-loving plant, originally from the tropics, simply dies. If the process of yellowing of the foliage extends only to the lower leaves, then this is a normal natural phenomenon. Old and burdensome parts of the flower die off, to be replaced by young ones.

Brown spots on the leaves of the peperomia flower, concentrated at the ends, may indicate sudden hypothermia of the plant or exposure to drafts, which is unacceptable when caring for tropical dwarf peppers and is detrimental to its health.

Try changing the location of the pot and increasing the room temperature (this should be done gradually).

Why do young leaves of peperomia turn black and fall off?

If young leaves of peperomia turn black, this may be evidence of excessive watering and air humidification. The soil does not dry out, thus creating a favorable environment for the development of fungal spores. In such a situation, the plant is characterized by lethargy, soft leaves and the presence of a white coating on the root shoots.

If the plant has become lethargic and dry in the stem part, then a possible reason may be an insufficient amount of nutrients in the substrate or a lack of space in the flower pot for a developed root system. To solve the problem, it is enough to transplant it into a large container with fresh nutrient substrate.

Spider mites can cause peperomia leaves to gradually fall off. If assistance is not provided in a timely manner, the flower may die.

For clarity, all unfavorable situations when growing a peperomia indoor plant are demonstrated in detail in the photo below:

If you comply with all the requirements and standards for the maintenance of this indoor flower, such problems will not bother you. But remember that when purchasing, it would not hurt to carefully examine the specimen to make sure it is in healthy condition.

Peperomia is a plant ideal for growing at home. Externally, these flowers are very beautiful - small with elastic, dense leaves and unusual coloring. There are about 30 species of home-grown plants. Many of them are blooming. However, the flowering form of peperomia is not so attractive as the diversity of its leaves.

Peperomia's homeland and general description

Peperomia has an exotic origin. Its homeland is the tropical and subtropical zones of South America. Although the plant lives in favorable conditions, its size is very small - most often no more than 50 cm. This is due to the fact that nutrients are spent on the formation of thick shoots and dense leaves covered with a waxy coating.

This plant is an epiphyte, located in the crowns of the tallest tropical inhabitants. This determines the nutritional characteristics of the flower, which can be obtained from the soil, from moisture coming from precipitation and air.

The size, shape, and color of the leaves of the plant are extremely varied. Among them you can find oblong, round, lanceolate, heart-shaped, large, miniature, fleshy, tender, fluffy, corrugated and smooth options. The color range varies from light and dark green to golden, with spots, stripes and streaks. The small flowers of the plant are usually collected in cylindrical inflorescences.

Main types of peperomia and photos

Types of peperomia grown at home are divided into:

1. Bush or bush-like: P. wrinkled (Peperomia caperata), P. Caperata Lillian (Peperomia caperata Lillian), P. Rosso (Peperomia Rosso).
2. Erect or upright: P. Dull-leaved (Peperomia obtusifolia Dietr.), P. Golden-leaved (Peperomia obtusifolia aurea), P. Magnoliaefolia (Peperomia Magnoliaefolia), P. Clusiifolia Hook.
3. Ampelous: P. Creeping (Peperomia prostrata), P. Climbing (Peperomia scandens).

The height of bush peperomia is about 10-15 cm. These are pretty bushes, consisting of leaves on long and fragile petioles in the shape of a “cap”. During flowering, spike-shaped inflorescences rise above this cap.

Peperomia Shriveled(Peperomia caperata) is extremely diverse. This name is associated with the structure of the leaves: they are shiny and corrugated. The convex areas of the “corrugation” have a lighter shade, while in the hollows between them the color of the leaf is much darker.

The birthplace of the species is Brazil. Peperomia corrugata is heat-loving and can reproduce in bunches of leaves. It grows both in loose soil and in hydroponic (soilless) culture and does not require fertilizing or handling.

Peperomia caperata lilian(Peperomia caperata Lillian) got its name due to the unusual shape of the inflorescence. In most peperomia they are tubular, but in the lilian variety the inflorescences expand upward with a trumpet, resembling the shape of a lily. The similarity with this flower is emphasized even more by the pure white color common to all caperata.

Peperomia Rosso(Peperomia Rosso) is a rare flowering species with large leaves. It has an unusually spectacular leaf color. They are dark green above and burgundy red below.

A bush of elongated and geometrically regular leaves naturally forms in the shape of a star flower. Although the plant has an exotic appearance, it is as unpretentious as other varieties of paperomia.

Erect peperomia obtufolia grows up to 12 cm in length

(Peperomia obtusifolia Dietr.) is identified by oval or ovoid leaves with a cut off top. The color of the leaves can be different: most often dark green, but milky white, cream, gray-green with golden edges are also found. Their size reaches 10-12 cm in length.

Peperomia goldenfolia(Peperomia obtusifolia aurea) has amazing leaf color. There are golden-yellowish spots along the dark green surface of the fleshy, smooth, shiny leaf.

Peperomia magnoliafolia(Peperomia Magnoliaefolia) is a plant with erect and branching fleshy stems of a reddish color and shiny oval, waxy leaves with rounded tips. The leaves are extremely large for peperomia - up to 8 cm wide and up to 15 cm long. In their shape, they resemble magnolia leaves, hence the name of the peperomia variety. The leaves are green and may have a wide yellow border. Flowering period – May, June. The inflorescences have the shape of an elongated “cob”.

Peperomia clusifolia on the windowsill

(Peperomia clusiifolia Hook) is a large plant with thick stems stretching upward. The size and shape of the leaves resembles the previous variety of peperomia. The only difference is the color of the leaves, thick and matte. They are dark green, with a reddish tint and a dark purple border along the edge.

The Variegata form has an even more unusual coloring. Its leaves have a transition from a dark green midrib to a milky white or yellowish with a reddish tint to the periphery and a purple border at the edges.

Ampelous peperomia varies in shape and color of medium-sized leaves. The stems are long, can reach 1.5 m.

Peperomia creeping(Peperomia prostrata) is similar to Peperomia rotundifolia - round-leaved peperomia. However, its rounded leaves (up to 1 cm long), growing on reddish stems, are located slightly less frequently. The color of the leaves of the plant is surprising. They are not green, but mottled with silver or bronze spots.

Peperomia climbing(Peperomia scandens) has pinkish-green stems. The oval leaves, reaching a length of 5 cm, have a pointed shape towards the end. This species can be grown as a vine, provided it is securely tied to a support.

Care and maintenance of peperomia at home

Comfortable temperature for this plant is 20-22 degrees

Caring for peperomia at home does not involve anything complicated. Lighting conditions depend on the type of flower. Plants with dark green leaves can grow in rooms with windows facing north, while variegated varieties need brighter lighting. However, peperomia of all types must be protected from direct sunlight, especially in summer. When there is insufficient light, the leaves grow small and lose color.

Since peperomia is a tropical plant, it loves warmth and does not tolerate drafts. In spring and summer, the optimal temperature for a flower is 20-22 degrees, in winter - not lower than 16. In winter, it grows poorly on a cold windowsill. The substrate temperature should not fall below 17 degrees.

Air humidity does not play a special role. In natural tropical conditions, humidity is high, but the dry air of residential buildings is quite suitable for peperomia. Species with delicate leaves are more demanding of high air humidity, while varieties with fleshy leaves can easily tolerate dry air. Spraying in summer is useful, but plants with pubescent and folded leaves do not need to be subjected to this procedure.

Accidental overdrying of peperomia is not terrible. This is due to the fact that the stems and leaves of most plant species are fleshy and accumulate enough moisture. A great danger, on the contrary, is excessive waterlogging, which leads to rotting of roots and stems.

Peperomia should be watered with settled water, a couple of degrees warmer than the air in the room. In the summer season, watering is moderate, in winter it is watered extremely rarely, when the soil dries out. Insufficient watering can cause the lower leaves to fall off.

Feeding during the growth period in spring and summer involves using a regular complex fertilizer for decorative deciduous indoor plants a couple of times a month. In winter, this procedure is reduced to 1 time per month.

Peromiya can be propagated by stem and leaf cuttings

Peperomia transplantation should be carried out as needed, approximately once every 2 years or less. The pot can be used small, since the root system of the plant is not very developed. The presence of good drainage (up to 6 cm) in the pot is mandatory. Peperomia grows quite slowly, however, if an apparently healthy plant has stopped growing, you should pay attention to whether the roots are peeking out of the drainage hole.

Peperomia need loose soil. A mixture of leaf soil, humus, peat, sand (2:1:1:1) or a mixture of leaf soil, peat soil and sand taken in equal quantities can be used. Dense soil can cause roots to rot. It should be slightly acidic or neutral.

Peperomia is propagated by stem and leaf cuttings., as well as dividing the bush during transplantation. The cutting should have 1-3 nodes. It is better to root in the composition of turf, leaf soil and sand. In this case, high air humidity is preferable.

The substrate should be kept moist, but not wet. Peperomia corrugata, like some other bush varieties of flowers, can be propagated by leaf cuttings.

Peperomia pests and diseases

If your peperomia has a mealybug, you need to wipe the leaves with an alcohol solution

The appearance of thrips is promoted by high temperature and low humidity, especially in rooms with central heating. Thrips lay colonies on the underside of the leaf, and light dots form on the upper side of the leaf. As a result, the upper side of the leaf acquires a gray-brown color with a silvery sheen. On variegated plant species, thrips is not very noticeable. The affected plant needs to be sprayed with insecticides.

Mealybugs can settle on peperomia. The fight against it consists of wiping the leaves with cotton wool soaked in alcohol.

Peperomia diseases such as root rot and root collar rot are the result of various fungal infections that occur when the soil is excessively compacted or waterlogged. The situation can be corrected by transplanting the plant into new soil and reducing watering.

Peperomia can be affected by a virus that causes dwarfism. Such flowers should be removed to avoid infection of healthy specimens.

Useful properties of the plant

Peperomia is believed to have a positive effect on the digestive system

Peperomia is believed to have a beneficial effect on the atmosphere in the home. When you see this flower, you involuntarily want to smile. The friendly growth of bush varieties, the numerous leaves of ampelous species, as well as their variegated, cheerful coloring speak of the friendly and open nature of indoor peperomia.

The above-described properties of the plant mean that peperomia helps keep the energy field of the apartment clean. It does not allow negative influences to appear and smoothes them out. The flower pleases and warms its owners, putting them in a positive mood.

By changing the energy at home in a positive direction, peperomia prevents the development of many diseases. It is believed that it has a positive effect on the digestive system, the condition of the gallbladder and mammary glands.

Another useful property of peperomia is that it is able to release phytoncides that cleanse the air of harmful bacteria. That is why the presence of this plant is highly desirable in the room of a frequently ill child.

If you have not yet decided which indoor plant to give preference to, pay attention to peperomia. Here are 5 reasons that make this plant stand out from many others.

Firstly, huge variety of species– each of them will surprise you with its uniqueness and beauty.

Secondly, not the most difficult care at home.

Third, medicinal properties– the flower has a beneficial effect on the digestive organs, gall bladder, and mammary glands.

Fourthly, aura of this plant smooths out family conflicts, restores shaken relationships.

Well, fifthly, the flower brings a thrill to gray everyday life. It’s not for nothing that the name of this amazing plant translated from Greek means “like pepper”; it has family ties with this popular spice, and if you rub a leaf with your hand, you can feel the characteristic aroma and even imagine something delicious.

general information

The pepper family, to which peperomia belongs, is represented on the planet by thousands of herbaceous annual, perennial and even subshrub crops.

All this diversity grows in tropical and subtropical regions; the homeland of our “pepper” is South America.

It is there, in the humid tropics, that the plant feels great on a moss bed, near rock crevices. It is interesting that even in such favorable conditions the size of the flower is small, a maximum of half a meter in height.

The fact is that the plant uses its reserves very wisely: why be long and weak if you can become “stocky”, viable, and acquire thick, succulent leaves. By the way, flower growers observe a similar rational approach in their pets at home.

ATTENTION: slow growth and not the most powerful root system allow peperomia to coexist with other indoor plants, even in the same pot. Neither citrus nor monstera will be crowded next to it, and the composition can turn out to be original.

Peperomia: main types and varieties

Five dozen varieties actively used in indoor floriculture, are represented by specimens so different from each other that doubts involuntarily arise - are they all really closest relatives?

Take, for example, the leaves, the main pride of this culture. They can be small and large, oblong and round, green and red, smooth and pubescent, plain and striped.

Which ones are more elegant, it’s hard to say. Experts divided the entire variety of peperomia into three large groups: bushy, ampelous and erect.

Peperomia bushy

Plants reach a height of 10-15 cm. The “bush” is formed from leaves that form a rather thick “cap”. Above it, when the time for flowering comes, spikelet-shaped inflorescences rise.

Peperomia shriveled

Whoever came up with the name for this species was probably in a bad mood - it is not wrinkled, but very beautiful, corrugated. The color of the leaves is dark green, the stems are shortened, so the “cap” looks compact and very rich.

For two months (at the junction of winter and spring), the plant delights with snow-white, spike-shaped inflorescences that “float” like a cloud over the lush greenery.

The homeland of this species is the south of Brazil, therefore The plant requires heat. It prefers loose, nutritious soil, but it can be successfully grown without it using hydro- and ionoponics methods.

Peperomia rosso

The rather rare, short-lived flowering of this species is compensated by the bright colors of its leaves. Large and long, they are only green on top, their underside is burgundy-red. The leaves are arranged in such a way that they give the impression of a star flower.

This ability is inherent in them by nature, so no additional effort is required from a person, in addition to normal care, to provide such an unusual decorative effect.

Peperomia lilian

This species received this name due to the external similarity of the flowers to lilies. On their long peduncles they rise beautifully above the head of greenery and are themselves white in color with a slight green tint.

The leaves have an unusual shape, they resemble a heart. Their veins appear “recessed” and the main leaf blade appears slightly swollen. The color can be either green in different shades or variegated, with a waxy coating that makes the foliage shiny.

Peperomia silver

This type is less demanding of heat, since its historical ancestors are located, although in South America, but in its northern part. For example, a temperature of 20-22 degrees is sufficient for rooting cuttings.

The length of the leaves usually exceeds 10 cm, and the width is from 5 to 8 cm. The veins of the leaves are dark green, and the main plate is light, silver. Petioles are purple. The leaves grow very closely to each other, resembling an elegant, variegated rosette.

Peperomia gray

The leaves of this species are called “sparsely scattered,” which is quite natural, given the rather high “growth” of peperomia - up to half a meter. In young specimens the shoots are arranged vertically; over the years they become drooping. Both shoots and leaves have a felt-like edge, which creates the effect of gray hair.

Erect

This group is represented by rather tall specimens (40-50 cm length of their stem) with thickened, fleshy shoots.

Peperomia obtufolia

In nature, this species is found in the Antilles, Suriname, Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela. The name Peperomia obtufolia is due to the shape of the leaves - oval, reminiscent of an egg.

Shiny, they are sometimes plain, dark green, and sometimes decorated with golden-yellow spots. In April-July, flowers appear in the form of short, dense spikelets resembling a small cylinder.

Peperomia magnoliafolia

If you look at this view from afar, you won’t be able to immediately decide on its color – it is both scarlet and blue. Its stems are red, erect, fleshy, their height is 35 cm.

The oval-shaped leaves reach a length of 15 cm. On their smooth, shiny green surface, a pattern of the same color, but of a different intensity, clearly stands out. Sometimes it is even golden, which makes the plant unusually elegant.

Peperomia clusifolia

This species is distinguished by very short (maximum 1 cm) petioles. But the leaves are large (15 cm long and up to 8 cm wide). They are located at the lower nodes of the fleshy stem and create a rich, lush cap. Their color is dark green, slightly reddish, and the main decoration is a purple edging.

There are also variegated specimens, they are designed in green, red and yellow tones. Decorative effect is ensured by high soil fertility.

Peperomia pereskifolia

This is a small-leaved indoor flower - the length of the leaves is up to 5 cm, and the width is up to 3 cm, collected in whorls of several pieces. The shape resembles an ellipse or diamond, thick green in color, very hard. Relatives of this species are found in Nicaragua, Venezuela, Peru, and Colombia.

Peperomia ferreira

Ferreira is well adapted to life both in the wild and in a pot on the windowsill. It is classified as a succulent(crops that are capable of storing water in stems and leaves) and epiphytes that choose support for themselves in the form of some other plant.

As for water, with all the love for moist soil Ferreira is sensitive to excessive watering and stagnation of water, she may get sick and die.

She has amazing, seemingly folded leaves in dark and light shades of green. Located on an erect stem, they stretch upward and form a beautiful star.

Peperomia graveolens

Experts see in this plant a resemblance to sea coral. The leaves are long, slightly curled, green on top (usually light), and ruby, scarlet, red, burgundy below, as if repeating the shades of silks that were offered to Captain Gray in the shop to sew sails for his ship.

In addition to such beauty, graveolens also pleases its owners with light yellow, spikelet-shaped flowers. The height of the plant reaches 25 cm.

Peperomia watermelon

The leaves of this plant resemble watermelon rind in their combination of colors, their shape is ovoid, and their length ranges from 5 to 8 cm. The stems are reddish in color. The height of the plant does not exceed 12 cm, so in its natural growing environment it is a ground cover, lining the soil of the tropical forest.

At home, watermelon peperomia can be used in approximately the same capacity: create a composition with larger representatives of the flora or cover earthen voids in flower pots.

Peperomia caperata lilian

This species has beautiful large leaves dotted with light veins. The shape of the snow-white flower is not tubular, which is typical for this culture, but opens, like the petals of a lily.

Peperomia happy bean

The name of this species translates as “lucky bean”. The shape of the leaves is actually very similar to the pods of legumes - elongated, they curl inwards, creating the illusion of beans or peas. However, of course, there is no content inside the “pods”. How to explain the presence of the word “happy” in the title?

Fans of indoor flora believe that this plant, like no other, evokes a smile and admiration, thanks to the witty solution that nature itself came up with for Happy Bean.

The plant is native to Mexico and appreciates good lighting, but does not like direct sunlight.

Peperomia Dolabriformis is one of the thrifty succulents; its very succulent stems begin to become woody with age. The leaves look very unusual, resembling a circle folded in half.

On the stem they form a rosette that takes on the shape of a star. The stems are capable of stretching to a height of 60 cm. The flowers, although small, look beautiful, elegant, their color is white with a greenish tint.

Peperomia ampelous

The hanging specimens have the longest stems, up to one and a half meters. The leaves can be of different shapes, colors and sizes, but they all hang unusually beautifully over the side of the flower pot, fitting well into the interior of the room.

Peperomia repens

In nature, this culture thrives in the tropical wetlands of South America. The plant is an epiphyte, therefore, it perfectly solves its problems due to the large trees on which it finds refuge.

In indoor floriculture, the crop is valued for its highly decorative leaves, which can be either solid green or variegated.

Peperomia capita

The unusual name of the species is due to the fact that its leaves resemble a head in shape. It is used as a hanging plant and as a creeping plant, which is also very beautiful.

This species has a special relationship with light: the more light it gets, the less bright its leaves become, and the bright red stems and petioles turn into soft pink when exposed to sunlight.

Peperomia roundifolia

For those who love flower terrariums, this type of peperomia will be especially interesting. It has leaves the size of coins, and the whole flower looks miniature and compact.

The plant is very delicate: you cannot pour water on the leaves - you need to pour it into a tray, direct sunlight is contraindicated, and even too bright lighting also negatively affects the green pet - its colors fade.

Peperomia whorled

The greenish-gray rounded or diamond-shaped leaves of this species are collected in whorls, there are practically no petioles, but the peduncles are quite long, flowering occurs in June.

Peperomia care at home

Each type of this flower crop may have its own requirements for care, but none of them expects something very complex and difficult to fulfill from the owner.

Lighting, temperature

Of all the windows, this plant will prefer eastern and western ones. If you place it in the south, you will need some shading, which can be done using tulle or translucent tracing paper.

In winter, there will most likely be a lack of natural light.

Peperomia will like artificial lighting, which can be done using fluorescent lamps, installing them at a distance of half a meter from the plantings.

The duration of artificial daylight is 8 hours, and even more if necessary.

Here are the temperature requirements:

• in spring and summer – from 20 to 22 degrees,
• in autumn and winter - from 18 to 22 degrees,
• soil temperature - from 17 to 20 degrees.

CAREFULLY: drafts are destructive for peperomia; taking a pot with a plant into fresh air is dangerous.

Watering, air humidity

The child of the tropics is good at watering; it should be especially abundant in spring or summer; during the rest of the year, its intensity should be reduced. Before watering, be sure to settle the water and check its temperature - it should be a couple of degrees warmer than the air.

There are no special requirements for air humidity.

However, it has been noted that specimens with delicate foliage and thin stems will be more difficult to survive in too dry air.

Those with fleshy leaves and stems will have enough of their own moisture reserves.

On the hottest days, it would be good for green pets to have a shower in the form of spraying, but this procedure is contraindicated for gray-haired peperomia and round-leaved pets. How then can we help the plants? Just placing a container of water next to them will give your pet relief from stuffiness.

ATTENTION: if you overdo it with watering, the leaves of the flower may turn black and even fall off. In such a situation, watering should be stopped for a week so that the soil can dry out.

Peperomia - replanting, fertilizers

While the plant is young, it needs to be replanted annually. After three years - once every two years. The new pot should have a diameter one and a half times wider than the previous one. The soil used is loose and fertile; be sure to place drainage in the bottom layer of the new pot. For crops with delicate, medium-sized leaves, experts recommend adding a little sphagnum moss to the soil substrate.

In winter, the crop does without fertilizing; in other seasons it prefers complex fertilizers (twice a month).

Peperomia: reproduction

Peperomia reproduces in several ways:

• seeds,
• cuttings,
• leaves,
• dividing the bush.

Choose the method that requires less effort. For example, when propagating by cuttings, you can divide the bush to get a new plant, convenient during transplantation (usually this is done in the spring).

There shouldn’t be any problems with the leaf either: it (with a short petiole) is planted in a small container filled with sand, and something like a mini-greenhouse is built from a plastic bag to speed up the rooting process.

This video describes in detail how to propagate peperomia vegetatively:

Possible diseases and pests

For this type of indoor plants the following can be dangerous:

• spider mite,
• thrips,
• mealybug,
• scale insect,
• fungal infections (root rot).

In addition, based on the condition of the leaves, you can guess what mistakes the grower made:

• leaves have fallen - there is not enough watering;
• the edges have turned brown - the plant is cold;
• spots of rot have appeared - the soil in the pot is waterlogged;
• the leaves wrinkled and withered - too much light.