Peperomia Perciliata: Learn to Care for This Rare and Attractive Plant

Peperomia Perciliata is a rare and gorgeous house plant of the Piperaceae family with beautiful heart-shaped leaves and trailing pink stems. This endangered succulent plant is a delight to grow and is also hassle-free in maintenance.

If you are keen on growing this attractive evergreen plant, this is the guide that you must be reading.

In this one-stop guide, our experts give you in-depth information on all that you need to know about caring for, growing, propagating and tackling the most common problems of this Peperomia genus plant, so read on to include this in your home and garden.

Peperomia Perciliata Care

This peperomia is not very different from others in the same plant family such as peperomia obtusifolia, peperomia caperata(ripple peperomia), peperomia argyreia, beetle peperomia, peperomia prostrata, peperomia puteolata, peperomia hope and watermelon peperomia.

Being a succulent from a tropical region it loves humidity and warmth and moderate levels of light and water. Read the section below where we are going to give you a complete run-down on each of these aspects. We discuss in detail every care aspect the plant requires to thrive healthily and robustly.

Water Requirements

The plant is not a heavy water feeder thus maintaining the frequency at once every week. As a succulent the fleshy foliage stores a considerable amount, making it more drought resistant.

This also makes the plant much more sensitive to overwatering than underwatering. Remember that you must keep the topsoil slightly moist, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering.

Moreover, watch out for severe dehydration of the soil as a certain element of moisture in the soil is required to keep it going as well. The most ideal way to know if your plant requires water or not is to do a simple test by pushing your finger an inch into the soil and checking for wetness. If it comes out dry, add in some more. 

The frequency of watering also depends on the zone you are growing the plant in as well as the climatic conditions. Hot sultry days would require watering once every two days and in winters you must scale back.

Light Requirements

This Peperomia variant thrives well under partial and bright light for some hours daily. Avoid over or direct exposure to the sun as the harsh light can scorch the succulent leaves making them curl and turn inwards. 

At the same time, do not place the plant in dark spots or dingy corners as under this condition too the foliage seldom grows healthily. Both conditions can cause the leaves to turn crisp or brittle and may drop before time.

On the other hand, keep in mind that if you are growing it outdoors, protect it by placing them under tree canopies or in semi-closed spaces such as patios. If indoors, place it near an east-facing window where it can get the maximum benefit from the gentle morning sunlight.

Soil Requirements

Grow the plant in a well-draining and light potting mix that is slightly acidic between a pH range of 6.1 to 6.5. The plant is succulent and thus does not like overly soggy soil. Thus, mix in some perlite, peat, or orchid bark to increase drainage and better the aeration.

Also, ensure the pot or container the plant is in has proper drainage holes so that water can flow out freely. Never leave the roots of the plant to sit in water for long as this will reduce the absorption of oxygen from the soil. Additionally, you could include worm castings or organic compost to increase the nutrient value in the soil.

Temperature Requirements

Peperomia variants are tropical and thus love moderate levels of warmth to sustain their evergreen foliage. The ideal range for this variant is between 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It is at this temperature that the plant maintains its glossy leaves and vibrant colored stems. Extremes in temperature, whether low or high, will cause a stress conditions to the plant.

You may find the stems looking droopy. The glossy leaves look dull and drop off early. Also, avoid exposing them to sudden changes or fluctuations in temperature. Protect the plant from the blazing sun’s heat or winter frost by moving them indoors and growing them under artificial grow lights.

Humidity Requirements

The plant requires a moderate level of humidity between 40 percent to 50 percent. If you are in a dry zone, mist the plant frequently or use a pebble tray filled with water below the container.

You may also consider grouping them with other plants to bring in some collective humidity for all. Place the plant in a well-ventilated spot where there is adequate ventilation to prevent any sort of fungal diseases that may be caused by excess humidity conditions.

When they have more humidity than what they require, the plant would not continue a healthy journey in its growth, this is an imporatnt aspect to keep in mind.

Fertilizing Requirements

This variant is not a heavy feeder and does not require frequent fertilizer use. They are robust and under the ideal environment, they adapt and grow well independently. However, you could add in some extra nourishment through manure or organic compost, especially during the active growing phase of the plant.

Alternatively, a diluted balanced houseplant formula can also be applied in the months of spring and summer, twice or thrice. Never fertilize in winter months when the plant is in a state of dormancy as this could lead to fertilizer burn.

Pruning

The perciliata variant of peperomia requires pruning only to remove dead, decayed, or diseased sections of the plant. Pruning also boosts the fresh growth of foliage. Otherwise, the plant seldom grows in an unruly fashion. Always sterilize all tools before you snip the plant with it.

Remember as you prune it and the dead leaves get off, the new or baby leaves will have space and freedom to shoot out. On the other hand, if they are bombarded with excess dead leaves, they will not grow happily, because of the narrow space.

Propagation

Propagate this peperomia through leaf cuttings or stem cuttings obtained from a healthy and mature plant. The process is easy and hassle-free and requires just beginner-level gardening skills. Read this section below where we talk about how you can propagate this plant. After following our step-by-step instructions you will seldom look out for peperomia perciliata for sale.

– Propagation Using Leaf Cutting

Leaf propagation can be achieved by using leaf sections and allowing them to thrive and grow independently. Before you begin the process, keep the following tools ready and at hand a sterile and sharp garden pruner or knife, a well-draining potting mix, a pot or container with proper drainage, a plastic sheet with holes to kick in some moisture, and lastly rooting hormone powder.

Pick a healthy and mature plant from which you will snip away a leaf section.  Ensure the snipped section has at least two or three leaves attached. Dip the snipped end in rooting hormone which will aid in boosting growth. 

Place this directly into the soil and cover it with a plastic sheet to kick in humidity. Remove the sheet after a week, to prevent the risk of over-humidity and the spread of fungal infections. 

Keep the soil moist and place this pot in a warm and well-lit place, away from harsh sunlight.  In a few weeks, the cut leaf section will begin to develop independent roots. It may take a couple of months for this to develop into a healthy and mature adult plant.

– Propagation Using Stem Cutting

You can propagate using a section of the stem as well and the method isn’t very different from the above one. However, this method can be a little faster in comparison. Here is the detailed procedure.

From a healthy and mature plant pick a stem section with a couple of leaves intact. Avoid having any leaves in the lower portion of the stem. Just retain the nodes on the top exposed area. Dip the cut section into rooting hormone powder and place this directly in well-draining soil. 

Move the pot to a warm spot where there is adequate light and keep the soil lightly moist. Cover your pot with a plastic sheet for a constantly humid environment. Within a few weeks, this stem section will begin rooting and establish itself in the soil. Tiny nascent leaves will sprout and over a month this section will grow independently. You have now successfully propagated your perciliata plant.

Remember that the right season to propagate the plant is in the warm months between spring and summer. These are the months of active growth in the plant, thus the roots will be able to establish themselves better in the soil and the nascent stems that sprout will be healthier. Avoid the cold months of fall or winter as the plant conserves energy to prepare itself to enter a stage of dormancy.

Problems

This easy-to-grow plant comes with its own set of problems, however, they are easy to tackle. In this section below we identify the most common challenges and give you some quick fix solutions to tackle them easily. Read on to know what can hamper your plant growth and ways to get the foliage back on track, healthy, and thriving.

– Pest Infestations

The most common pests or garden insects that can infect this plant are mealybugs, aphids, thrips, and spider mites. The fleshy stems of the succulent make it perfect for these garden pests to feed on and create clusters of eggs on the dark undersurface of the foliage.

The pests would sit and eat out the sap from the stems making them go weak and limp. You will find them laying dozens of eggs under leaves and buds. 

The pests also secrete a sticky substance or cottony mass which attracts other insects such as ants, which in turn feed on buds and leaves. Thus it is imperative to get rid of pests as soon as you spot them.

The first thing to do is to isolate the plant so that they do not spread to nearby plants. Apply a solution of isopropyl alcohol with the help of a cotton ball to the affected spots of the plant. 

Alternatively, you could also spray a mild solution soap which will make the pests fall off the foliage or you could also blast a jet spray of water. For more stubborn pests, use a gentle brush and manually remove them without causing any damage to the foliage. Repeat the procedures until all of the pests fall off.

– Leaf Loss

Do you find your peperomia losing leaves in the dozens or before it matures?  This could be caused if your plant has been put under a stress condition due to exposure to excess cold.

The plant is a tropical one and seldom prefers to grow in a temperature below the normal range of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, sudden fluctuations or exposure to frost and chilly winds are hazardous to the health of the plant. 

To tackle this situation, keep the plant under a constant temperature range. Maintain warmth within its ideal range and you should see the foliage of the plant picking up health and greenery. 

– Root Rot

Root rot occurs if you have overwatered your plant and allowed the soil to remain soggy or the roots to stay in water for a long time. Under such a circumstance, the stems become soft, mushy, and dark and may even emit a foul smell. Root rot weakens stems making them limp and lifeless. The plant also shed its leaves excessively.

If you suspect root rot, scale back on the watering immediately. Remove the plant gently from the soil and inspect for blackened sections. Snip them away gently with sterile garden pruners without causing any damage to the main root section.

Transplant the plant into fresh well-draining potting soil and maintain a proper watering schedule which should tackle the problem and help it to regain its health.

– Anthracnose Disease

The anthracnose disease is a fungal disease that can commonly occur in the peperomia variants if you have been growing it in a damp environment. It produces visible symptoms such as black dry spots in the middle of the leaf, brown margins on the outer surface of leaves, and an overall wilted look. 

The most important thing to do as soon as you spot such an infection is to snip away the affected area to prevent its spread to other sections of the foliage. Treat the plant with a commercially available fungicide to prevent further growth of infection.

Prevent the occurrence of such diseases by ensuring you provide the plant with a constant level of warmth. You also need to provide it with the right levels of moisture and avoid misting foliage when there is moisture already present in the air. Keep the plant in a spot where there is adequate ventilation as constant air circulation boosts the health of the plant. 

– Fading and Dull Leaves

If the foliage of your plant is bearing a faded and dull look you will need to recheck the spot you have placed your plant in. You probably are overexposing your plant to sunlight which it seldom prefers. This peperomia variant thrives well in semi-shaded places such as patios.

Move the plant where it receives bright yet diffused light. You could alternatively create a greenhouse effect by placing a garden sheet over it, or under larger trees that will create a natural tree canopy.

– Peperomia Ringspot Virus

Peperomia Ringspot Virus is a potentially hazardous viral infection of the plant that not only hampers health but can kill the plant in its entirety over time.

The main cause for such an occurrence is the use of infected garden pruners or knives or propagating from a plant that has been already infected. You will find the plant developing random brown lesions all over the leaves and stems. There is no definite cure for this viral infection. 

If detected early, you can snip away the affected sections to prevent further spread. For more severe infections, it is highly recommended that you snip away the entire plant and destroy it away from other plant foliage.

The best way is to prevent the occurrence of such infections by always sterilizing your garden tools before use. Moreover, at the time of propagation of the plant, always check to see if the mother plant is in a healthy state.

FAQ

1. Is Peperomia a Good Indoor Plant?

Yes, peperomia is a good indoor plant. The beautiful foliage thrives in a range of conditions and can easily thrive in semi-closed spaces as well as indoors. The pink stems and heart-shaped leaves can be a delight in hanging pots. Place it near an east-facing window where it can receive adequate morning light and see the plant charm your indoor spaces.

2. Does Peperomia Plant Purify Air?

Yes, the peperomia plant’s foliage is considered to purify the air around it. According to NASA research, foliage can reduce formaldehyde in the air by a significant portion of 45 percent. 

Conclusion

You, now, have learned how easy it is to grow the attractive and delightful peperomia perciliata plant.

In this section below, let us summarize all our learnings about caring for and healthily growing the plant.

• The Peperomia perciliata plant is a rare gorgeous plant with heart-shaped leaves and pink trailing stems. The plant is ideally suited for semi-closed spaces and looks good in hanging baskets. Due to its ease of maintenance, this plant is much sought-after foliage by many gardeners around the globe.
• The plant requires well-draining and light soil, along with high humidity, moderate warmth, and light. Avoid overexposure to heat, light, and moisture and see the plant grow into a thriving beauty.
• The plant is a light feeder and does not require much fertilizer use. Pruning is required to just keep the plant, pest, and bacterial free. Regularly snip away dead and decayed leaves.
• Propagate the plant using leaf and stem cutting. The process is easy and in a hassle-free manner, you can create your peperomia variant.
• Tackle the problems of the plant by ensuring you provide it with the right humidity, light and warmth. Keep the plant pest free by maintaining proper plant hygiene and isolating the plant as soon as you spot any form of infestation.

Having read this one-stop guide on the peperomia variant you can confidently include this endangered foliage in your home or garden. So wait no longer, and bring it into your decor and you will surely grab many eyeballs around.