Peperomia Rotundifolia Care InfographicPeperomia Rotundifolia is loved for its ornamental, round foliage that grows well in both outdoor and indoor spaces. Do not confuse the plant with the Jade plant belonging to the Crassula family, peperomia round leaves grow on either side of the stems in an alternate fashion.
In this article, we will help you learn all about the Trailing Jade and how you can easily care for it.
Contents
What Is a Peperomia Rotundifolia?
Peperomia Rotundifolia or the Jade necklace is a trailing plant native to the rainforests of South America. It belongs to the Piperaceae family. Some of its common names are the Trailing Jade Peperomia, the Jade Necklace, the Creeping Buttons, the Radiator Plant and the Round Leaf Peperomia.
Peperomia Rotundifolia Care
Peperomia Rotundifolia Let us take a look at what it takes to care for this succulent-like plant. Here are the details regarding its light, water, temperature, humidity and fertilizer requirements.
– Water Requirements
Peperomia Rotundifolia is very sensitive to overwatering similar to succulents. Make sure that there is some gap between the waterings so that the soil gets sufficient time to dry.
Soggy soil conditions with poor drainage lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Check the soil each time by inserting one of the fingers in the soil till the second knuckle. If it feels moist and sticks to your finger, do not water it and check back again after a few days. This method prevents both overwatering and underwatering.
– Light Requirements
Peperomia Rotundifolia needs bright, indirect light to grow well. The plant does not need direct sunlight as harsh sunlight can cause burns on the foliage. An ideal spot indoors would be north or east-facing window where it gets bright light throughout the day.
The best locations to keep this plant are window sills, greenhouses and any other well-lit space outdoors. Avoid keeping your plant in too little light as it makes the plant susceptible to the risks related to overwatering.
If you look closely, you will notice light green veins on dark green leaves. If the light being received is adequate, the leaves will grow about an inch in diameter but some of the larger leaves can be as wide as four inches.
– Soil Requirements
Peperomia Rotundifolia soil should be evenly moist the majority of the time. The epiphyte prefers moist soils combined with high humidity in summers to grow healthily. It does well when slightly pot-bound. Placing them in larger pots makes them susceptible to root rot.
Use a peat-based soil with two parts of peat and one part of perlite or sand to make an aerated potting mix for Peperomia Rotundifolia. Other succulent mixes are also fine but make sure that you keep them airy by mixing enough perlite and sand.
– Temperature Requirements
Peperomia Rotundifolia needs moderate temperatures that are ideal for its tropical nature. Temperatures falling in the range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit work best for its growth. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is better to shift the plant indoors in cool temperatures as it is not cold and frost-hardy. Avoid exposing the plant to very high temperatures too as very high temperatures with dry weather conditions can cause leaf burns. The slow-growing plant grows new leaves every spring and goes dormant in winters.
– Humidity Requirements
Peperomia Rotundifoia is a tropical plant and has high humidity needs which makes it a great choice for terrarium settings. Try to maintain humidity levels above 50 percent for best growth results. Normal humidity levels indoors are fine but if you live in a dry area, you will have to take some extra steps for increasing humidity.
Group your Peperomia Rotundifolia with other plants to increase the humidity around plants. To increase humidity, you can also keep an indoor humidifier or a humidity tray. To make a humidity tray, fill a shallow tray with pebbles and water and place your plant above it.
– Fertilizer Requirements
Feeding Peperomia Rotundifolia at the right time in the right quantity can accelerate its growth. Feed it with a diluted, liquid fertilizer twice a month during the active growth period. Reduce the fertilization frequency in the winter months as the plant is dormant in winters.
Avoid overfertilizing your plant as it causes salt build-up that further burns the root system. If you ignore the initial symptoms, salt build-up due to overfertilization may even kill the plant. Always fertilize in the morning or evening hours and not in the afternoon.
– Pruning
Prune Peperomia Rotundifolia to keep it compact and in shape. Pinch the unwanted stems and leaves regularly to keep the plant in shape. Overgrown stems can make the plant look leggy at times. Use the pruned cuttings for propagation.
Regular grooming including pruning and pinching keeps the plant compact and healthy. You can prevent many pests and diseases by removing the old and yellow foliage.
Propagation
Propagate Peperomia Rotundifolia from leaf and stem cuttings. You can easily propagate the plant even if you are a beginner. Let us take a detailed look at both methods.
– Leaf Cuttings
Get the leaf cuttings from a mature plant. Bury the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it in a shaded spot until new growth appears. It takes three to four weeks for the leaf cuttings to root.
Cover the propagation tray with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity conditions. Once the leaf cuttings have grown roots, you can separate them and grow normally.
– Stem Cuttings
Take a three to four inches long cutting with only the top two to three leaves on. Remove the bottom leaves and dig the cutting in a well-drained soil mix. Keep the cuttings in a shaded spot in a moist soil mix until the cuttings develop roots.
You can also root the stem cuttings in the water and shift them to the soil when the roots are about an inch long. If you are someone who enjoys watching the rooting process, propagate the cuttings in water first.
– Repotting
Peperomia Rotundifolia thrives in pot-bound conditions which means that it should not be repotted as often as other plants. It is only needed when the existing pot is too small to accommodate the plant’s roots. Change the topsoil once a year to prevent soil decomposition and pest attacks.
The best time to repot Peperomia Rotundifolia is in spring when the plant begins to show new growth. It is easier for the plant to adjust to the new surroundings in spring. Avoid disturbing it in winters and wait for spring to repot.
To repot Peperomia Rotundifolia, remove the plant from the old soil mix and check its roots. Cut off the dead and mushy roots and in a freshly prepared soil mix, place it and firm the soil around the roots. Water the plant and put it in a shaded spot until it fully adjusts to the new surroundings.
Problems
Peperomia Rotundifolia is a problem-free plant but it can sometimes face pest attacks and diseases. Let us look at these problems in detail.
– Root Rot
If you notice wilting of leaves and scab-like bumps on the foliage, it could be a sign of overwatering. Poor plant care leads to such problems and makes the plant susceptible to root rot. Wilting of leaves is another sign of overwatering.
Prevent the problem of root rot by keeping a check on your watering schedule. Avoid overwatering by checking the soil each time you water the plant. In case of root rot, treat the plant immediately by checking the roots. Remove the old roots and repot the plant in a fresh soil mix.
– Mold on the Soil
Mold on the topsoil is often harmless but it can be unsightly for most gardeners. It is caused due to underwatering and overwatering. Identify the cause in your case and be careful in future.
Remove the top one to two inches of the soil and replace it with a fresh succulent or cactus mix. Adjust the watering schedule and amount of light received by your plant. If you notice the lower leaves turning yellow along with mold on the soil, it might be due to root rot.
– Browning of Leaf Tips
Browning of leaf tips and leaf loss are indicators of poor humidity conditions around the plant. The stunted growth coupled with leaf loss can even lead to the plant’s death. Treat lack of humidity by misting the plants regularly or using humidity trays, especially in summers.
– Crisping of Leaves
Crisping and falling leaves are signs of the plant being dehydrated. Younger plants are more prone to getting dehydrated. Maintain a regular watering schedule to prevent the problem. Prune the affected parts and keep the plant in a transparent bag.
Remove the bag every few days to keep the air moving and prevent rot. Use humidifiers in case you live in a dry area. It will help keep the humidity levels up and your plant happy.
– Mealybugs
Mealybugs can be a huge problem for Peperomia Rotundafolia if left ignored. Lack of sunlight is a major cause behind mealybugs. They are attracted to humid environments with low light.
Check the leaf surfaces for tiny, white bugs. Mealybugs target the foliage and stems. Treat the plant with neem oil regularly or insecticidal soaps for more severe infestations. Sometimes, a strong water spray also helps in getting rid of mealybugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let us take a look at some of the commonly asked questions about Peperomia Rotundifolia.
– Is Peperomia Rotundifolia Toxic?
Peperomia Rotundifolia is non-toxic to animals and humans. It is safe to keep it indoors. However, we would recommend you keep it away from the reach of kids and pets to avoid any risk.
– Does the Peperomia Rotundifolia have Flowers?
Peperomia Rotundifolia has tiny flowers that are quite insignificant in comparison to the foliage. The blooms are not fragrant and do not add much beauty to the plant. The main attraction remains the trailing stems and foliage.
– How Big Does the Peperomia Rotundifolia Grow?
Peperomia Rotundifolia grows epiphytically in South American tropical forests. It grows on rotten trunks and sometimes in rock crevices. It has small, fleshy, hanging shoots that grow best in hanging baskets and planters. It also grows well in terrariums which meet its need for high humidity conditions.
The thin, trailing, vining stems of the Round Leaf Peperomia can grow up to 12 inches. The thread-like stems carry lush, green leaves that grow larger in outdoor spaces.
Conclusion
Peperomia Rotundifolia’s low maintenance requirements are what makes it such a hit among houseplant enthusiasts. Here are the most important care guidelines you need to keep in mind before growing this beauty.
- Peperomia Rotundifolia is an epiphytic vine mainly found in the jungles of North and South America. The button-like Peperomia Rotundifula leaves often entwine and weave in and out of each other.
- The epiphyte thrives in warm temperatures, high humidity, and well-draining soils.
- Water the plant properly to avoid water-logged soil conditions to keep the plant happy.
- Repot the plant every few years when it outgrows the pot and uses the leaf and stem cuttings to propagate it.
- It can face some problems such as browning and yellowing of leaves, root rot, and mealybugs. Treat them well in time to avoid the plant’s death.
Keep your plant happy and it will not give you trouble. Grow them in hanging baskets and fill your house space with some uniqueness. Now that you know all about the Round Leaf Peperomia, we hope you add one of these to your home garden soon.
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