How do you grow a lush Peperomia in a home or office? The secret is replicating its native habitat as closely as possible. Peperomia is naturally found in the understories of rainforests and jungles and has adapted well to warm temperatures, high rainfall and humidity, filtered light, and well-draining soil. Mimic these conditions, and Peperomia will flourish.
Peperomia is accustomed to abundant rainfall and quickly draining soil, so it tends to grow shallow roots. The roots draw water from the soil and transport most of it to succulent-like leaves. The high humidity of its environment prevents water loss due to transpiration. Extrapolate all of this to a home or office, and what does it mean? Provide Peperomia with soil that’s kept moderately moist but never too saturated, and keep humidity levels at 40% to 50%.
How To Tell If Peperomia Needs Water
Peperomia typically needs watering every one to two weeks or when the top one to two inches of soil are dry to the touch. If Peperomia exhibits signs of drooping, wilting, shriveled leaves, yellow leaves, brown leaf tips, dead leaves, or slow growth, it’s likely suffering from dehydration. Water immediately and increase the frequency of moisture checks until the problem is solved. Also, ensure it's exposed to at least 40 to 50 percent humidity. If Peperomia displays signs of brown, yellow, and wilting leaves or mushy stems, leaves, or roots, decrease the watering frequency and examine the base of the plant, including roots, for symptoms of fungal disease. Peperomia is susceptible to root rot if maintained in saturated soil for extended periods.
How To Water Peperomia
When the top one to two inches of soil are dry, water Peperomia deeply during the early morning hours, preferably with tepid distilled water or stored rainwater. If you are using tap water, allow the chlorine to evaporate for a day or two. If top watering, allow water to exit the drainage holes, indicating the soil is properly saturated. Top watering removes salts from the soil, while bottom watering encourages root growth. Since Peperomia is susceptible to fungal disease, do not water again until after doing a moisture check. To prevent water loss due to transpiration, ensure Peperomia is exposed to humidity levels of 40 to 50%.
Peperomia Watering Tips
- Water every 1 to 2 weeks after checking the top layer of soil to see if it is dry.
- Water if you observe signs of dehydration.
- Signs of too little water include drooping, wilting, shriveled leaves, yellow leaves, brown leaf tips, dead leaves, and slow growth.
- Signs of too much water include brown, yellow, and wilting leaves or mushy stems/leaves/roots.
- Maintain humidity levels at 40 to 50%.
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Author Suellen Barnes - Published 3-21-2023 |