Peperomia Caperata Care Guide

Instructions

Soil Preference:

1. Peperomia Caperata prefer well draining potting mix. The roots will rot quickly if they sit in moist compact soil.
2. I've linked our choices for a good succulent soil mix and orchid bark in the materials above for you. Use 80% succulent/20% orchid bark mix.

Pot Size and Type:

1. Peperomias do best in pots that drain well and fit their roots. They don't mind being a little root bound.
2. Repot every second year or when roots come out of the pot. Don't jump to a huge pot from a small one. Just go to the next size up pot.

Preferred light:

1. Variegated Peperomia caperatas need moderate to bright INDIRECT light at least 6 hours a day. Keep them out of strong direct hot light.
2. solid green peperomias will tolerate low light conditions but will also grow very slowly and have less vibrant colorings.

How to Water a peperomia:

1. Peperomias do NOT tolerate over watering. When properly potted in a succulent soil mix they need weekly watering.
2. In growing season and brighter light with warm dry temperatures you may need to water more than once a week but don't over do it.
3. Best practice in watering peperomias is to let the top of the soil dry completely. Now drench the plant till the water comes out the drainage hole. Dump out the water in the drain plate. Allow to dry again. Repeat.
4. In dormant winter months reduce watering to when the soil is completely dry.
5. Never let this plant get wet feet. Long periods of heavy wet soil encourages root rot and Fungus Gnats.

Fertilizing Peperomias:

1. Peperomias generally need little excess fertilizer.
2. You can fertilize monthly in the growing season if you use quarter strength fertilizer.
3. Decrease feedings by late Fall and allow your plant to rest through the winter months.

Temperature Range for peperomia:

1. Peperomia plants will do best in temperatures between 65-85 degrees F.
2. Keep them out of drafts from windows, heating vents or air conditioners. Huge temperature fluctuations are not good for these plants.

Pests:

1. Peperomias are mostly susceptible to mealybugs.
2. Spider mites, Thrips, and Whitefly are also common houseplant pests. So keep your eye out for them.
3. Stress by longterm overwatering, poor light, extreme temperatures and soil conditions are contributors to pest infestations..
4. Read our post on How to get rid of aphids and other pests with our homemade pesticide soap recipe or neems oil.
5. To minimize the possibility of pests be sure to check all nursery plants before bringing them home.
6. Watch for cottony masses that indicate mealy bugs.
7. If you find mealy bugs use a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol to remove it from your plant.
8. Quarantine all new plants until you are sure no pests live in them.

Peperomia Propagation:

1. By Division: peperomias grow naturally in clusters. When repotting you can pull the clusters apart and repot into different planters.
2. Stem Cuttings: Take a stem down to the soil line and pull it off. Plant it in wet soil. In about a month it will develop small plant petals and continue growing a new plant.

Non Toxic:

1. All Peperomias are non toxic to pets. Here a post on even more non toxic plants.