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Plant care guide - Peperomia
Peperomia are compact, versatile houseplants prized for their ornamental foliage — from rippled greens to silver stripes and red undersides. They are slow-growing and stay naturally small, making them perfect for shelves, desks, or grouped displays. With minimal fuss and a wide variety of looks, Peperomia are an excellent choice for beginners and collectors alike.
Safe for cats
Safe for dogs
At a glance
Light
Bright, indirect light; tolerates lower light but growth slows.
Water
Moderate; allow top 2–3 cm of soil to dry before watering.
Temperature
18–26 °C; avoid cold drafts.
Humidity
Average household humidity (40–60%) is fine.
Difficulty
Beginner
Detailed care instructions
Light needs
Peperomia do best in bright, indirect light. Too little light leads to leggy growth; too much direct sun can scorch the leaves.
- Place near an east- or north-facing window for gentle light.
- Use filtered light if near a south- or west-facing window (sheer curtain works well).
- Give variegated varieties a slightly brighter spot to keep their patterns.
- Do not leave it in low light for long periods (growth becomes stretched).
- Do not put it in strong direct midday sun (risk of leaf scorch).
Watering
Let the top 2 to 3 centimetres of soil dry before watering. Overwatering is the most common issue.
- Water only when the top layer feels dry (top 2 to 3 centimetres).
- Water thoroughly, then let excess water drain away.
- Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.
- Use rainwater if possible; tap water is fine if it is not too hard.
- Do not keep the soil constantly wet (root issues start quickly).
- Do not use a pot without drainage holes.
- Do not let the plant sit in standing water in the saucer.
Humidity & temperature
Average household humidity is usually enough (around 40 to 60 percent).
- Keep it in normal indoor humidity; it usually does well.
- If humidity drops below 40 percent, mist occasionally with distilled water or use a pebble tray.
- Do not mist late in the day (leaves stay wet too long).
- Do not place right next to strong heat sources that dry the air (radiators, heaters).
Fertilizer
Feed monthly in spring and summer with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer. Do not feed in autumn and winter.
- Feed once per month during spring and summer.
- Dilute fertilizer to avoid stressing roots.
- Do not fertilize in autumn and winter.
- Do not overfeed (more is not better for slow growers).
Soil & repotting
Use a well-draining, peat-free houseplant mix with added perlite or orchid bark. Repot only every 2 to 3 years because Peperomia like being slightly root-bound.
- Use a chunky, airy mix (peat-free houseplant soil + perlite or orchid bark).
- Repot only every 2 to 3 years (or when clearly needed).
- Always choose a pot with drainage holes.
- Do not use heavy soil that stays wet for too long.
- Do not repot too often; they prefer being slightly root-bound.
Common problems
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowing leaves (lower leaves turn yellow) | Overwatering | Let the soil dry more between waterings |
| Drooping or wilting (plant looks limp) | Underwatering, or sometimes root rot | If the soil is dry: water thoroughly. If the soil is soggy: check the roots and adjust watering |
| Leggy growth (stretched stems, sparse leaves) | Insufficient light | Move to a brighter spot with bright, indirect light |
| Leaf spots or mushy leaves (soft, discoloured patches) | Overwatering or fungal issues | Prune affected leaves and adjust watering |
| Pests (mealybugs, fungus gnats, spider mites) | Pest infestation | Wipe leaves with a damp cloth, rinse the plant, or use a mild soap solution; isolate the plant. Avoid chemical pesticides and let leaves dry before pets are near |
