How to Care for Peperomia

Peperomia is a prized indoor companion, well-loved for its small, sculptural leaves in rich forest greens. Native to rainforest regions across Central and South America, Peperomia grows as an epiphyte, often perched on tree trunks. Over time, it has learned to store water and adjust naturally to changing conditions, making it an ideal houseplant for both novice and experienced plant parents alike.

With easyplant, watering your Peperomia is simple. Make sure to check the easyplant reservoir once every 3 months and refill it if empty, and you’re all set!

Peperomia grows best in a well-lit space with bright direct or indirect sunlight, and can adapt to spaces with medium to low light, where the source of light is further away. Avoid placing it in spaces without natural sunlight.

Peperomia is very tolerant and hard to kill, making it an easy-care plant that will quickly bounce back from any mishaps. To help it grow optimally and evenly, occasionally dust the leaves with a soft cloth to keep them clean and healthy, and rotate the pot by a turn once a month so all sides receive equal light. To maintain its aesthetic shape and height, you may periodically prune old, yellowing, or unruly leaves; this will also encourage fresh growth and keep the plant looking vibrant. Over time, if your Peperomia outgrows its pot, easyplant offers a repotting kit with a larger vessel designed to give your plant more room to thrive while preserving its natural beauty.

Indoors, Peperomia typically grows up to 30 cm tall and wide, making it a compact and well-suited choice for tabletops, desks, and shelves. Its slow-growing nature means it adds only a few centimetres each year, keeping its size manageable and its shape neat. While it won’t grow into a large floor plant, its lush foliage and rounded form make it a charming accent for small spaces.

Peperomia thrives in average household conditions, preferring temperatures between 18°C and 27°C. Keep it away from cold draughts, open windows in winter, or sudden temperature drops below 15°C, as these can stress the plant. It also enjoys moderate humidity, which is generally consistent in most homes, and does well without the need for any special adjustments. Avoid placing your Peperomia near heating vents or air conditioning units, which can create dry or fluctuating conditions.

Peperomia is considered non-toxic to both pets and kids, making it a safe choice for households with curious little ones or furry friends. While it won’t cause harm if accidentally nibbled, it’s still best to keep plants out of reach to prevent mess or stress to the plant.

If your Peperomia’s leaves start to yellow or feel mushy, it may be a sign of overwatering. For easyplant users, simply following the reservoir refill schedule every 3 months prevents this issue. For non-easyplant users, allow the soil to dry out more thoroughly before watering again. If leaves begin curling or drooping, your Peperomia may be getting enough water – check the soil for moisture and adjust as needed. Older leaves at the base naturally dry and fall off over time, which is normal and nothing to worry about. Peperomia can occasionally attract pests like mealybugs or spider mites; if you spot them, wipe the affected leaves gently with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them. Keeping leaves dust-free and rotating your plant helps prevent most issues.