This peperomia caperata care guide will help you add a unique foliage plant to your indoor plant collection.
This cultivar’s heart-shaped, dark-green leaves have beautiful patterns, making it a standout indoor plant. Follow these care requirements to get a thriving peperomia without bumping into any issues.
Peperomia caperata Plant Profile
Commonly known as ripple peperomia, it is a petite perennial plant that grows up to 8 inches in height and has a clumping habit. You will love i ts velvety texture and ruffled edges, making it an eye-catching addition to any indoor plant collection.
Peperomia caperata is mostly grown for its foliage, but it does produce tiny flowers that grow on beautiful spikes. The flowers are greenish-white in color and without a noticeable fragrance.
Ideal Pot Size
As mentioned, this plant doesn’t grow huge, and you can easily adjust it in a pot with a 4-6 inch diameter. Peperomia caperata won’t require repotting until a year or two, but when it does, you should get a pot that is at least 2-3 inches larger than the previous one. You can choose any type of pot, but terra cotta is a good pick as it is suitable for airflow.
Peperomia caperata Plant Propagation
Peperomia caperata can be propagated through leaf and stem cuttings. However, the best results are achieved from the stem-cutting method.
Like in every stem cutting method, start by choosing a healthy stem from the Peperomia caperata plant, making sure that it has at least 2-3 leaves on it. Get a sharp, sterilized knife and cut a stem from the plant that is approximately 2-3 inches long. Dont forget to make the cut just below a node.
Although it is optional, you can put the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone to improve the success rate and then plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Set the pot in a place that has bright, indirect light, and in 2-4 weeks, you will see the root taking hold in the soil. Once this stage is crossed, you just need to transplant your Peperomia caperata stem into a larger pot with fresh soil and care for it accordingly.
Peperomia caperata Plant Care
Location
Place your Peperomia caperata plant in a location that fulfills its requirement of bright, indirect light. This plant is a resilient one and will survive low light conditions, but it will grow slower in those conditions. If you give it too much direct sunlight, it can scorch the leaves, so an east-facing window is perfect for giving it appropriate indirect sunlight.
Soil
Peperomia caperata prefers a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter. If you want to give your plant the perfect soil medium, a loamy soil mix is ideal. You can also add perlite and sand to make a perfect soil mix.
Water
Water this plant so that the soil is kept evenly moist but not soggy. To make it simple for you, water once a week or use your finger to check if the top soil is dry in between waterings to avoid any mistakes. In winter, you can cut back on watering and only water when the topsoil has completely dried out.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant loves warm temperatures, so keep your pot away from cold drafts or sudden temperature changes. Ensure that the temperatures are between 18 and 27C (64 and 80F). The plant prefers high humidity levels between 40 and 50%, and if the air around the plant is too dry, you can increase humidity levels by placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier.
Fertilizer
You can apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Spring is the best season to apply fertilizers, and once your reach falls and the temperature falls, it is time to stop fertilizing. It is best not to fertilize in dormancy because it can cause root burn since the fertilizers won’t be taken in by the plant during its resting phase.
Major Troubleshooting Tips
If the leaves of your Peperomia caperata are wilted or yellow, it may be a sign of overwatering. Letting the soil dry before you can water it again is the best technique. It is also bad to water your plant underwater, as that can cause curling and crispy leaves. If your Peperomia caperata is growing leggy or sparse, ensure that you move it to a sport with indirect light. Too much low light can hinder growth.
Like many indoor plants peperomia caperata is prone to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Treat the plant with an insecticidal soap, or wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to address these issues.
