With the increased interest in keeping indoor plants, any new or seasoned plant parent likely has a variety of peperomia plants. Known for their unique and decorative foliage, they are easy to grow and maintain. Because they have succulent leave, they require little water to thrive.
Peperomia plants should be watered every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between each watering. When watering, focus the flow of water towards the base of the pant and soil rather than the foliage. Peperomia plants will remain stronger with less water than full saturation.
Easy to grow and propagate, peperomia plants have become popular in all of their varieties. Knowing how often to water it can help keep this succulent leafed plant thriving for years.
How to Tell if Peperomia Plants Need Water?
Ideally, you should water your peperomia plants every 1-2 weeks. The best indicator of this is to check the soil; if the top one or two inches of soil is completely dry, it is time to water your peperomia. Ensure your peperomia is in a pot with drainage holes to allow any excess water to drain.
Your peperomia may also be telling you it needs water if the leaves are soft, curled, and flimsy. The succulent leaves of a peperomia plant should be firm and well-structured when sufficiently watered.
How Do You Know When Your Peperomia Plant is Sufficiently Watered?
You will know your peperomia plant has been sufficiently watered when the leaves are firm and well-structured. Your peperomia will grow with vigor with leaves protruding on their own from the roots and stems of the plant.
Can You Overwater Peperomia Plants?
As with most succulents, peperomia plants are sensitive to being overwatered. They should only be watered once every one or two weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely between each watering. You can also check the top one or two inches of soil with your finger to check for dryness to determine if it needs to be watered.
Overwatering peperomia plants can draw fungal gnats which are difficult to get rid of along as putting your plant at risk of root rot which will reflect in the foliage of the plant (browning and dropping leaves).
What are Signs of an Overwatered Peperomia Plant?
Some signs you have overwatered your peperomia plant include the increased presence of fungal gnats which prefer soil with high moisture content to reproduce. You will also notice that the soil remains damp due to oversaturation putting the plant at risk for root rot.
Once the root system has been compromised from oversaturation, the leaves will start to turn yellow or brown and eventually drop.
How Long Can Peperomia Plants Go Without Water?
Peperomia plants should be watered once every 1-2 weeks though they will tolerate not being watered a few days past that. Peperomia plants prefer drier soil over-saturated wet soil making them relatively drought resistant.
Should Peperomia Plant Soil Be Moist?
Peperomia soil should only be moist after watering it however it should be allowed to dry out completely between each watering. Allowing the soil to constantly remain damp, increases the presence of pests like fungal gnats and puts your plant at risk of root rot which will quickly deteriorate the health and appearance of the foliage.
Why is Peperomia Plant Turning Brown/Yellow?
Your peperomia plant is likely turning brown or yellow due to overwatering and poor soil drainage. Because the peperomia plant has succulent leaves, it only requires watering every 1-2 weeks. Overwatering a peperomia can compromise the root system causing the leaves to yellow, turn brown, and eventually die and fall off.
Your peperomia should be planted in a pot with drainage holes on the bottom to allow any excess water to drain away from the plant.
Why is my Peperomia Plant Droopy?
A healthy peperomia plant is full of vigor, growing new leaves that are firm and well structured without the need for any support. If your peperomia has become droopy, this can be a sign that it needs water or that it has been overwatered.
Check the soil to determine which is the case. Ensuring that the peperomia is planted in a pot with drainage holes, touch the top couple inches of the soil; if the soil is damp it may be overwatered but if it is dry, it likely needs water.
Do Peperomia Plants Need Fertilizer?
Peperomia plants are hearty and self-sufficient in their growth, meaning that it is unlikely that they will ever need fertilizer to assist their growth. If your peperomia seems to be unwell with discolored, dropping leaves, it is likely due to overwatering, poor soil drainage, or poor lighting conditions.
How Much Sunlight Do Peperomia Plants Need?
Peperomia plants prefer medium to bright light or 12-16 hours of artificial light. Natural sunlight should be partially shaded or diffused (with a sheer curtain for example) as too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn.
Sufficient light will result in vibrant leaves that are a variety of colors whereas low levels of light will leave your peperomia looking drab and prone to leaf drop.
Will Temperatures and Humidity Affect Peperomia Plants?
Peperomia plants are considered tropical plants, meaning they prefer warm and humid conditions to thrive. These plants should not be exposed to temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit and to grow them in most North American zones, they will do better as indoor plants.
You may find that your peperomia plants benefit from having a humidifier running nearby or you can mist the leaves with water once a day. While ensuring that the foliage receives ample humidity, make sure that the soil is well-draining and allowed to dry out between each watering as too much moisture at the root level will compromise the health of your plant.
Will Peperomia Plants Survive in the Winter?
Peperomia plants in North America are best kept as indoor plants, especially in the winter. These plants will not survive temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter, it is normal that your peperomia plant growth will slow down until spring when temperatures and humidity increase.
Will Peperomia Plants Survive in Direct Sunlight?
Peperomia plants thrive in medium to bright light but should be kept out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can be diffused with a sheer curtain to protect the plant from burning while giving it ample lighting conditions.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a new peperomia plant owner or a seasoned one, the payoff for maintaining a healthy peperomia can be validating. With a little attention to the watering and lighting conditions, your peperomia plant should thrive for many seasons.
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Janice is a retired High School teacher who is spending her leisure years keeping busy with all sorts of projects. Aside from freelance writing, she’s an enthusiastic amateur chef, home wine maker, and tends a large raised-bed vegetable garden, while at the same time running a Bed & Breakfast.