Happy Urban Dirt

if you are looking for If you are looking for a houseplant with an exotic character that is also simple to care for, Peperomia prostrata is exactly what you are looking for.

It is one of the most attractive succulents and attracts attention with its shape (and care). Want to learn more about it? So read on.

What does Peperomia prostrata look like?

Peperomia prostata is a plant considered to be creeping. Its natural habitat is not very similar to that of succulents, especially since, although it comes from Central and South America, it lives in moist forests and loves moisture. In fact, it usually grows leaning against tree trunks, which is why it is said to be an epiphyte.

Physically, we have a plant that grows long, green or cream-colored stems from which leaves grow. They are round and of various sizes. But the most attractive thing about this plant is undoubtedly the pattern of thesebecause it has several shades of green (or green and white) that attract a lot of attention.

It is a quite leafy plant, so when kept in a pot, it often ends up covered with diminutive stems from which “coins” of leaves fall, resembling watermelon rind.

Another name by which this plant is known is “turtle chain”, because it is said that the pattern of the leaves resembles their shell.

And yes, if you are wondering, Peperomia prostrata is in bloom. Although the flowers are attractive, the truth is that the leaves are even more attractive. Despite this, these flowers are reddish in color (more brown).

Peperomia prostrata dear

Have you already fallen in love with Peperomia prostrata? It is without a doubt a plant that when you see it, you want to have it in your home. And as a succulent, it is simple to care for, although it does require some care that you will need to provide to keep it blossoming.

Here we summarize the most crucial of them.

location and temperature

The ideal place for Peperomia prostrata is undoubtedly outdoors, provided you live in a place where the climate is delicate in winter and sultry in summer. He loves the sun! Of course, do not place him in a place where he is exposed to direct sunlight or where the environment is very parched, because then he will not survive.

It is best to place it in a spot with partial shade and plenty of indirect lightweight.

You can also place it inside your home, but in that case you should look for a place with the best humidity (kitchen, bathroom…) so that it can get the habitat it needs.

When it comes to temperature, the ideal temperature for this plant will be between 18 and 25ºC. It is not tough to provide such a temperature at homebut outdoors it is possible, especially in summer, so you will need a humidifier or something similar to control the humidity.

Subsoil

Because Peperomia prostrata is a plant that needs moisture, and to keep the soil in this condition, it should be planted in soil luxurious in organic matter. Choose a mixture of peat and coconut fiber, proportions are 70-80 / 20-30% respectively. This way you will get a lightweight substrate.

Tip: make sure the peat is slightly acidic, the botanist will love it.

Irrigation

As we said before, Peperomia prostrata is a plant that likes moisture. Therefore, keeping it in the substrate is indispensable. Now there is a fine line between too much moisture and too much. And if you don’t keep the balance, all that will happen is that the plant will rot (you will notice the leaves become translucent, as if they are soaked, and they all start to fall off until the plant dies).

In fact, when we think about humidity, we tend to think that Peperomia prostrata needs the substrate to be always soggy, and the truth is that it is not. You need ambient humidity.

So if you have it outside, you can water it 2-3 times a week in spring and summer; in winter once a week is enough.

At home, it may be necessary to water at slightly longer intervals.

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From time to time, especially if the plant has been in the same medium for some time, you can add some fertilizer to provide it with more nutrients. Liquid humus is a very enriching agent for this plant.that it can be added to irrigation water and used.

Of course, operate it only in spring and summer.

If you notice that the plant has yellowish leaves and has not grown for a long time, apply a fertilizer luxurious in nitrogen, as the plant has a high demand for this element.

pruning

Peperomia prostrata is not a plant that needs to be pruned. However, to keep the stems at the same height, many people trim them to make everything even. Of course, remember that these cuts can be used to get fresh plants.

Plagues and diseases

As an exotic plant, which in addition to being a succulent, Peperomia prostrata is a plant susceptible to pests. Specifically, the ones that can cause the most damage are whiteflies. If you see them, we recommend spraying the plant with neem oil and potash soap, and do it at least once a month to prevent them from approaching.

other option than Using diatomaceous earth also works great which can be mixed in diminutive amounts with the plant substrate (or placed as a top layer).

Multiplication

Finally, regarding propagation, we must say that this is something we recommend doing right after purchasing the plant (of course, if it is gigantic). And that is what, being so picky, you might easily miss it.

First, cut off a few leafy stem cuttings. Save them and find an airtight container. Put the soil in it as a base and put some diminutive stones on top. Spray everything to moisten, then place the cuttings on the stones. You don’t have to plant them, just plant them.

Spray again and close to prevent any moisture from escaping.

It should be placed in a place where it will have access to lightweight but will not get too balmy. Within a few weeks, the plants should take root and be ready to be transplanted into pots.

Do you have any questions about Peperomia prostrata?