Bernieh's Garden
Peperomia obtusifolia - Variegated Peperomia
Species: Peperomia obtusifolia 'USA'.
Common name: Variegated Peperomia
Botanic name: Peperomia obtusifolia 'USA'
Family: Peperomiaceae
Peperomia are herbaceous plants that originate from South America. They have been reclassified into a family to call their own - Peperomiaceae. Previously, these delightful plants have been grouped under the Piperaceae or pepper family.
This variegated cultivar has leaves that are creamy white with a splash of dark green spreading from the mid-rib.
Peperomia do not demand a huge amount of care. Most species are relatively slow growers and hence they do not outgrow their containers that quickly. That should save you much time from pruning and repotting them.
Peperomia plants require bright sunlight and a good position for all Peperomias is one that receives filtered sunlight. Peperomia do not like direct sunlight as their leaf colours will be bleached.
Variegated Peperomia cultivars are not forgiving when light requirements are concerned. They will quickly revert to all green when there is insufficient light.
Never overwater Peperomia. Allow the potting mix to dry out before the next watering. The plant should never be allowed to have wet feet.
Fertilize monthly with a soluble balanced fertilizer. Slow-release fertilisers can be used too.
Peperomia like to be pot bound and hence transplant them only when roots are peeking out of the drainage holes beneath the pot. Do not overpot the plant and choose a new pot that will allow about 2 cm between the rim of the pot and the root ball.
Propagation of Upright and trailiing species:
Plants from this group can be easily propagated from stem-cuttings. Take tip cuttings and stick them into a well-drain mix. Stems can be allowed to root in a glass of water. Cuttings will usually take root in about a fortnight's time.
