Peperomia Plant Soil & Care Guide

Peperomia (often called the radiator plant) is a tropical plant with over 1,000 known species. 

Some popular peperomia species include:

• Peperomia caperata (emerald ripple peperomia, peperomia rosso, peperomia frost)
• Peperomia argyreia (watermelon peperomia)
• Peperomia obtusifolia (baby rubber plant)
• Peperomia polybotrya (raindrop peperomia)
• Peperomia tetraphylla (peperomia hope)
• Peperomia prostrata (string of turtles)
• Peperomia ferreyrae (pincushion peperomia)

Plants in the peperomia genus are relatively low maintenance and don’t need direct sunlight. They also have interesting leaf variegation patterns (different leaf color zones), making them a popular houseplant.

But how to look after your peperomia indoor plant?

Follow our tips on peperomia soil, peperomia care, peperomia propagation, and repotting peperomia:

1. Choosing the Right Peperomia Soil

The ideal peperomia soil mix should be:

• Well aerated to help the roots breathe 
• Well draining to prevent waterlogging and root rot 
• Minimally moisture-retaining, as peperomia plants don’t grow well in wet soil 
• Nutrient-rich for healthy plant growth 

While you can plant peperomia in a conventional potting mix containing coco coir, peat moss, and vermiculite, these additives are unsustainable.

Instead, we recommend Rosy’s peperomia soil. It’s eco-friendly and contains the right ingredients to provide your peperomia the TLC it deserves. 

Note: Some species of the peperomia genus are epiphytes (like the watermelon peperomia plant and baby rubber plant), which grow in tree bark. 

Adding orchid bark to your potting soil may be helpful for these epiphytic peperomia species.

2. Providing the Best Peperomia Care

While peperomia plants thrive in aerated and well draining soil, they also prefer high humidity environments and bright light over low light (but not direct sunlight). 

Follow our peperomia care tips to keep your houseplant happy:

• Plant peperomia during its growing season (spring).
• Use a pot with drainage holes for excess water to drain.
  
• Place the peperomia in bright indirect sunlight.
  
• Use a well-aerated soil mix to prevent wilting and fungal diseases. These can occur when the root system is waterlogged.
  
• Use an organic insecticide (e.g., neem oil or tomato leaf spray) if you notice pests on the leaf or stem (like mites, fungus gnats, or mealybugs).
  
• Avoid overwatering your peperomia as it can cause root rot and droopy peperomia. Water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil seems dry.
  
• Prune deformed or yellowed leaves. Yellowed leaves may indicate overwatering.

3. Propagating Peperomia Plants

The peperomia propagation process is relatively easy, even for beginners. You can use a stem cutting or leaf cutting to propagate peperomia. 

Here are the steps to propagate peperomia from cuttings:

• Take a stem cutting (or a leaf cutting with an inch of stem).
• Plant the cuttings in a small amount of potting soil.
• Place the propagation planter in bright indirect light.
• Keep it warm and moist to maintain humidity.
• Water the plant often, and don’t let it dry out.
• Roots should form within weeks, especially during the growing season. You can repot it once the new growth outgrows the planter.