Scientific Name
Peperomia asperula Hutchison & Rauh
Scientific Classification
Family: Piperaceae
Genus: Peperomia
Description
Peperomia asperula is a beautiful, shrubby succulent with thick stems that bear thick, fleshy, glossy green leaves with grainy, tan undersides. It can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. The stems are fleshy and can turn woody at the base with age.
Once established, the plant can produce creamy white flower spikes on tall stalks several times a year.
Origin
Peperomia asperula is native to Peru.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 8a to 10b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Peperomias are not particularly hard plants to grow, and their small size and delicate leaves make them perfect for desktops and dish gardens. They will rarely overtake their neighbors or shade them out. In short, they are perfectly mannered and attractive little plants. The biggest problems are usually related to watering. They like steadily moist soil but can be very sensitive to overwatering. Overwatered Peperomias tend to wilt or have raised, scab-like protrusions on their leaves. Don't be alarmed if your plant loses a few bottom leaves, but massive leaf drop is usually due to a temperature change or fertilizer problem. Lastly, Peperomias are susceptible to mealybugs, so keep an eye out for cottony white masses on the stems or undersides of leaves. These plants thrive when slightly pot-bound, so don't over-pot them.
Repot plants in spring, especially to refresh the existing soil, but place either back into the same size container after root-pruning or go up only one pot size. The largest Peperomia remain relatively small and will never grow into large specimens. Most species can be relatively easily propagated from leaf cuttings.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Peperomia.
Links
- Back to genus Peperomia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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