Peperomia ferreyrae (Pincushion Peperomia)

Scientific Name

Peperomia ferreyrae Yunck.

Common Names

Pincushion Peperomia

Scientific Classification

Family: Piperaceae
Genus: Peperomia

Description

Peperomia ferreyrae is a glabrous, succulent, epiphytic erect shrub, up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. The green stems bear very slender, narrow lime green leaves, up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long with a darker-green longitudinal window along their curved upper surface. The inflorescence is yellow-green, up to 12 inches (30 cm) long.

How to Grow and Care

Peperomia 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 problem facing Peperomia are usually related to watering. They like steadily moist soil, but can be very sensitive to overwatering. Overwatered Peperomia tend to wilt (paradoxically) 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, Peperomia are susceptible to mealybugs, so keep an eye out for cottony white masses on the stems or undersides of leaves. Peperomia thrives 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, so they will never grow into large specimen plants. Most Peperomia species can be relatively easily propagated from leaf cuttings, similar to the way African violets are propagated… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Peperomia.

Origin

Native to Peru.

Links

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