Scientific Name
Peperomia nivalis Miq.
Scientific Classification
Family: Piperaceae
Genus: Peperomia
Description
Peperomia nivalis is а succulent plant with fleshy upright or prostrate stems and thick fleshy boat-shaped leaves densely borne at the end of the stems. The stems grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. Leaves are bright lime green but develop a white dusting, as well as a pink blush in the cooler months. They are U-shaped in cross-section, with a dark green epidermal window on the top side. Yellow spikes with a multitude of tiny yellow flowers sprout from the tip of each stem in summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °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 problem facing Peperomias are usually related to watering. They like steadily moist soil but can be very sensitive to overwatering. Overwatered Peperomia tends to wilt (paradoxically) or has raised, scab-like protrusions on their leaves. Do not be alarmed if your plant loses a few bottom leaves, but a 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 leaves' stems or undersides.
Peperomia thrives when slightly pot-bound, so don't overpot 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 Peperomias remain relatively small, so they will never grow into large specimen plants.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Peperomia.
Origin
This species is native to Peru.
Links
- Back to genus Peperomia
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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