Scientific Name
Peperomia prostrata B.S. Williams
Common Name(s)
String of Turtles
Scientific Classification
Family: Piperaceae
Genus: Peperomia
Origin
Peperomia prostrata is native to Ecuador. It grows as an epiphyte on trees or fallen logs in the rainforests.
Description
Peperomia prostrata is a charming compact succulent with slender trailing stems that bear disc-like, dark green to purplish leaves with a beautiful pattern of lighter markings along the veins, resembling turtle backs. The stems slowly grow around 12 inches (30 cm) long, forming a thick mat cascading over the sides of the pot. Leaves are slightly succulent and up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter.
The upright, slender, tail-like spikes of tiny brown flowers appear from spring to summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 11a to 11b: from 40 °F (+4.4 °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 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. 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 watch 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 Peperomias remain relatively small and will never grow into large specimen plants. Most species can be relatively easily propagated from leaf cuttings.
See 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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