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 rainforests.
Description
Peperomia prostrata is a charming, compact succulent with slender, trailing stems that bear dark green to purplish, disc-like leaves with a beautiful pattern of lighter markings along the veins, resembling turtle backs. The stems slowly grow to around 12 inches (30 cm) and form a thick mat that cascades over the sides of the pot. The leaves are slightly succulent and can reach 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter.
The upright, slender, tail-like spikes of tiny brown flowers appear from spring to summer.
How to Grow and Care for Peperomia prostrata
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 11a to 11b: from 40°F (4.4°C) to 50°F (10°C).
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 soil that stays steadily moist 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; a massive leaf drop is usually due to a temperature change or a 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 them back in the same size container after root-pruning or downsize to 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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