Scientific Name
Peperomia 'Rosso'
Synonym(s)
Peperomia 'Eden Rosso', Peperomia caperata 'Rosso'
Scientific Classification
Family: Piperaceae
Genus: Peperomia
Origin
Peperomia 'Rosso' is a hybrid of Peperomia marmorata and Peperomia metallica. It derives from a breeding program conducted by Obed Smit, owner of Smit Kwekerijen in Sappemeer, Netherlands. Smit Kwekerijen brings this plant onto the market under the Eden Collection brand. Peperomia 'Rosso' was selected in 2010 and patented in the US in 2012.
Description
Peperomia 'Rosso', more correctly known as Peperomia 'Eden Rosso', is an eye-catcher because of its red color on the underside of the leaves. The upper surface of the pointed leaves is dark green, sometimes with a blush of red and dark green veins.
This plant has both male and female flowers on the same spike and typically blooms under day-length conditions of less than 12 hours of light.
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 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 do not overpot them.
Repot plants in spring, especially to refresh the existing soil, but place them back into the same size container after root-pruning or go up to only one pot size. The largest Peperomias 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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