Peperomia rubella

Scientific Name

Peperomia rubella Hook. & Arn. ex C.DC.

Scientific Classification

Family: Piperaceae
Genus: Peperomia

Origin

Peperomia rubella is endemic to Jamaica.

Description

Peperomia rubella is a beautiful small plant with fleshy elliptical leaves generally arranged in clusters of 4. It features prominently scarlet red stems and leaf undersides. The top of the leaves is green with a unique pattern. It will grow upright until about 4 inches (20 cm), then fall to sprawl as a vine.

In summer, Peperomia rubella produces greenish-white panicle-like flower spikes.

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. Don't 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 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 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 specimen plants. Most species can be relatively easily propagated from leaf cuttings.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Peperomia.

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