Peperomia Plants are easily cared for, non-invasive, medium-sized specimens and the Peperomia Rosso, a cultivar of Peperomia caperata, is an unusual and exciting variation of the species.
When it comes to indoor plants, varieties of the Peperomia plant are a very common choice, especially for beginner growers.
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Colorful and adaptable, you can grow your peperomia rosso in any size container. Here’s everything you need to know to grow and care for your very own peperomia rosso plant.
A Quick Look at the Peperomia Rosso
Peperomia plants form part of the piperaceae family originating from South America and are technically considered to be succulents.
The peperomia genus has been cultivated into over 1500 varieties such as the Watermelon Peperomia, and truly makes an ideal indoor plant. The genus name, which is of Latin origin, means ‘resembling pepper’, referencing its leaf texture.
The peperomia caperata rosso goes by many names including:
This non-invasive grower grows in a rosette formation and expands to up to around 8-inches tall and wide. It has gorgeous dark green, heart-shaped leaves, with a distinctive burgundy red leaf underside.
Its scentless flowers bloom a greenish white and grow at the end of long reddish spikes.
When growing the peperomia rosso plant it’s good to remember that it isn’t drought-tolerant and cannot withstand lots of direct sunlight, which is why it fares so well indoors.
How to Grow Peperomia Caperata Rosso
Peperomia rosso plants are ideal for pots or container growing. The most important factor when growing peperomia rosso is to avoid extremes.
So, be careful to keep you watering consistent and never over or under water.
How Much Light Does Peperomia Rosso Need to Grow?
When it comes to where to place your peperomia plant, be sure to choose a spot that has a moderate and balanced quality of light.
Anywhere with bright, indirect sunlight is good. Ideally, choose somewhere with a good amount of morning sunlight.
Peperomia plants are also fair particularly well under fluorescent or LED lighting.
What Kind of Soil do Peperomia Plants Need?
When it comes to soil, you’ll want to use any well-draining, well-aerated soil. Any cactus or succulent potting mix should work well.
If creating your own soil mix, you’ll want equal amounts of:
- Peat Moss
- Loam
- Sand
How to Propagate Peperomia Rosso
Source: Amazon
Propagating peperomia is generally a particularly slow process, so propagation from stem or leaf cutting is ideal and cost effective.
If using a stem cutting:
- Take a sharp grafting knife and remove a piece of stem with a few leaves, approximately 5 to 7 inches in length.
- Prepare a small pot with fresh compost mix, poke a hole in the center and place the stem inside.
- Keep lightly watered.
- It should root after a month.
If using a leaf cutting:
- Use a grafting knife to remove 1 leaf with a little bit of stem.
- Once removed, cut the stem at a slope and dip into rooting hormone.
- Plant into fresh compost mix.
- Keep lightly watered.
- Rooting should occur after 3 to 6 weeks.
You can also propagate peperomia rosso in water. Simply place a leaf cutting into a glass of water and wait for roots to grow. Be sure not to use rooting hormone when propagating in water.
Peperomia Rosso Care Guide
When caring for your peperomia plant, you will want to regulate your watering and fertilization and prune your plant regularly.
Occasionally, take the time to wipe down your peperomia leaves with a dry cloth to avoid dust build-up.
Unless, your peperomia plant is overgrown, you won’t need to re-pot it regularly. Peperomia plants prefer to be somewhat root-bound, so it’s good to just leave them be.
If repotting, do so in spring. Be cautious however, as peperomia rosso plants have particularly sensitive roots.
Watering
It is most important not to over water your peperomia plant. Most plants do well with a semi-soaking every 7 to 10 days. Be sure to allow your soil to dry out up to 80% between waterings.
Watering can decrease in the winter months.
In spring months, it is recommended to place your plant under a running tap and allow water to wash through the soil. This helps to wash out residue salts. Do not wet the plant body.
You will want to avoid misting your peperomia plant, as it doesn’t fare well when the crown or plant body becomes damp. This may lead to rot.
Fertilizing
You won’t need to fertilize your much. Especially in its first year of growing, you will want to avoid fertilizing entirely.
Once properly rooted, you should water your peperomia about twice a year. We recommend a 20-20-20 fertilizer.
Only fertilize in the active growing months as in winter your plants growth will become dormant.
Pruning
If you’re wondering how to make your peperomia plant bushy, regular pruning is the ideal way. Pruning allows you to control shape and stimulate plant growth.
Pruning should be done in spring months, and don’t be afraid to be quite rigorous. The peperomia rosso is a fast-growing plant.
Source: Amazon
Looking Out for Pests & Diseases
As it Is largely cultivated to be an indoor plant, the peperomia rosso isn’t particularly susceptible to pests or diseases. Issues generally only arise if there are poor growing conditions.
Potential pests you may come across include:
- White Fly
- Spider Mites
- Mealybugs
Should you run into a pest problem, treat with natural insecticides.
As with most succulent plants, overwatering will lead to root rot and fungus.
Why are my Peperomia Leaves Withered or Deformed?
You may find that your peperomia rosso leaves begin to wither or form scab-like protrusions.
This is generally caused by a lack of air to the roots or over-watering. Simply repot into a fresh, airy repotting medium.
Be sure to remove any withered leaves with a grafting knife.
Why is My Peperomia Droopy?
If you are noticing that your peperomia leaves are looking droopy, it may be because you are underwatering it. Just give it a good soak and regulate your watering better moving forward.
Peperomia Rosso Applications in Your Home
Growing peperomia is so simple, making it easy to adorn your home and your garden with this pretty plant. Plus, the peperomia plant is known to purify the air around it.
Which makes it a great choice for office or workspaces that generate a lot of fumes like workshops or nail salons.
The peperomia rosso is non-toxic to animals and humans, so you won’t need to worry about having your peperomia in easy to reach spots.
Peperomia caperata rosso are great for:
Dish Gardens
Dish gardens are ideal for desk tops and kitchen counters and allow you to combine a whole variety of succulents and cacti. As the peperomia rosso is non-invasive and doesn’t need deep soil, it lives happily in a dish garden.
Hanging Baskets
Even though it doesn’t have trailing foliage, the peperomia looks great inside a hanging basket. Use hanging baskets to add some extra greenery to your bathroom or kitchen.
Wall Hanging Terrariums
Adding peperomia rosso to a wall hanging terrarium is a good way to add a touch of color to your balcony or patio.
Peperomia plants do also fare quite well outdoors. If you’re thinking of growing your peperomia in your garden, be sure to choose a semi-shaded spot with well-draining soil.
Here are more Peperomia plants to choose from:
Wrapping Up Peperomia Rosso Growing & Care Guide
So, there you have it. Everything you’ll need to grow and care for your peperomia caperata rosso plant. Be sure to keep an eye out for signs of over or underwatering and regulate the level of light your plant is receiving.
Wherever you decide to put it, you peperomia caperata rosso will add a touch of color and excitement to your space.
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