How to Grow and Care for Peperomia Orba (Peperomia Pixie Lime)
Overview
Peperomia orba, also known as peperomia pixie lime or peperomia teardrop, is a perennial succulent commonly grown as a houseplant. It is a semi-succulent, meaning it has fleshy stems and leaves that store water, but it is not as drought-tolerant as true succulents.
Care Requirements
Light: Peperomia orba prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
Water: Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top several inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again. Reduce watering during the winter months.
Temperature and Humidity: Peperomia orba prefers temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not picky about humidity levels.
Fertilizer: Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer formula. Avoid fertilizing during the plant’s dormancy period.
Propagation
Stem Cuttings:
- Gather sterile pruning snips or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), a small pot, and soilless potting mix or orchid mix.
- Choose a stem with healthy leaves and snip off a section at least an inch long.
- Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant the cut end of the stem in the potting mix.
- Keep the soil moist but do not cover the pot with plastic.
- After 4 to 6 weeks, roots should begin to form.
Leaf Cuttings:
- Gather sterile pruning snips or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), a small pot, soilless potting mix, or orchid mix.
- Snip off a healthy leaf and its petiole (the stalk that joins the leaf to the stem).
- Plant the leaf in the potting mix, leaving about 80% of the leaf exposed above the planting medium.
- Keep the soil moist but avoid excessive humidity.
- After about six weeks, check for root formation.
Potting and Repotting
Peperomia orba is a slow-growing plant and prefers to be root bound. Repot only when the roots are protruding from the bottom of the pot or when the plant has outgrown its current pot. Use a pot with drainage holes and choose a pot that is just an inch or two larger than the current pot.
Common Problems
Yellowing Leaves: Yellowing leaves can indicate a lack of sunlight or overwatering. Move the plant to a brighter location or reduce watering frequency.
Mushy Leaves or Stem: Mushy leaves or stems indicate root rot. Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any affected roots. Repot the plant in fresh soil and adjust your watering schedule.
Drooping Leaves: Drooping leaves can indicate a lack of water or low humidity levels. Increase watering frequency or place the plant on a tray of pebbles and water to increase humidity.
Additional Tips
- Peperomia orba is commonly known as the radiator plant due to its preference for warm temperatures. However, it does not need to be placed directly on a radiator.
- Peperomia orba is a great choice for desks or narrow ledges in rooms with east or north-facing windows.
- Although it is a semi-succulent, peperomia orba is not as drought-resistant as true succulents and requires regular watering.