How to grow and care for Peperomia sandersii
plant care guide about watering, fertilizing, trimming, repotting, cutting, propagating Peperomia sandersii, Watermelon pepper, Rugby football plant
Peperomia sandersii 101 - Plant Care Instructions
Bright direct light
21C° ~25C°
Every 7 days
Growth Observation wiki
leaf cutting
transplant
vegetative
new leaf
flowering
Botany Encyclopedia
Genus : Peperomia
😵 Toxicity
Non-toxic and safe for pets and children.
Species : Peperomia sandersii
🔖 Care Tips
Hydroponic cultivation is possible. 1. Gently shake off the soil to avoid damaging the roots and secure them with materials like hydro balls for more stable growth. 2. Submerge only 50-60% of the roots in water to allow them to breathe. 3. Use tap water that has been left out for a day, and opt for an opaque container instead of a transparent one. (Transparent containers can cause temperature fluctuations due to light, which is harmful to the roots.) 4. Change the water every 7-14 days for maintenance.
🏝️ Habitat Conditions
It is native to the tropical rainforests of South America. It prefers warm and humid environments and is sensitive to cold, making it unsuitable for overwintering outdoors.
🪨 Soil Mix
It is best to plant in well-draining soil. A common mix ratio is 40% potting soil, 20% bark, 20% leaf mold, 10% perlite, and 10% charcoal. This can vary depending on conditions and environment.
🌡️ Environment
Temperature: Maintain 15~25°C, and keep above 10°C in winter. Humidity: Prefers a humid environment of 60~70%. Increase humidity by misting regularly or placing water nearby. Ensure good air circulation to prevent pests and diseases in high humidity.
👀 Characteristics details
If dust accumulates on the leaves, photosynthesis may be hindered, so it's good to wipe them 1-2 times a week. The leaves are succulent and can store a lot of moisture, allowing them to withstand short dry periods. However, be cautious of overwatering, as it can lead to waterlogging.
☀️ Light
Direct sunlight can easily scorch the leaves. It's better to keep the plant in indirect light for extended periods. If the plant receives light from only one side, its shape may become distorted, so it's advisable to rotate the pot periodically.
💧 Water
Water the plant when the surface soil is dry. Since it is a CAM plant, it is better to water it at night rather than during the day.
🌱 Propagate
Propagation is mainly done through cuttings. For cuttings, use sterilized tools to cut 10-20 cm branches at an angle. Let them dry for 3-4 hours, then place them in soil or water for propagation. 1. For water propagation, avoid transparent containers. Place the stem in water, and once roots appear, add hydroponic fertilizer. When roots are 5-7 cm long, transfer to soil. 2. For soil propagation, plant deeply in soil without fertilizer. After cutting, avoid exposing to bright light. Gradually increase light exposure to help them adapt. Maintain high humidity and a temperature of 20-25°C.
🪴 Repot
Due to its slow growth rate, it is advisable to repot every 2-3 years.
💊 Fertilize
Fertilizer is not often needed, but using it once from spring to summer at the recommended amount can promote more vigorous growth.
🌺 Flower
If you want to see flowers, it's best to provide plenty of indirect light rather than direct sunlight. The flowers bloom in a shape resembling rice, which is not particularly attractive. Therefore, it's advisable to remove the flower stalks to direct nutrients to the leaves.
water
How to water Peperomia sandersii
How often should I water?
check Peperomia sandersii Every 7 days if it needs water when it’s very cold (below 5℃), water less frequently
When do I need to water?
the top 2-3 inches of soil is dry
Light & Location
How much light does a Peperomia sandersii need?
Bright direct light
Bright indirect light
Medium
Grow light
Light preference
Peperomia sandersii likes Bright direct light, Bright indirect light, Medium, Grow light day. The brighter the space, the better this plant grows.
Check if there’s an optimal place in your house!
This plant prefers
800 ~ 20K lux to thrive!
0
20K~
800
20K
Temperature
Houseplants
-15
21~25℃
45
Plants that grow in the wild and those that grow indoors prefer different temperatures. If you grow Peperomia sandersii at home, make sure the temperature is 21~25℃.
Humidity
Ideal humidity
0
40~70%
100
Peperomia sandersii prefers humidity about 40~70%. If necessary, increase humidity by misting, humidifier.
Fertilize
Collective Knowhow
When should I fertilize?
Only when your plant is healthy
How frequently should I fertilize?
1-2 times in growing season. A pinch for a small pot.
Characteristic
The taxonomic classification of Peperomia sandersii is as follows. - Kingdom: Plantae, Phylum: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Piperales, Family: Piperaceae, Genus: Peperomia, Species: Peperomia sandersii
| Characteristic Name | Characteristic Value |
|---|---|
| Habitat | South America |
| Taxonomy Name | Taxonomy Value |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Piperales |
| Family | Piperaceae |
| Genus | Peperomia |
| Species | Peperomia sandersii |
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