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Upright Peperomia

Plant care guide

How to care for Upright Peperomia

Peperomia clusiifolia 'Ginny', Peperomia ferreyrae, Peperomia puteolata, and Peperomia 'Quito'

Care level: EasyNon-toxic to cats & dogs

This group of upright peperomias brings fun shapes to a shelf, from Ginny's pink-edged leaves to Green Bean's chubby bean-shaped leaves and Parallel's striped, pointed leaves. They're compact, low-fuss and happy in most bright rooms.

Also known as: Upright Peperomia, Ginny Peperomia, Peperomia clusiifolia, Red Edge Peperomia, Jelly Peperomia, Green Bean Peperomia, Happy Bean Peperomia, Peperomia ferreyrae, Pincushion Peperomia, Parallel Peperomia, Peperomia puteolata, Quito Peperomia

Just arrived? Your first week at home

  1. Unbox it and gently straighten any leaning stems.
  2. Place it in bright, indirect light, away from heat vents, radiators and cold drafts.
  3. Check the soil: water only if the top 1 to 2 inches are dry; these thick-leaved plants handle waiting.
  4. A yellow or fallen leaf after shipping is normal.
  5. Hold off on repotting for at least 2 weeks.
  6. Green Bean Peperomia likes a little more light than the others, so give it your sunniest filtered spot.

Every plant is covered by our 30-day plant health guarantee. If your plant arrived damaged or isn't doing well, email a few photos to support@rootandreachbotanicals.com and we'll help you troubleshoot or make it right.

Light

Bright, indirect light keeps these compact and colorful, such as near an east window or set back from a south or west window. Green Bean Peperomia tolerates a little gentle morning sun. In low light, stems stretch and Ginny's pink edges fade. Avoid hot afternoon sun through glass.

Water

Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry, usually every 1 to 2 weeks. The fleshy leaves store water, so err on the dry side, especially with Green Bean. Wrinkled or soft leaves mean thirst. Yellowing leaves and black, mushy stems mean overwatering.

Humidity

Average household humidity is fine for all of these. No misting needed.

Temperature

Keep them between 60 and 80 degrees F, away from cold drafts. Avoid temperatures below about 55 degrees F.

Soil & repotting

Use a chunky, fast-draining mix such as indoor potting soil with plenty of perlite; Green Bean also does well with some cactus mix. Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring, one size up, in a pot with drainage.

Feeding

Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Skip feeding in fall and winter.

Troubleshooting common problems

  • Yellow leaves and soft stemsoverwatering. Let the soil dry 2 inches down before watering.
  • Wrinkled, deflated leavesunderwatering. Give it a thorough soak.
  • Leggy stems and faded colornot enough light. Move it closer to a bright window.
  • Brown scorched spotshot direct sun. Move to filtered light.
  • Mealybugswhite fuzzy spots in leaf joints. Dab with rubbing alcohol and wipe clean.

Tips to help it thrive

  • Stem cuttings root easily in water or moist soil for all four varieties.
  • Pinch the tips in spring for bushier plants.
  • Group a few different upright peperomias together for an interesting mix of shapes and textures.

Pet safety

Upright Peperomia is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. As with any houseplant, it's still best to discourage pets from chewing the leaves, which can cause a mild upset stomach.

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