How to Grow and Care for Peperomia Rotundifolia

Peperomia rotundifolia, also known as round-leaf peperomia, creeping buttons, and trailing jade, is a tropical epiphyte known for small, round, succulent leaves that grow on 12-inch-long vines. Like other peperomia species, this plant is native to Central and South America and can be grown as a houseplant in cooler climates. Peperomia rotundifolia prefers moist, well-drained soil and bright, indirect light. This plant can take anywhere from two to five years to reach its mature size, depending on growing conditions.

Peperomia Rotundifolia Care

• Put this plant in a warm place with bright, indirect light.
• Plant peperomia rotundifolia in well-drained soil that holds moisture.
• Allow this plant to dry out fully between waterings.
• Fertilize peperomia rotundifolia monthly during the spring and summer growing seasons with a balanced fertilizer.
  

Light

Peperomia rotundifolia prefers bright, indirect light, such as in an east-facing window or a few feet from a south-facing window. Harsh, direct afternoon sunlight can burn the leaves. In darker spaces or during the winter months, use a grow light to create optimal light conditions for this plant.

Soil

Use a loose, well-drained potting mix for peperomia rotundifolia. Some growers swear by cactus or succulent soil mixes for peperomias since they're sensitive to overly wet soil. You can also add coarse sand, perlite, or orchid bark to standard potting mix to loosen it up or make your own mix by combining two parts potting mix with one part peat moss or coconut coir, one part perlite, and one part coarse sand.

Water

Rather than watering on a set schedule, check your plant's soil moisture regularly. Water deeply when the soil has completely dried out. Wet, soggy soil can lead to root rot, which can kill or damage your plant.

Temperature and Humidity

Like other peperomias, peperomia rotundifolia grows best in temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and moderate to high humidity. Keep the plant away from hot or cold drafts from windows, doors, and air vents. To boost humidity, group several tropical plants together to create a more humid microclimate, or run a humidifier in the space with your plant.

Fertilizer

Feed your peperomia rotundifolia with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength once per month during the growing season. Begin fertilizing your plant when you first see new growth in late winter or early spring. Stop fertilizing in the fall, then resume at the start of the next growing season.

Pruning

Peperomia rotundifolia doesn't require regular pruning. Cut or pinch dead or damaged leaves and stems off at the base of the plant as they appear. You can also cut back vines to create a more pleasing shape, but avoid removing more than a quarter of total plant growth. Save healthy pruned stems and use them to propagate new plants.

Propagating Peperomia Rotundifolia

It's easy to propagate peperomia rotundifolia by stem cuttings in water or soil. You'll have the most success in spring or summer while the plant is in active growth. Here's how to propagate peperomia rotundifolia.

How to Propagate Peperomia Rotundifolia in Water

Before you begin, gather your materials. You'll need a mature plant, a small glass or jar, room-temperature water, and clean, sharp scissors or pruners.

1. Look for a healthy stem on the mother plant that's at least 4 inches long and has several leaves. Use your pruners to make a diagonal cut just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
2. Place the cutting in the glass or jar. Add water to cover the lower half of the cutting that has no leaves.
3. Put the cutting in a warm place with bright, indirect light. Top off the water to keep the lower half of the stem submerged, and change out the water if it gets cloudy.
4. In a few weeks, you should begin to see tiny white roots growing from the stem. When the roots are about an inch long, you can pot up the cutting and care for the plant as usual.
   

How to Propagate Peperomia Rotundifolia in Soil

You'll need a mature plant, a small plant pot, potting mix, water, pruners, rooting hormone powder, and a clear plastic bag.

1. Choose a healthy stem on the mother plant and cut a portion that's at least 4 inches long. Remove the leaves from the lower portion of the cutting.
2. Fill the pot with soil and water it well. Use your finger or a pencil to poke a hole a few inches into the soil.
3. Dip the bottom end of the cutting into the rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in the hole you created, patting down the soil around the stem to hold it in place.
4. Cover the cutting with the plastic bag and arrange it so the plastic isn't making contact with the plant. Tie the bag around the pot to help hold in humidity, or use a rubber band or piece of string to hold it in place.
5. Put the cutting in a warm place with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Remove the bag every few days to air out the cutting.
6. You'll know the cutting has rooted when you see new leaf growth. At this point, you can pot up the cutting and care for it as usual.
   

Potting and Repotting Peperomia Rotundifolia

Peperomias don't mind being slightly potbound, so you won't need to repot more than every two or three years. Use fresh soil and a container that just fits the plant's root ball.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases 

Like other peperomias, peperomia rotundifolia can be affected by viruses like ring spot and edema, and fungal infections like root rot and cutting rot. Plants are also susceptible to mealybugs. Keep an eye out for fluffy white masses of bugs. Remove infestations with a cotton swab or ball dipped in rubbing alcohol, but avoid getting the alcohol directly on the plant. For severe infestations, treat plants with multiple applications of insecticidal soap according to product directions.

Peperomia Rotundifolia Blooms

As with other peperomias, this plant is prized for its foliage, not its flowers. Peperomia rotundifolia blooms are tiny, unremarkable yellow or green flowers with no scent that appear on short spikes during the summer. You can cut them off at the base when they appear or allow them to drop off naturally.

Common Problems With Peperomia Rotundifolia

Curling Leaves

Curling leaves on peperomia rotundifolia are often caused by a lack of moisture, whether from dry soil or low humidity. Check soil moisture and water well if it's been a while and the soil is very dry. Consider boosting the humidity around the plant by running a humidifier.

Leaves Turning Yellow

Yellowing leaves are a common sign of overwatering, especially when accompanied by drooping and mushy stems. Check the soil moisture, and if it's overly wet or soggy, stop watering until it's completely dried out. Resume watering, but allow the soil to dry out fully before watering again. Another cause can be overfertilizing, especially if the soil was very dry when fertilizer was applied.

Plant Leaves Falling Off

Leaves falling off can be a sign of a severe problem. If the soil is too wet, root rot can cause leaves to yellow and drop off. Remove damaged leaves and stems and rotten roots, then repot in fresh, dry soil. Overly dry, parched conditions can also cause leaves to get dry, crispy, and then drop. Remove damaged plant parts, give the plant a deep soaking, and consider using a clear plastic bag or small greenhouse around the plant to hold in humidity while it recovers.