Pincushion Peperomia (Peperomia ferreyrae)

Pincushion Peperomia (Peperomia ferreyrae) is an ornamental, succulent, epiphytic erect shrub, up to 12 inches tall. The green stems bear very slender, narrow lime green leaves, up to 3 inches long with a darker-green longitudinal window along with their margin. The inflorescence is yellow-green, up to 12 inches long.

Scientific Classification:

Family: Piperaceae
Genus: Peperomia

Scientific Name: Peperomia ferreyrae
Common Names: Pincushion Peperomia

How to care and grow Pincushion Peperomia (Peperomia ferreyrae)?

Light:

It thrives well in bright light, but no direct sun. Best indoor location is north or east facing the window. Thrives under fluorescent lights.

Soil:

It grows well in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil or a peat-based soil is best, 2 parts peat and 1 part perlite or sand is a good mix.

Water:

Water moderately but consistently during the growing season, Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Allow the top one inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering during the winter season.

Temperature:

It requires ideal room temperature between 65 degrees Fahrenheit – 75 degrees Fahrenheit / 18 degrees Celsius -24 degrees Celsius. Avoid temperatures below 60°F.

Fertilizer:

Fertilize your plant monthly in the spring and summer with a diluted liquid fertilizer. Do not fertilize during the winter season.

Pruning:

Pincushion Peperomia plants can be pruned anywhere along the stem. If stems and leaves begin overgrowing you can pinch out the top of certain stems to stop growth, otherwise, they begin to grow spindly and out of shape in appearance. New growth develops from the nodes just below the cut in the stem.

Propagation:

Peperomia ferreyrae can be easily propagated by division in spring or by leaf cuttings. Take leaf cuttings with a little bit of stem, dip in rooting hormone, put the leaf and stem in compost, water well and cover with a plastic bag. Evacuate the plastic bag once in a while to prevent the leaves from rotting. New plants will begin from the base of the leaves.

Pests and Diseases:

It has no serious pest or disease problems. Look for mealybugs, spider mites, and whitefly. Leaf spots may occur. Susceptible to rot if soils are kept too moist. Wetness and cold winter temperatures must be avoided.