Peperomia Happy bean in pot

Credit: Juan Ignacio 1976

Tubular leaves of Peperomia ferreyrae

Credit: Natalia Gumulak

Peperomia ferreyrae in pot

Credit: Kaster

Leaves with dark veins of Peperomia ferreyrae

Credit: Liesl de Witte

Peperomia ferreyrae, the happy bean

Not all beans grow in the vegetable garden. Peperomia bean (in Latin Peperomia ferreyrae) is native to the Peruvian forests. But don't count on it to fill your quota of five fruits and vegetables a day. The plant is grown solely for its decorative foliage.

How to recognize Peperomia ferreyrae, Peperomia 'Happy bean'?

Peperomia ferreyrae is an upright, semi-succulent herbaceous plant. It grows to a maximum height of 30 centimetres.

The thick green stems are strongly branched. They bear fleshy, alternate leaves. Blades are three to five centimetres long. They are tube- or bean-shaped. Bright green in the botanical variety or acid green in the Musifola variety, they have a darker stripe on the top of the leaf. This allows the plant to photosynthesize.

Like peperomia scandens, Peperomia ferreyrae flowers in summer. Flower stalks appear at the top of branches. Yellow flowers grow on top, in spikes.

Despite its name, Peperomia ferreyrae is not edible. Its leaves are of no interest in salads or pan-fried dishes. But they are not toxic if eaten. You can leave your plant within the reach of your pets or young children without fear.

Our maintenance tips

Peperomia bean is an undemanding tropical plant. The main thing is not to overwater it. It also appreciates light, but fears direct sunlight. Finally, it needs warmth. Never leave it in a room where the temperature falls below 13 degrees, and keep it away from draughts.

Watering

Bean Peperomia like to keep soil moist, but not soggy. Water when the soil surface is dry (two to three centimetres).

Water the substrate with non-calcareous water, such as rainwater, at room temperature.

Allow the water to drain through the drainage holes before replacing the plant. Empty out any water stagnating in the saucer or planter. It may rot the roots.

Spray

In our homes, heating dries out the air. To remedy this, spray the foliage of your Peperomia ferreyrae with non-calcareous water at room temperature.

Repotting

Every spring, repot your Peperomia ferreyrae to give it more space.

Choose a pierced pot slightly larger than the previous one. First lay a bed of clay balls or gravel to optimize drainage. Top it off with a special potting soil for green plants. This will provide your shrub with nutrients, at least for a few weeks.

You can place the pot in a saucer filled with moist clay balls. This will improve the hygrometry without risk to the roots.

Fertilization

To promote the growth of your Peperomia ferreyrae, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

Addgreen plant fertilizer to watering water.

Cleaning

To improve photosynthesis, clean the foliage with a damp sponge.

Prune

Remove or cut back yellowed and wiltedleaves. If you use pruning shears or scissors, make sure your tool is clean.

Pinch

Pinch your Peperomia ferreyrae during its growing season.

Pinch the ends of the stems with your fingers to help the plant branch out and maintain a compact habit.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Locate a secondary stem about ten centimeters long and separate it from the main stem using scissors, a knife or pruning shears. They should be clean and sharp.

Line a small, perforated pot with potting soil for seedlings and cuttings. Using a pen or pick, make a pilot hole. Plant your cutting, taking care not to bury the leaves.

Place your cutting in a sunny spot and spray the substrate regularly with water to keep it moist.

Disease / Threat

Red spiders

Information

Family	Piperaceae - Piperaceae
Type	Peperomia - Peperomia
Species	Peperomia bean - Peperomia ferreyrae
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Interior Herbaceous
Tags	Beginner Fritillary
Origin	South America
Hardiness (USDA)	11a
Leaf color
Flower colors