Peperomia clusiifolia in pot

Credit: Salix

Peperomia clusiifolia green and pink

Credit: David J.Stang

Peperomia clusiifolia green and white

Credit: Cultivar 413

Green and red Peperomia clusiifolia leaf

Credit: Marija Gajic

Peperomia clusiifolia, a Peperomia with elliptical leaves

Jamaica has not only given the world the greatest sprinters of all time and reggae. It has also given us Peperomia clusiifolia, a plant in the Piperaceae family with thick, colorful leaves.

How to recognize Peperomia clusiifolia?

Peperomia clusiifolia is a perennial plant that generally reaches a height of 30 centimetres, with a width of 50 centimetres. It has a compact, bushy habit.

The stem is thick and succulent,often reddish at the base.

The fleshy, leathery, elliptical leaves are ten to fifteen centimetres long. Dark green in the botanical Peperomia clusiifolia, the blades sport touches of cream, pink or red in hybrid varieties such as peperomia clusiifolia variegata or peperomia 'Red Margin. The resemblance of the foliage to that of the clusier inspired the plant's name: in Latin, clusiifolia means clusier-leaved.

The cream or green flowers are grouped in cylindrical spikes. Small and discreet, they give off almost no scent.

The plant produces berries containing tiny seeds. These fruits rarely appear indoors or at our latitudes.

Peperomia clusiifolia is safe for pets. It is not toxic, either to the touch or if ingested.

Our maintenance tips

Peperomia clusiifolia behaves almost like a succulent. You don't need to water it much and it gets plenty of light. Avoid direct sunlight, however, as it is too strong for its delicate leaves.

Watering

Peperomia clusiifolia needs a regular supply of water. But, like many plants, the plant cannot tolerate excess. Check that the potting soil has dried on the surface (two to three centimetres) before watering. If this is the case, use non-calcareous water at room temperature. You only need to moisten the root ball, not the soil.

Don't forget to drain off any stagnant water in the saucer or planter. It could rot the roots.

Spray

Peperomia clusiifolia love humidity. Spray their foliage to increase humidity and combat pest invasion.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Peperomia clusiifolia to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Obtain a pierced pot one size larger than the previous one. Place a bed of clay balls or non-limestone gravel at the bottom to promote drainage. Then fill with a nutrient-rich potting soil, such as green plant compost, to within three centimetres of the rim. This way, water won't overflow during watering.

To create a close environment that will remind your plant of its natural surroundings, you can place its pot on a saucer filled with wet clay balls. They'll diffuse a much-appreciated humidity!

Fertilization

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

Apply green plant fertilizer in addition to watering.

Cleaning

Clean the top and bottom of the leaves with a damp sponge. This removes dust and keeps pests at bay.

Prune

Remove wilted and yellowed leaves.

Pinch

Pinch your Peperomia clusiifolia during its growing season.

To encourage stem branching, pinch off the terminal buds.

Cutting

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

Take a stem about ten centimeters long, with at least one leaf and one node. Use a clean, sharp tool, such as scissors or pruning shears, to cut below the node.

Place your cutting in a glass filled with water at room temperature. Make sure you submerge the knots, which will form the roots.

Place in a bright spot away from direct sunlight. Change the water regularly to keep it clear until the roots appear.

Disease / Threat

Red spiders

Information

Family	Piperaceae - Piperaceae
Type	Peperomia - Peperomia
Species	Peperomia clusiifolia - Peperomia clusiifolia
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Interior Herbaceous
Tag	Beginner
Origin	Central America
Hardiness (USDA)	11b
Leaf color
Flower colors