Peperomia clusiifolia tricolor in the ground

Credit: Yercaud Elango

Peperomia clusiifolia creamy green rose

Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking

Peperomia clussifolia in bloom

Credit: HQ Flower Guide

Green leaf pink and cream Peperomia clusiifolia variegata

Credit: Marija Gajic

Peperomia clusiifolia variegata, variegated and tricolored leaves

In botany, when a plant is described as variegata, this generally means that its green leaves are variegated with white. But Peperomia clusiifolia variegata goes even further! Often sold under the name Peperomia 'Jelly', Ginny' or 'Tricolor', this variety of Peperomia clusiifolia has green, cream and pink leaf blades.

How to recognize Peperomia clusiifolia variegata?

Peperomia clusiifolia variegata is an upright, bushy perennial herb. It reaches a maximum height of 25 centimetres.

The fleshy, branched stem is dark red. Like its foliage, it can store water.

The thick, elliptical leaves have a waxy texture, typical of succulents. The center of the leaf blade is grayish-green, surrounded by irregular yellow or cream areas. The margin is pale pink to red.

Peperomia variegata flowers are grouped in cylindrical spikes. They are white or green and have no fragrance.

This plant rarely produces fruit when grown indoors. Fruits are small berries containing tiny seeds.

Peperomia clusiifolia variegata is not toxic, either to pets or to humans. It does not present any danger in the event of contact or ingestion.

Our maintenance tips

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

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Peperomia clusiifolia variegata 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 variegata 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