Peperomia suspension turtle chain
Round leaves Peperomia prostrata
Peperomia prostrata in pot
Green leaf pattern Pepeormia prostrata
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
Peperomia prostrata, the turtle chain plant
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
One look is all it takes to see why Peperomia prostrata has inherited the nickname "turtle chain". Its round, geometrically-patterned leaves are reminiscent of small shells that seem to be holding hands. This plant of the Piperaceae family comes to us from the humid tropical zones of Ecuador (the country, not the parallel).
How to recognize Peperomia prostrata, the turtle chain?
Turtle chain is a perennial herb with a drooping habit. Most often grown as a hanging plant, it measures barely a few centimetres in height.
Its stems, on the other hand, can reach 30 centimetres in length. They can be red or green.
The round, succulent leaves measure less than three centimetres in diameter. They feature patterns reminiscent of turtle shells. Young yellow blades have brown patterns. Mature leaves are light green , mottled with dark green, white or silver.
The turtle chain plant rarely flowers indoors. In its natural habitat, it produces small white or greenish flowers, clustered on a brown flowering spike.
Like peperomia polybotrya 'Raindrop, Peperomia prostrata is not toxic to pets. However, avoid putting the plant in full view of your pet turtle, or you risk encouraging its cannibalistic tendencies!
Our maintenance tips
Peperomia prostrata 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
Keep the soil slightly moist. Water only when the substrate is dry on the surface, for one or two centimeters.
Water with non-calcareous water at room temperature, without soaking the soil.
Thirty minutes after watering, empty any stagnant water from the cup. This will keep the roots dry and prevent them from rotting.
Spray
If the air in your home is dry, spray the leaves of your plant with non-calcareous water at room temperature.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Peperomia prostrata to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
In a pierced pot larger than the previous one, place a bed of clay balls, gravel or pebbles. Cover with the substrate. You can mix a special potting soil for green plants or houseplants with sand or compost.
Remove your plant from its container. To help the roots take hold, gently loosen the root bun. Plant in the center of the pot and top up with potting soil.
To improve humidity, place the pot on a dish filled with moist clay balls.
To improve humidity, place the pot on a dish filled with moist clay balls.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
To stimulate the growth of your Peperomia prostrata, use a liquid fertilizer for green plants.
Cleaning
Dust prevents leaves from absorbing light and slows photosynthesis. You can use a brush or feather duster to clean the foliage.
Prune
Remove dead leaves and wilted flowers.
Pinch
Pinch your Peperomia prostrata during its growing season.
Pinch the ends of the stems to force the plant to branch out and maintain a compact habit.
Cutting
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Cut a ten- to fifteen-centimeter stem with a clean, sharp tool. Remove the base leaves, leaving only the upper pairs.
In a pierced pot, pour a layer of gravel or clay balls, followed by the substrate. To promote growth, choose a rich potting soil such as horticultural compost or seedling and planting soil. You can add sand for drainage. Plant your graft and cover the roots with soil.
Place your cutting in a bright spot away from direct sunlight.
Place your cutting in a bright spot away from direct sunlight.
Disease / Threat
Information
| Family | Piperaceae - Piperaceae |
| Type | Peperomia - Peperomia |
| Species | Peperomia prostrata - Peperomia prostrata |
| Lifecycle | Perennial |
| Foliage | Evergreen |
| Exposures | |
| Substrat | |
| Planting method |
In pots |
| Categories | |
| Tag |
Beginner |
| Origin |
South America |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 10b |
| Leaf color |
|
| Flower color |
|
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