Care of the indoor plant Peperomia magnoliifolia or Spoonleaf Peperomia |
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The genus Peperomia, family Piperaceae, includes more than 1000 species of perennial plants native to tropical regions around the globe. Some species are: Peperomia magnoliifolia, Peperomia dolabriformis, Peperomia polybotrya, Peperomia angulata, Peperomia caperata, Peperomia argyreia, Peperomia obtusifolia, Peperomia orba. Common names: Spoonleaf Peperomia, Baby rubber plant, Pepper elder, Radiator plant, Shining bush plant and Emerald ripper pepper. This species is native to Mexico and South America. They are tropical herbaceous plants that reach 30 cm (11.8") in height but with age they adopt a hanging shape. The large fleshy leaves are flat and bright green or variegated. They produce fine, long erect whitish or greenish flower spikes that are not decorative. Indoors they do not usually bloom. They are used as indoor, greenhouse and terrace and patio plants (in regions with a tropical or subtropical climate). Peperomia magnoliifolia needs filtered light exposure, never direct sun. The temperature should not be lower than 13 ºC (55.4 ºF). The soil can be a commercial substrate for peaty houseplants. The transplant is done in late winter or early spring. Water moderately with lime-free water, waiting for the substrate to dry. The humidity should be medium-high: place a plate with damp pebbles under the pot and spray the leaves frequently with lime-free water in spring and summer. Fertilize in spring and summer every 3 weeks with mineral fertilizer for indoor plants at half the usual dose. Prune withered flowers and dry leaves. They are sensitive plants to excess watering in winter, to drafts and to low humidity. They are propagated in spring or early summer by stem cuttings; use rooting hormones. |
Images of the indoor plant Peperomia magnoliifolia or Spoonleaf Peperomia |
 Peperomia magnoliifolia  Peperomia magnoliifolia  Peperomia magnoliifolia |