Peperomia graveolens – Indoor House Plants

Peperomia graveolens (Ruby glow) is an evergreen perennial, succulent, ornamental houseplant. Ruby Glow is like a mini shrub which grows up to ten inches tall, with shining wine red stems with extremely succulent leaves that are wine red except on the upper side. The V-shaped leaves (that helps with photosynthesis) are green on the top and burgundy-red underneath. The terminal, simple blossom raceme resembles a long thin rat’s tail, to the naked eye, it appears to be a powdery lime-green, up to 3 inches tall, growing singularly on long red stems that are up to 10 inches tall. Flowers are yellowish-white with a white margin. Ruby glow is very easy to care for. Also, it looks awesome when displayed on work areas or small tables.

Scientific Name: Peperomia graveolens
Common Names: Ruby peperomia, Ruby Glow.

How to grow and maintain Peperomia graveolens :

Light:
It thrives well in bright light, but no direct sun. Best indoor location is a north or east facing the window. Thrives under fluorescent lights.

Soil:
It grows well in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil or a peat-based soil is best, 2 parts peat and 1 part perlite or sand is a good mix.

Water:
Water moderately but consistently during the growing season, Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Allow the top one inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering during the winter season.

Temperature:
It requires ideal room temperature between 65 degrees Fahrenheit – 75 degrees Fahrenheit / 18 degrees Celsius -24 degrees Celsius. Avoid temperatures below 60°F.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize your plant monthly in the spring and summer with a diluted liquid fertilizer. Do not fertilize during the winter season.

Pruning:
Peperomia graveolens plants can be pruned anywhere along the stem. If stems and leaves begin overgrowing you can pinch out the top of certain stems to stop growth, otherwise, they begin to grow spindly and out of shape in appearance. New growth develops from the nodes just below the cut in the stem.

Propagation:
It can be easily propagated by division in spring or by leaf cuttings. Take leaf cuttings with a little bit of stem, dip in rooting hormone, put the leaf and stem in compost, water well and cover with a plastic bag. Evacuate the plastic bag once in a while to prevent the leaves from rotting. New plants will begin from the base of the leaves.

Pests and Diseases:
There is no serious pest or disease problems. Look for mealybugs, spider mites, and whitefly. Leaf spots may occur. Susceptible to rot if soils are kept too moist. Wetness and cold winter temperatures must be avoided.