Peperomia puteolata (Parallel Peperomia) – House Plants

Peperomia puteolata (Parallel peperomia) is a perennial, ornamental foliage houseplant. It has stiff, leathery leaves that are elliptic to lanceolate with entire leaf margin. There are five prominent, slightly sunken veins that run longitudinally and create a dark green and cream-striped pattern. Leaf arrangement is whorled with three to four leaves per node. The reddish purple stems are round and covered in soft, short hairs. It can produce small, green blossoms on spike inflorescence that look like rat tails.

Scientific Name: Peperomia puteolata
Common Names: Parallel peperomia

 

How to grow and maintain Peperomia puteolata:

Light:
It thrives best in bright light, but no direct sun. Too much direct sunlight may scorch the leaves. Best indoor location is a north or east facing the window. Also 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 prefers ideal temperatures of 65-75ºF / 18-24ºC, and no lower than 50ºF / 10ºC. Avoid sudden temperature drops and cold drafts.

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

Propagation:
It can be easily propagated by stem tip cuttings (Take cuttings in spring or early summer), leaf cuttings and plant division. Take a stem tip with one or two leaves attached and at least one node, dip in rooting hormone, place the leaf and stem in compost, water well and cover with a plastic bag. Remove the plastic bag once in a while to prevent the leaves from rotting. New plants will start from the base of the leaves.

Pruning:
Parallel peperomia 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.

Pests and Diseases:
There is no serious pest or disease problems. Watch for mealybugs, spider mites, and whitefly. Leaf spots may occur. Susceptible to root rot if soils are kept too moist.