Peperomia rotundifolia is a vining plant, with thick, green leaves reminiscent of round medallions. In fact, the name “rotundifolia” was given to this plant by German botanist, Carl Sigismund Kunth and means “resembling round leaves.”
Peperomia rotundifolia’s thin, trailing stems rarely grow over 12 inches in length, so this is the perfect compact houseplant for small spaces. Although most of the time its succulent-like leaves are around 1 inch in diameter, some varieties can grow leaves up to 4 inches in diameter.
Light Needs
Peperomia rotundifolia grows naturally in shaded tropical forests, so this houseplant prefers medium to low light levels. North or east facing windows are the best light sources for this type of peperomia.
Trailing jade plant can handle brighter levels of indirect light. However, since harsh sunlight will scorch its leaves, protect it from direct sunshine.
Water Requirements
In the growing season, round leaf peperomia likes its soil to remain a bit moister than a true succulent would. Even so, don’t leave its roots sitting in water or it will be difficult to revive.
A good rule of thumb is to stick your finger into the soil, and see if it feels damp. If so, let it dry out several more days before watering.
Soil and Fertilizer Suggestions
It’s easy to make the best soil mix for peperomia rotundifolia. Simply combine equal parts of potting soil, sphagnum moss, and orchid bark mixture.
Fertilizer can benefit from feedings during the growing season. You can apply controlled release pellets at the beginning of spring, or apply diluted liquid fertilizer once every three weeks in the spring and summer. Never fertilize when the plant is dormant during the fall and winter.
Temperature and Humidity Levels
Temperatures that mimic peperomia rotundifolia’s natural habitat fall between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18° – 21° C). Like most tropical plants, peperomia rotundifolia cannot tolerate temperature extremes, so keep it away from radiators and air conditioners.
For best growth, maintain your home’s humidity above 50 percent when possible. Group houseplants together to increase the surrounding humidity, and add a humidity tray if you live in an arid climate.
How to Pot and Repot Peperomia Rotundifolia
A peperomia rotundifolia hanging basket is an excellent choice in a small office or apartment. Even if your new peperomia rotundifolia trailing jade is more shrub-shaped than trailing, it will eventually spill over the sides of the pot. Since peperomia rotundifolia doesn’t like being handled often, choose a pot that’s suitable for hanging.
The only time you should repot a peperomia rotundifolia is when the roots are outgrowing the pot. If it needs a larger container, choose one that’s only an inch or two bigger than the root ball. If the soil needs refreshing, remove the first few inches of topsoil and replace only that.
Pruning Tips
Always pinch off dead or dying leaves and stems. Peperomia rotundifolia flower spikes are neither beautiful nor fragrant, so feel free to prune them.
When you prune straggly stems, don’t throw them away if they look healthy. Instead, follow the instructions below to create more beautiful peperomia rotundifolia plants.
How to Propagate Peperomia Rotundifolia
Leaf cuttings are the best method for peperomia rotundifolia propagation. Use sterilized scissors and cut leaves close to the vine making sure each leaf has a petiole (the stalk that joins a leaf to the stem; leafstalk) attached. Try to cut directly above a leaf cluster so that the mother plant remains looking full.
Insert the end of each petiole into damp dirt and wait for them to form roots. Place the cuttings somewhere sunny and water enough to keep the soil moist, but not drenched. You should see new root growth within a month.
Additional Peperomia Rotundifolia Info
Other names for peperomia Rotundifolia include the following:
- Round Leaf Peperomia Rotundifolia
- Trailing Jade
- Jade Necklace
- Creeping Buttons
- String of Turtles
- Peperomia Rotundifolia Hope
If your peperomia rotundifolia becomes infested with household mites, treat it with insecticidal soap. Sometimes sprinkling cinnamon on top of the soil is enough to repel pests.
Brown and crispy leaves are a warning that your peperomia rotundifolia needs more humidity and less sunlight. Try spraying the plant with a fine-mist water sprayer once a week and make sure the only light the plant receives is indirect or filtered.
Peperomia Varieties
Peperomia Orba
Peperomia Ruby Cascade
Peperomia Hope
Peperomia ferreyrae
Peperomia Ginny
Peperomia Clusiifolia
Peperomia Graveolens
Peperomia Rosso
Peperomia Watermelon
Peperomia Caperata
Peperomia Obtusifolia
Peperomia Rotundifolia FAQs
Yes, all 1,000 species of peperomia are good plants for new indoor gardeners. Their care requirements are fairly basic, and they aren’t prone to many pests or diseases.
Because yellowing and falling leaves can be a sign of over or underwatering, see if the soil feels dry. If the soil is damp, chances are your plant is experiencing root rot from overwatering. Remove the plant from its pot and let the bare roots air-dry for 24 hours.
Repot into a container with drainage holes, filled with a well-draining soil mix. Make sure the container is only an inch or so larger than the root ball. Put the plant in indirect sunlight and water sparingly.
If the soil is very dry, you may be able to revive the peperomia rotundifolia by setting the pot in a deep dish of water for 10 minutes. This allows it to absorb water from the bottom up; if successful, the leaves should become plump and firm again within a few hours.
No. Trailing jade peperomia rotundifolia isn’t harmful to cats, dogs, and children. In fact, all species of peperomia are great non-toxic houseplants in homes with animals and small children.
