Peperomia Black

A compact plant with gorgeous, textural foliage. The heart shaped leaves grow up to 4cm. They are deep green with a black blush.

Occasionally, small white to yellow flower stalks on pink/red stems bloom, but it is for their foliage that they are loved.

Peperomia make a nice shade, Terrarium or house plant. In warm areas they grow well outdoors and can make a nice ground cover or edging plant in a shady, frost free spot.

SIZE: 10-20cm x 10-20cm

I SEE THE LIGHT: Bright, indirect light is ideal. You should be able to read during the day in their position in the room without turning on a light. If you only have artificial light, they will need about eight hours a day. They can cope with less light but in the variegated varieties you will lose the beautiful patterning.

WATER NEEDS: Water fairly freely spring/summer and less in winter – every other week. Allow the top soil of the pot to dry out before watering again, they will forgive you if you miss a watering or two, as they store some moisture in their foliage. You are more likely to kill them with kindness as over watering can lead to rotting.

They appreciate some humidity – especially in homes with ducted heating/air conditioning. It isn’t as vital as for many houseplants, so you can get away without it, but if the leaves start to brown it’s best to add some. You can provide some humidity for your beloved plant by placing them over a plate with rocks and water, this will naturally form humidity around the plant. Or if you want to get very fancy and grow a few of these tropical treats, purchasing a humidifier is a good investment – they are also good for you. Or you could grow it in a bathroom which naturally gets a good dose of steam. Or grow with other plants where the humidity will naturally form around the plants. They are also fantastic in terrariums.

I WILL SURVIVE: Use a diluted liquid fertiliser spring/summer, they aren’t overly hungry. Keep them clear of cold draughty positions or they will sulk. They have a shallow root system so don’t need a huge pot. Pinch them back in spring/summer to encourage bushy growth.