Peperomia Ferreyrae (The Pincushion Peperomia/Happy Bean Succulent)

The lovely Peperomia Ferreyrae is a small succulent found in many tropical forests. This succulent grows to a maximum height of 30cm and is typically referred to as a “forest floor dweller.” But, as small as it is, this plant is eye-catching, making it difficult to overlook. In this article, not only do we get to see the outlook of this beautiful ‘Happy Bean’ succulent, but we also discuss its characteristics and how to care for it. Let’s get started!

The Peperomia Ferreyrae (also known as the ‘Happy Bean’ succulent) is native to Peru and does well between 1500 to about 2020 meters above sea level. Peperomia Ferreyrae stays compact. It is the perfect succulent to place on your desk, bookshelf, windowsill, or any decorative space in your house or office.

If you’re new to house plants, the Peperomia Ferreyrae is a great plant to start with as it requires very little taking care of yet will remain looking beautiful and healthy for a long time.

Green, bean-like leaves are what make the Peperomia Ferreyrae plant stand out. The leaves are erect, and their lime-green color gives the plant a fresh look. The leaves on the P. Ferreyrae can grow as long as 7.5cm, and each one has a darker green line running down the middle of it.

The Peperomia Ferreyrae does not need any flowers to bring out its beauty, and all its beauty comes from its happy-looking lime and dark green leaves.

How To Grow & Care For Peperomia Ferreyrae

#1. Light

Pincushion peperomia is highly adaptable to partial sunlight. This succulent will surprise you as it thrives in low-light conditions.

Peperomia Ferreyrae does not like intense, direct sunlight, especially if exposed over a long period. During the hot summer months, we recommend moving the plant to a shaded area during the hot midday sun.

Any location that allows for indirect light/partial sunlight and a supply of free-flowing air gives the Peperomia Ferreyrae an ideal environment for healthy growth.

If your house or verandah has limited exposure to light, the Peperomia Ferreyrae should be your plant of choice.

#2. Temperature

The Peperomia Ferreyrae plant thrives in regions that have temperatures that range between 18°C and 24°C. They welcome low to medium humidity, and should you notice the air becoming dry, introduce some moisture, usually through misting.

#3. Water

This plant is susceptible to over-watering, so one should go easy on the water. The best way to find out when to water is to look at the soil. If it is damp, the plant does not require any additional water. Only water the plant if the ground appears dry.

Ensuring the plant has adequate water requires a little delicate balancing: too much water leads to root rot while too little impedes growth.

#4. Soil

The best soil for the Peperomia Ferreyrae plant is one that has good drainage properties. Peat moss and cactus soil mix are perfect for this succulent.

Just like most of its succulent peers, Peperomia Ferreyrae does not appreciate soggy soil or sitting in stagnant water for extended periods.

Learn how to DIY your planting soil at home: How To Make Your Succulent Soil At Home.

#5. Fertilization

The Peperomia Ferreyrae does very well without the use of fertilizer. Yet, if you are averse to taking risks, you can give your plant a light spray of diluted liquid fertilizer once every two weeks during the springtime. During the summer, fertilizing once a month is adequate. After summer, there will be no need for further fertilizing until the following year, during the spring season.

#6. Repotting/ Transplanting

The roots of the Peperomia Ferreyrae are small and are not likely to overgrow the pot in a hurry. When the time comes for repotting, use a pot just a few sizes bigger than the current one.

Two things happen when you have had this plant in the same pottage for a season; minerals in the soil get depleted, and the soil loses its porosity. With these, the soil becomes less than ideal for the plant because, as we have seen, waterlogging is a danger to this and other succulents.

Transplanting is also necessary if you notice the plant has grown too big for the previous pot. In other plants, having roots protruding from drainage holes will show you when the pot has become too small, but the roots of this plant are usually small; they are unlikely to outgrow the pot, so roots as an indicator wouldn’t apply. The best time to transplant your ferreyrae is towards the end of winter or early spring because its growing season is spring.

Fill an appropriately sized pot with well-draining soil with high gravel content and gently remove the plant from the previous pottage. Remove as much of the previous pottage from the plant’s roots as possible and plant the succulent in the new soil. Be sure to water the plant.

We recommend a yearly soil change to keep the plant growing healthy, perky, and green.

Learn how to DIY your planting soil at home: How To Make Your Succulent Soil At Home.

#7. Humidity

Peperomia Ferreyrae is not too fussy about humidity, and the average room temperature is enough to sustain it. However, you might have to intervene in sweltering summers when the air gets too dry. You can tell your ferreyrae needs more humidity if you find the leaves lacking vibrancy or appearing a bit calloused. Keeping the plant, among others, helps preserve humidity since they keep the environment cool.

Read more: These inspirational quotes about succulents will light up your day 🙂

Propagation

Propagation through the use of cuttings is the recommended method and the one that will be most successful. This should be done during the spring or summer season when the plant is in its growth stage. When you get your cuttings from the leaves, we recommend that you leave them for a day to allow the wound to heal.

After giving your succulent cuttings enough time to heal, you can proceed in one of 2 ways.

1. Plant it in the soil immediately. This method is more hands-off as the only care needed is regular watering when the ground looks dry.
2. Place the cutting in a glass container with water. This exciting method allows you to watch as the roots grow. When the roots get to about 4cm, the plant is ready to be placed in the soil.

Whatever option you choose, keep your cutting in a warm environment of about 20°C, and expose it to direct light to enhance growth.

Problems When Growing Peperomia Ferreyrae

The Peperomia Ferreyrae is one of the few plants that can be said to be more or less problem-free.

The three main things you need to keep an eye out for are:

• Mealybugs

If you notice some white cottony deposits on the succulent stem or the underside of the leaves, this more often than not indicates the presence of mealy bugs.

• Root-rot

The dreaded root rot is a result of overwatering your P. Ferreyra.

Succulents are easily susceptible to root-rot, and scab-like swellings on the leaves or black mushy stems are a sure manifestation of this often fatal disease.

Remember that succulents, in general, are a pretty hardy plant and can survive weeks without any water.

• Extreme temperature change

A few falling leaves shouldn’t be a cause to worry- all plants shed a few leaves now and then. However, if the problem persists and your succulent is losing a considerable number of leaves, the culprit is most likely sudden and extreme drops in temperature. If this is the case, we recommend you move your plant indoors to a warmer location.

If you have these three issues under control, you can leave the plant without worry and let nature do its thing.

Toxicity

The Peperomia Ferreyrae is a toxic-free plant, allowing you to enjoy its green beauty without the fear of developing rashes or itchiness. A perfect succulent to grow indoors, it is safe for you, your family, and your beloved pets. 

Pruning

Pruning is mainly intended to keep the plant in shape and keep it healthy. To keep it in shape, you can clip the edges of the plant’s branches. Clipping them thus keeps them from getting too long and causes them to spread. Such spreading gives your plant more foliage, making it even more attractive.

Removing dead leaves that usually occur on the lower side of the plant brings out the natural beauty of your plant and removes a breeding place for pests. Cut off the dead leaves and branches with a runner without injuring the stem.

Bloom

Flowers are not his plant’s main attraction; the structure and shape of its leaves are his primary source of beauty. However, it produces small yellow flowers that bloom on the edges of conical stalks that appear at the end of some of the plant’s stems. To some people, the flower stalks distort the otherwise well-ordered appearance of the plant, and removing them is the best approach to keeping the plant attractive.

Read more: 199+ Positive Succulent Quotes For Succulent Lovers (A Collection).

Peperomia Ferreyrae FAQs

1. How much attention does Peperomia ferreyrae need?

This plant doesn’t need too much attention. You need only to water it when the soil is dry, keep the humidity levels medium, and provide bright sunlight. A relatively busy or inexperienced parent can take care of this plant.

2. Which is the best place to keep my Peperomia ferreyrae?

The best place is indoors. You can place it on your desk since it is small and non-toxic. You don’t need to worry about your children and pests when it is in the house due to the lack of toxicity. Be careful to position it where it can access enough light; it needs light, so keeping it next to a window is helpful.

3. How fast does Peperomia ferreyrae grow?

This plant grows at a moderate speed during the growing seasons. Notably, this is a small plant, so its moderate growth doesn’t mean it will become significant.

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