Peperomia Quadrangularis (The Bettle Peperomia)

Peperomia Beetle, also known as Peperomia Angulata, is indigenous to South America, and it grows in both tropical and subtropical areas. It is from the Piperaceae family. It is a native of the tropical forests of Latin America, and it is, therefore, adapted to the same conditions as you would find in those environments.

* Note: We will earn a small fee when you purchase through any of the above affiliate links, at no additional cost to you.

Description

It’s a slow-growing plant, and it grows to a height of 0.5 meters while indoors. This plant is a trailing plant; when grown outside, it spreads, covering the ground. Training is one of the main grooming activities associated with the plant.

The leaves

1. They are succulent
2. They are striped green
3. Lightly veined
4. They are rounded
5. They look like beetles; thus, the name peperomia beetle

The stems

1. They are reddish
2. Square-shaped
3. They are flexible and delicate

The flowers

1. They are small and insignificant
2. White
3. They are spike-like
4. They bloom during summer and spring.

Peperomia Beetle Care

This plant requires minimum care and maintenance, but you must consider a few factors for it to remain strong. These are:

Watering

This plant, as stated earlier, is succulent, which means it stores water for itself. Therefore it doesn’t need a lot of watering. To water it, you must ensure the top potting soil is dry. It has very delicate roots, and overwatering it might cause root rot leading to the death of the plant. This is more likely to happen during winter. It’s far better to underwater this plant than overwater it. If you notice the leaves are wilting, mainly because the roots are rooting due to overwatering, you might consider repotting your plant to dry soil. Water more frequently during summer. If you notice that the space where you have placed it has low light levels, water it less.

Giving this plant a drink is one of the most critical care considerations. Watering is essential because the plant needs water to survive and because root rot is the main danger this plant faces, and it is caused by overwatering.

Although it is a forest plant, Peperomia Beetle can survive in low humidity. However, it produces the best results when the environment is humid. You need to water the plant regularly due to the soil you need to grow it. Misting from time to time will also give you the best results for your plant, and it enjoys rainwater the most, so you should invest in rainwater harvesting.

Watering according to the Seasons

Watering the soil is a delicate affair. Some people advise on the number of times you should water the plant in different seasons, but it is challenging to make an accurate prediction. The lack of clarity is because the weather in different seasons is different in various places. Some places experience hotter summers than others, while others experience warmer winters. Weather patterns, even in the exact location, are not clear-cut. One summer can be sweltering while the other one turns out to be pretty cool. Due to evaporation, the plant will need more frequent watering in the warmer summer.

Therefore, the best way to water is to do a moisture test on the pottage. You only water when the substrate has no moisture from the previous watering, and you can tell there is no moisture by sticking your fingers in the soil. If there is no moisture in the first two inches, you will know it is time to water. You will learn your plant’s rhythm for the season after watering it a few times. Then you will notice that your estimates on when you need to water will get more and more accurate. You rarely need water in winter, but you should watch the plant to see if it needs water. Please give it a drink once when you deem it necessary.

Lighting

As stated earlier, the Peperomia Beetle does well in tropical conditions. They grow under shades that the tree canopies provide. When growing this plant, you should mimic its natural growth conditions. The canopies do not allow a lot of light through the plant; basically, the light is filtered. When growing this plant, make sure it is in a space where it experiences moderate light; it should be indirect and filtered. Direct sunlight causes the leaves to scorch. Move your plant to a shady place if you notice this change on the leaves.

Sometimes the stem of your plant may appear long and stretched/ leggy. This is because it is not getting enough light; therefore, it starts moving in the direction of the light. If you notice this, move it to a source of light.

Fertilizer for Peperomia Beetle

This plant is mainly planted in pots, and manufacturers are likely to have mixed the commercial pottage you purchase with the correct nutrients for the plants. This means that the plant may not need fertilizer for some time. You might need to apply some fertilizer during propagation, especially if you are mixing your soil at home. You should use your fertilizer twice a month during this typical winter and summer. Make sure the fertilizer is balanced and well diluted to avoid which, as a result, might cause fertilizer burn. It is also vital to check if the soil is moist to prevent it.

Pruning

This plant might become bush sometimes; you might need to regularly remove the dead leaves and excess ones to make sure that your plant looks fuller.

Ensure that your pruning blades are sterilized to prevent infections when pruning. Always make sure that you prune your plant slightly above the blade. Be careful not to over-prune your plant, as this may cause the plant to die.

Soil for Peperomia Beetle

When planting, you should check the pH of your plant; the best is between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should be well-draining to avoid foot rot, and it should also be adequately aerated. Like many succulent plants, it would be best to buy a potting mix or succulent mix in soil centers or greenhouses. Mix compost, mulch a bit of pumice, and perlite for drainage purposes if you mix it at home. Throwing some pebbles at the bottom of the plot will ease drainage. This also makes repotting easier.

The pot you use for the plant is a critical determinant of how well-drained the soil will be. You can use a pot made from any material as long as it has suitable drainage holes. The critical role these drainage holes play in the plant’s health is allowing excess water to drain from the soil. No matter how well-draining the soil is, it will still damage your plant’s roots if the water settles at the pot’s base.

An unglazed terracotta pot is the best for any plan that prefers well-drained soils. It has a significant advantage because besides excess water flowing through drainage holes, it also evaporates from the sides of the pot where there are tiny spaces. The small spaces also allow air to pass through the soil; thus, the pot will well air the roots. The lack of enough oxygen causes root rot in your Peperomia beetle. The additional infusion of oxygen to the roots through the pot will make the hearts healthier.

Temperature

This plant does well in moderate temperatures, too hot or too cold. Hot temperatures should not go beyond 24 degrees; cold temperatures should not go below 12 degrees. Its best temperature should be moderate room temperature. If you notice it is too cold inside, you might consider moving it outside, and if the temperatures outside are too high, you may return it inside.

Humidity

This plant grows in equatorial climates with moderate to high humidity. You must mimic these conditions by checking the effects of heaters and aircon on the humidity of your plant. You might also consider misting your plant during dry seasons.

Potting

Therefore, the tiny plants do not need huge pots because the root system is minimal. The only thing you should ensure is that the soil is loosely packed. It doesn’t matter how small the pot is. If there’s a need to repot, do it during winter. I have stated earlier the need to put pebbles at the bottom of your pot to ensure smooth repotting.

Placement

Peperomia beetle is primarily an indoor plant; it’s best placed by the window without direct sunlight. They can be placed on office tables and are ornamental, so putting them on the living room tables is also a good idea; also, you can place them on balconies. They are also stunning when hung on the wall. The plant is not toxic, so there is no need to worry about pets and children.

Pests and diseases in Peperomia Beetle

Peperomia beetle is quite resistant to pests; however ever, during dry seasons and low humidity seasons, spider mites may affect the plant. Note that if you grow your plant conditions, they might never have to experience these pests. If they get affected, the best way to deal with them is to spray industrial pesticides; some people prefer using traditional methods like applying neem oil, which works perfectly and is much safer. You can also consider misting your plant, preferably with rainwater, as it helps keep the spider mites away.

The only significant disease that affects peperomia beetle is root rot, which you can avoid by giving the right amount of water to the plant.

However, other problems affect the plant. These include;

Leaves dropping

This is usually a sign that the roots are rotting, which is a result of overwatering, you can save your plant if it is mature, but it might be too late for young plants. If this happens, repot your plant as soon as possible to a fresh pot with dry soil, and do not water it immediately.

Plant going limp

This is usually a sign that you are not giving your plant enough water, you can water the plant, but if the roots are dead, it will be all in vain.

Leaf discoloration

It’s caused mainly by freezing conditions; you might consider bringing the plant inside if it’s planted outside. This is a sign that there are not enough nutrients for your plant in the soil. You should put some fertilizer on your plant; if it is mature, transfer it to a pot with well-balanced soil.

Stunted growth for a while

This is a sign that the plant is not feeding well. Add well-balanced soil and move your plant to a source of light.

Related

• Common Knowledge About Pest Control For Succulents – Protecting Your Succulents By Getting Rid Of Bugs & Pests
• How to Get Rid of Mealybugs From Your Succulents
• What You Need To Know About the ‘Bluebean’ Graptopetalum Pachyphyllum
• What Is Variegated Goldfish Plant?

Peperomia Beetle Propagation

Peperomia Beetle can be propagated Either by;

1. Leaf-cutting
2. Stem cutting

Peperomia Beetle propagation by Leaf-cutting

It’s the most common method, below are the steps that you must follow

1. Choose a healthy leaf from the mother plant
2. Remove the leaf from the stem
3. Prepare your potting mix
4. Dip the stalk into a hormone powder; you can use cinnamon powder instead of the hormone powder.
5. Bury the stalk of your leaf in the soil
6. Water your plant; a plant parent should do this frequently until the plant begins to develop roots.

Peperomia Beetle Propagation by stem

This process is similar to that of leaf-cutting propagation, only that you use a stem this time.

1. Choose a healthy stem from the mother plant.
2. Make sure you cut your stem below the stem node not to damage the plant.
3. Prepare your potting mix.
4. Dip your cutting into a hormone powder or cinnamon powder
5. Bury your cutting into the soil
6. Water your plant and place it under a shade.

Within four to five weeks, your plant roots will begin to develop.

Some people prefer propagating it in water, it does very well, too, but you must transfer your plant to the soil immediately after it starts rooting as it might rot.

Before conclusion,…

* Note: We will earn a small fee when you purchase through any of the above affiliate links, at no additional cost to you.

Conclusion

Peperomia Beetle is an attractive plant, from propagation to taking care of it. It does not need a lot of care and maintenance. This plant is not toxic; you can place it anywhere in the house. It is also a gorgeous plant. If kept in the right conditions, it will be here for a long time.