Exotic, compact, and low maintenance, these words can describe Peperomia Nevada best. It has lime-colored leaves that resemble beans. Due to their attractive features, the plants are widely used as decorations in homes and offices.
In this article, we’ll look at a general overview of Peperomia Nevada, some insights into how to care for it and answer some FAQs. Let’s get right to it!
Overview of the plant
There are more than 1,500 species in the Peperomia family, most of which are house plants. The species vary in color, the structure of leaves, and textures. The origin of Peperomia Nevada is South and Central America.
The leaves of the Peperomia Nevada are shaped like beans, and people often mistake it for a succulent plant. Its leaves are tube-like, grow up to 3 inches, and are lime-green. Although these plants will grow up very messy if left alone, they can be given a bushy shape if pruned properly.
The Peperomia Nevada is also called the Pincushion Peperomia and the Happy Bean.
Care Guide
These plants don’t grow well in muddy soil. However, you can grow them in sandy, loamy, or clay-like soil. Whatever soil type you’re opting for, it’s essential to ensure proper water drainage facilities. If the plant is left in muddy soil for too long, it’ll be susceptible to root rot and other diseases.
You may want to prepare the soil before planting. To do so, get a potting mix rich in peat moss from your nearest store. Before planting, add some orchid bark to further enrich the soil.
As mentioned previously, the Peperomia Nevada doesn’t grow well in wet soil. So, it’s important to avoid over-watering. However, you will need to water it regularly for optimum growth. Before watering the plant, the soil must be completely dry.
The plant doesn’t grow quite well during the winter and the fall. So, watering can be limited in these two seasons.
The Peperomia Nevada grows best in partial shade. So, you don’t want to grow it in full sunlight. As the leaves are rather sensitive, you may risk burning them by placing them in direct sunlight.
Also, the plants can be grown in full shade. However, if grown in full shade, the plant’s leaves won’t be as vibrant. The best solution would be to place them at a spot where there’s sufficient reflected sunlight from windows. You can also use fluorescent lighting as a good replacement for indirect sunlight.
The plant grows best in spring. You can speed up the growth as well as the leaf quality by using diluted fertilizer or fertilizer pellets. Strong fertilizers aren’t recommended, so you should use slow-release pellets only. The plant doesn’t grow in the winter, so fertilizer shouldn’t be applied in the winter.
The Peperomia Nevada plants grow well at average room temperature. As long as the temperature is between 18-27 degrees Celsius, you’ll be good to go. You can also plant these in air-conditioned rooms. However, the plant shouldn’t be placed in direct airflow of the air conditioner.
It won’t grow well in low humidity. If you’re planning to grow these in a low-humidity room, you can do so by spraying some water on the leaves. Another tried and tested technique is setting the pot on a tray full of water and small stones.
In the case of the latter method, it’s to be ensured that the bottom of the pot isn’t in direct contact with the water. This would inhibit the drainage and eventually lead to root rot.
Pests And Diseases
If overwatered, the Peperomia Nevada can suffer from root rot. Furthermore, the leaves may wilt, or there may be the development of protrusions on the leaves. Any of these would ruin the aesthetic of the plant and make it less attractive.
Also, using inappropriate fertilizer and a massive change in temperature can lead to leaf shedding. However, expect some level of leaf shedding as the leaves of the plant are quite brittle and can break easily.
What are the Uses of this Plant?
The Peperomia Nevada plants can’t be used for any specific purposes. They’re mainly grown indoors for beautification. As these plants are quite compact, they can add a bit of green to your home without taking up much space.
Furthermore, they’re very easy to maintain, and this makes them a great choice for those who want low-maintenance vegetation in their homes and offices.
Is it Toxic?
The Peperomia Nevada is a non-toxic plant, and that’s true for humans and pets. Still, you must take caution not to consume the leaves as they’re not edible.
Is it Drought Tolerant?
The Peperomia Nevada looks like a succulent plant due to its fleshy leaves. However, the plant is not succulent, and it’s not drought tolerant. You must water it regularly to ensure optimum growth.
How Big Does it Get?
The Peperomia Nevada has leaves that grow up to 3 inches in length. The plant can grow as long as 12-inches. Wild Peperomia Nevada plants can be messy as they tend to grow in all directions. However, pruning them regularly will help you grow them in an upright position.
Conclusion
The Peperomia Nevada is suitable for those who want to beautify their indoors without much effort. Growing only up to 12 inches, these compact plants can make your tabletops and kitchen countertops look better.
These are rather low-effort plants compared to some other plants like the Orchids. However, you need to prune them regularly to maintain a shape that looks beautiful.