The Peperomia Teardrop, also known by its botanical name Peperomia orba or common names like Peperomia ‘Pixie’ or ‘Pixie Teardrop’, is a charming, compact semi-succulent houseplant. It is admired for its small, glossy, teardrop-shaped leaves, which often feature a distinctive white central stripe or a lime green variegation. Its petite size and attractive foliage make it a popular choice for tabletops, desks, or shelves, bringing a touch of natural beauty to any indoor space. It is generally considered easy to care for, appealing to both seasoned plant enthusiasts and beginners.
Caring for Your Peperomia Teardrop
Peperomia Teardrop thrives in bright, indirect light. Place the plant a few feet from a south-facing window or near an east- or west-facing window to avoid harsh, direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate leaves. While it tolerates some lower light, insufficient light may result in less vibrant foliage. Rotate the plant periodically for even growth.
As a semi-succulent, Peperomia Teardrop stores water in its fleshy leaves and stems. To prevent root rot, allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s bottom, then discard excess water. Underwatering can cause browning, shrivelled, or crispy leaves; overwatering is a common issue.
Peperomia Teardrop requires a well-draining, airy soil mix. A blend containing peat moss, perlite, or orchid bark promotes good drainage and aeration, preventing waterlogging around the roots. Pots must have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound, typically every one to two years, into a container only slightly larger.
This plant prefers average room temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C). Protect it from cold drafts or sudden temperature changes. While average household humidity levels are usually acceptable, Peperomia Teardrop appreciates higher humidity. Increase humidity by using a pebble tray, grouping plants, or a small humidifier.
Peperomia Teardrop is considered a light feeder and does not require extensive fertilization. During the active growing season (spring and summer), apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause fertilizer burn. Withhold fertilization during fall and winter when growth slows.
Propagating Peperomia Teardrop
Propagating Peperomia Teardrop is straightforward using stem or leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, select a healthy stem with a few leaves and cut just below a node, removing lower leaves. Root these in water, changing it every few days until roots develop, or plant directly into moist, well-draining potting mix. For leaf cuttings, insert a healthy leaf with a small stem portion into moist potting mix. Provide warmth and bright, indirect light to encourage root development, which typically occurs within a few weeks.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Yellowing leaves on a Peperomia Teardrop are most often a sign of overwatering or root rot, especially if the soil remains soggy. Allowing the soil to dry out between waterings and ensuring proper drainage can resolve this. However, yellowing leaves can also indicate underwatering or a lack of nutrients.
Drooping or wilting leaves result from either too much or too little water; adjust watering based on soil moisture.
Peperomia Teardrop is susceptible to pests like spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale. Regularly inspect for signs like webbing or sticky residue for early intervention. Organic treatments like insecticidal soap or neem oil are effective.
Leggy growth, characterized by elongated stems with sparse leaves, indicates insufficient light and and can be corrected by moving the plant to a brighter, indirectly lit location.