Peperomia ferreyrae is one of the most unusual Peperomia species you can grow, and if you’re a fan of odd-looking plants that don’t look like their relations, this might be the next plant on your list.
It doesn’t have the red and green oval or rounded leaves that many types of Peperomia feature, instead, it grows densely packed elongated leaves that look a little like miniature pea pods.
It’s also perfect for smaller spades, as it will reach 30cm high, spreading about the same at maturity.
Interested in knowing more about this plant? Here’s everything you need to know.
Where To Grow Peperomia Ferreyrae
Peperomia ferreyrae, sometimes known as the Pincushion Peperomia or Happy Bean Plant, isn’t particularly fussy when it comes to light levels.
Between a bright and indirect spot right on a windowsill, and rooms with no natural light at all, this plant will do fine!
If you are planning on growing this plant in an area with little light, keep it under fluorescent lights or grow lights that are on for the majority of the day, and this will help supplement the energy it needs.
One thing you should avoid is direct sunlight for prolonged periods, such as afternoon sunlight, as this plant cannot stand it for long.
You’ll soon notice if the light is too much for your Peperomia ferreyrae, as the leaves will start going brown.
It’s also a good idea to avoid drafts and sources of heat, as keeping the environment stable will result in a healthier plant.
Does Peperomia Ferreyrae Need Higher Humidity?
Peperomia ferreyrae doesn’t need higher humidity levels, but if you can, levels that are slightly above average (such as a kitchen or bathroom) would result in lusher growth and a healthier plant.
Ideal Soil For Peperomia Ferreyrae
Peperomia ferreyrae may not be a succulent, but its soil needs are very similar.
To make it easier, use succulent or cactus compost. You could even make your own if you prefer, using equal parts compost and horticultural grit.
If you can, put a layer of grit on the top of the compost as a top dressing.
This will help lock in moisture, and stop any stems or leaves that touch the surface of the compost from rotting, and it will also mean that pests are less likely to attack your plant.
Watering And Feeding Peperomia Ferreyrae
Peperomia ferreyrae isn’t very demanding when it comes to watering. Let the soil mostly dry out in between watering, about the top three quarters or so.
Then drench the compost, allowing it to drain from the pot, and repeat. It’s best to underwater it rather than overwater it, as the leaves are fairly succulent, and it will withstand being dryer for longer rather than being wet for long.
If top watering is tricky because the plant’s gotten fairly bushy, you could bottom water it if you prefer, but there is an increased risk of root rot with bottom watering, especially if you forget to tip out the water.
As for fertilizer, this plant is very slow-growing and doesn’t need much.
For the most part, the compost will do the job for you, but you can feed it using a houseplant fertilizer, at half strength, twice during the growing season.
When To Repot Peperomia Ferreyrae
Peperomia ferreyrae is fairly low-maintenance in all aspects, including when it will outgrow its current pot.
Likely, you won’t need to repot this plant for a few years, but it depends on the growing conditions and how long your plant has been in its current pot.
Only repot your plant during the growing season. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current pot, which will help prevent overwatering, and only disturb the plant’s roots when they are already coming out of the drainage holes.
Pruning And Propagating Peperomia Ferreyrae
Exactly how this plant will grow depends on how you want it to look. It’s worth noting that this plant’s stems will spiral and twist if you leave the plant to it, creating a wild look.
If that doesn’t sound like something you want, you can prune it so that the plant remains upright with a dense growth habit.
If you do want to prune this plant, only do so during the growing season, using sharp and clean scissors, and taking no more than a third of the total growth off at a time.
As for propagation, you can propagate your plant through stem cuttings in the growing season.
Make sure each cutting is about 3 inches in length with a node or two, with at least a couple of leaves attached. Set aside the cuttings to air dry for about a day or so, and then plant in damp cactus compost.
Remove any leaves that sit below the compost line, and put the cuttings somewhere bright and airy, without direct sunlight.
To increase your chances of success, put the cuttings into a clear plastic bag, or in a propagation tray with a clear lid to help keep things a little more humid.
Air them out every couple of days for an hour or so to keep things fresh, and once you see new growth, your plants have rooted.
Troubleshooting Problems With Peperomia Ferreyrae
Common Pests To Watch Out For
Spider mites are the biggest pest to trouble Peperomia ferreyrae. Fuzzy looking webbing on the soil, stems, or leaves is a telltale sign of an infestation, so treat with a horticultural soap at the first opportunity.
Other Things To Consider When Growing Peperomia Ferreyrae
A Note On Toxicity
This plant is considered non-toxic to humans and pets, though you should still keep it out of reach to avoid damage.
Should You Cut Off The Flowers?
This plant will flower occasionally in the right conditions, and although the flowers do no harm, they do divert the plant’s energy away from growing leaves, so it is a good idea to cut them from the plant.
Final Thoughts
Peperomia ferreyrae is a beautiful plant that also happens to be very low maintenance, perfect if you want something unusual.
Just make sure you don’t overwater a Peperomia ferreyrae, as this will end in a quick death!
