Peperomia quadrangularis aka Beetle Peperomia

Taxonomy

Peperomia quadrangularis, commonly known as the beetle peperomia, is a species from Panama and Central America belonging to the pepper family, along with black peppercorns. Its native range is in tropical America, including areas in northern South America, Central America and the West Indies. As a house plant it is often sold under the synonym Peperomia angulata with lighter variants labeled "rocca verde" and darker "rocca scuro", and sometimes abbreviated (e.g. "Peperomia rocca scuro"). The leaves are ovate, dark green with golden veins and quite stiff but the stems are very thin and flexible. This peperomia will make a very nice small hanging basket or do well as a small creeping ground cover in a terrarium. Make sure it does not get to wet because it will rot easily. Peperomia plants have actually traveled one of the longest distances ever recorded, over 3000 miles, to an island in the middle of the Atlantic ocean, while stuck to a bird's feet! 🦅 They can be easily propagated by leaves which make them super easy to share with friends!

Common names

Beetle Peperomia, Funky Frog

How to care for Beetle Peperomia

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Beetle Peperomia, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Beetle Peperomia should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Beetle Peperomia loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Beetle Peperomia prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

The Beetle Peperomia does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Beetle Peperomia should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Beetle Peperomia’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia