Are you new to gardening? If so, you’re probably thinking about adding eye-catching plants to your home. Peperomia Caperata ‘Abricos’ is just what you need. If added to your collection, they’re terrific eye-catchers, and they’re quite easy to grow.
Here you will learn about this plant and how you need to tend to it.
Are you ready?
What Is Peperomia Abricos?
Peperomia Abricos is a medium-sized tropical houseplant with beautiful variegated leaves. This house plant has popular heart-shaped leaves that are fleshy and rounded. The leaves of Peperomia Abricos are thick and compact, having a lovely wavy texture.
The mid part of the leaf colour ranges from wine to black. The borders are pale red to coral. The stems, too, are vibrant in color, ranging from crimson to pink.
Family And Origin
Peperomia belongs to the Piperaceae family, including peppercorns while the genus is Peperomia. It is indigenous to Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean.
5 Fun Facts About Growing Peperomia Abricos
- They require low maintenance and help purify the air. This plant’s deep-shaded leaves absorb all contaminants in the air and eliminate them, making the air cleaner and healthier.
- Peperomia Abricos is non-toxic to your pets or humans. So if you accidentally consume them, don’t panic, there will be no health consequences.
- They are slow growers that continue to grow throughout the year. It’s also a year-round bloomer. The pace of growth can be made quicker by providing a proper growth environment. Yet the process is less demanding.
- The deep red leaves of the Peperomia Abricos look blackish. You could assume black as its colour.
- This plant is commonly known as Radiator Plant ‘Abricos’ or Peperomia ‘Abricos.’
How Do You Care For Peperomia Abricos?
Caring for Peperomia Abricos is not a herculean task if you follow all these guidelines. It is important to note that it doesn’t like cold temperatures, direct sunlight and thrives in humidified environments. Let us go through the basic procedures of caring for Peperomia Abricos in detail.
Water
Allow the topsoil to dry completely before watering; the succulent leaves of the peperomia show that these plants do not require frequent watering to stay healthy. It’s better to keep the peperomia dry rather than saturate it. Root rot and fungus gnat problems can both be caused by wet soil.
Light
Peperomia thrives in bright light to moderate indirect light, such as that found in a window facing north or east. Its leaves lose their vibrant colors and seem drab in dim light. On the other hand, direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and burn the leaf tips.
Humidity and Temperature
They prefer a warm, humid climate environment of around 20 degrees Celsius. Anything above 30 is hazardous to their growth. You must especially maintain this environment during the summer months when their growth peaks. Put your plant on a tray of pebbles and water to increase humidity, or purchase a little humidifier to keep close.
Fertilizer
Make use of a balanced tender fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer to accelerate the growth process. Although the peperomia can grow without additional fertilizer. It is a slow-growing epiphyte that receives nutrients from its planting environment. Before applying fertilizer to the soil, dilute it to half its original strength.
How To Propagate Peperomia Abricos
Propagation is a fascinating aspect of Peperomia Abricos maintenance. Peperomia Abricos is propagated from its Leaf cuttings, stem tip cuttings, and plant division like any other houseplant. The end of June is the greatest time to take these cuttings because the weather is warm enough to let the cuttings root quickly.
We’ll show you how to propagate a plant if you’ve never done it before. To propagate your Peperomia Abricos, follow these simple instructions.
Propagate Peperomia Abricos From Leaf Cuttings
- Remove healthy leaves from a mother plant without bugs
- Take out 24 hours for the cuts to dry out.
- Put the leaves 4 inches apart in a tray with a 50/50 peat/potting soil mixture.
- Securely plant the stem beneath the soil.
- You can thrust pins via the leaf into the soil to ensure the venation of the leaf is solidified in the soil.
- Place the tray in light at 21–24°C and spray the soil occasionally.
- The water content of the soil must be consistent. Avoid making the soil wet because it can result in the rotting of the leaves.
- You will notice growth from the base of the leaf in one to two months
Propagation of Peperomia Abricos From Cuttings of Stem
- Cut a thick and healthy basal branch from a healthy mother plant flowering regularly.
- Make the length of the stem 3 to 4 inches with numerous leaves.
- Set it alone for a day to dry out the callous.
- You can plant it in water or straight into the 50/50 peat + perlite soil mix.
- Place this cutting in a warm, partially shady area. the temperature of the water must remain 25 degrees Celsius at all times
- In 4 to 6 weeks, new roots will emerge.
Popular Problems With Peperomia Abricos
Some problems are usually common to this plant, and they include:
Discolored, Droopy, And Rotten Smell
If your plant is overwatered, it can rot the plant’s roots, which may give off a rotten odor. The plant’s yellow leaves warn that it isn’t getting enough nutrients. For a few weeks, use a light-balanced fertilizer to boost the NPK levels. Misting with rainwater frequently is also beneficial. Use organic manure that is slow-release to re-pot it if it’s a mature plant.
Pests
Because Peperomia Abricos is a plant with a succulent stem, it could be infested by pests like spider mites and green insects.
You should take the following measures:
- Always inspect the undersides of the leaves since this is where these pests hide.
- After watering, dry the leaves and place the plant in a well-ventilated area with sufficient air circulation.
- Spray the foliage with a neem oil and water solution as soon as you spot any bugs.
Final Thoughts
Peperomia Abricos is a fascinating small plant that may be cultivated in various locations throughout the house because it fits and adapts to any environment.
Its additional benefit of being able to purify the air around it and its beautiful and colorful foliage make it a striking plant! I’m sure you will enjoy taking care of this plant.
Enjoy your gardening experience!
