Peperomia is a tropical plant known for its pretty leaves and requires low maintenance. So, if you do get yourself a peperomia plant and successfully grow it, it is likely that you’d want to keep more of these beautiful plants. While getting new ones from the store may be an option, it will still be expensive. The most economical alternative is to propagate the plants yourself.
How to propagate peperomia plant?
Peperomia is a relatively easy plant to propagate. However, it still requires some basic care to ensure that the new plants are strong and healthy. Some of the precautions such as using sterile soil and tools, ensuring adequate watering and nutrition, and handling the plant carefully. Essentially, there are two methods of propagating your peperomia plant –
- Stem/Leaf Cutting
- Water Propagation
How to propagate peperomia in soil by Stem or Leaf Cutting?
It is one of the easiest methods of propagation as it simply involves taking a cutting from either a leaf or a stem. In the case of stems, it is best to choose a stem cutting with about two to three leaves. In the case of leaves, cut a leaf with only a small part of the stem still attached to it. It is integral to use a sterile knife and take a cutting from a healthy plant for best results.
Once the cutting is obtained, dip it in rooting hormone powder and carefully plant it in potting soil with proper drainage. You can enclose it in an enclosure by covering it with half-cut plastic bottles with adequate holes for air circulation.
Place the plant in a humid room to ensure that the growth is proper. Once the plant starts to sprout after a few weeks, remove the enclosure and let the roots develop well. Once it has developed, transplant it to a bigger pot. Provide the required care to ensure that the new peperomia plant grows well.
How to propagate peperomia in water?
Water propagation is an alternative method of propagating your peperomia plant. It involves growing the stem cuttings in water. While the stem cutting is to be obtained in a similar method as mentioned above, it has to be placed in water instead of soil.
Take the stem cuttings and place them in a glass with enough water to at least submerge two leaves of the cutting. Be careful not to submerge the entire plant as it may drown due to a lack of oxygen.
In a few weeks, roots will start to appear out of the leaf nodes. However, it is important to keep changing the water to prevent bacterial diseases. Once the roots have developed well, transplant them to a pot with well-drained soil. Provide the necessary care to ensure that the plant grows strong and healthy.
Thus, we can see that peperomia is one of the easiest plants to propagate. Propagation helps provide an economical alternative to grow as many plants as required without spending too much money. Following the proper steps and taking good care are the essential elements to propagate your peperomia plant.
