Peperomia is a semi-succulent plant that has tolerance to low light and harsh conditions. However, even though peperomia can survive low light conditions, it will grow best when the light is adequate. So, how much light does peperomia need?
Peperomia Light Requirements
Ideally, owing to its tropical origin, peperomia needs bright light for at least 10 hours every day to grow well. However, one must be careful that the bright light needs to be indirect. If it is starting to lose color or develops black spots, it is a sign that the plant is stressed due to exposure of the plant to too much direct light. In such cases, immediate preventive measures are to be taken to limit the extent of damage to your peperomia.
So, let us explore more about the amount of light your peperomia needs to remain strong and healthy.
Importance of Light
The growth and development of your peperomia depend on the availability of proper light. The process of photosynthesis, which helps produce food for the plant, is aided by the availability of light sources. Without light, the plant cannot manufacture its food and is likely to die due to starvation. If there is an unavailability of light, the plant starts to etiolate.
Etiolation is the process where the stems of the plant undergo rapid forceful growth to reach a source of light. Due to etiolation, the stems of the plant become flimsy, and the leaves become tiny. Thus, it affects the overall appearance of your peperomia.
Type and Amount of Light
Peperomia needs bright, indirect light to grow well. Although peperomia can withstand low light conditions, they grow best when they have adequate light. However, the plant mustn’t receive direct light as it can cause severe permanent burns in your peperomia. Indirect or filtered light is of lighter intensity and doesn’t affect the plants too much.
So, generally, it is best to place your peperomia in a location of partial shade, where it has access to at least 10 hours of bright, indirect sunlight to ensure that the plant remains in good health.
Artificial Lighting
If your peperomia is kept indoors, where it doesn’t have access to adequate sunlight, it is best to use artificial grow lights. Artificial grow lights come as both fluorescents and LED.
While fluorescent light is a cheaper alternative, LED grow lights are more energy-efficient and durable. Such grow lights help supplement the lack of sunlight by providing a precise amount of light.
Usually, grow lights are best kept on for at least 14-16 hours every day to ensure that the peperomia grows well. However, be careful to choose the adequate size and intensity of grow light as suited for your peperomia. A grow light of wrong intensity may cause severe irreversible burns in your peperomia.
Thus, we can see that peperomia requires abundant bright, indirect sunlight to stay healthy and grow well. A wrong amount and type of light can have severe irreversible consequences for your peperomia.