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How to propagate a peperomia

This post is all about how to propagate peperomia in water! It’s super simple – let me show you a step by step tutorial!

If you know me, you know that I love plants. Even more than plants, I love free plants!

I have gotten really obsessed with propagating plants in water and I think I’m pretty good at it at this point.

We recently had a neighbor move away and she put a lot of “trash” on the curb when she left. I am always poking through trash piles, so I was totally surprised to see a plant in her pile!

how to propagate peperomia plants

A little research told me that this was a Peperomia Obtusifolia Variegata. It was small but rather scraggly and I thought I could take it home and whip it into shape.

I immediately knew that I would take cuttings from it. The cuttings would shape the original plant and also make new plants!

I’ve now taken cuttings from it twice (including making a new plant that Sean took to work!) so I feel confident in sharing this step by step tutorial with you today!

How to propagate peperomia in water

How to propagate peperomia in water

Peperomia propagation is very easy and straight forward. It’s super easy to grow young plants via water propagation.

First, you will need to select a branch to cut. I pick branches that are a bit longer and make the plant look scraggly.

Now, identify the nodes of the plant. Nodes are the bumps that leaves grow out of. This is also where roots will grow out of.

Use sharp scissors to cut just below a node.

Pop off any leaves that will fall in the water – I usually leave no more than 5 leaves. You want the plant to focus it’s energy on growing roots, not on keeping leaves alive.

Wet the stem. Dip it in rooting hormone.

Place it in water in indirect sunlight.

Repeat this process 3 times at least, so you have multiple stem cuttings to root at once.

You should have roots on your peperomia cutting sufficient to plant in soil in about a month.

Need a place to propagate your plants? Here’s how to build a wall hanging test tube propagation station.

Here are a ton of plants that grow from cuttings in water!

pothos cuttings after 1 week
Yield: 1 new plant

How to propagate plants in water

Active Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 1 month
Total Time: 1 month 10 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $0-10

Propagating plants in water is the process of rooting a new plant using just water. It is easy and free to do. Here is the exact process you want to follow.

Materials

  • Parent Plant

Tools

  • Scissors
  • Jar of water
  • Sunny window

Instructions

  1. Select a healthy section of your parent plant. It is best to pick a section with recent new growth as you know it is healthy and growing. You will want to cut a 4-6" section.
  2. Find the nodes on the plant (if it has them). These are little bumps on the stem. Roots will grow from the node. You want to cut right below the node so it is the very end of your cutting.
  3. Once you have cut your stem, remove any leaves that will be under water. You want the plant to focus it's energy on growing roots, so leave only 2-4 leaves.
  4. Place in a jar of water in a sunny window.
  5. Check the water weekly. Refill or replace as needed.
  6. You should see roots in a few weeks and it should be ready to plant when the roots are 4-6 inches long, in 1-2 months.

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Did you make this project?

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how to care for peperomia

Care of Peperomia

Peperomia are really easy indoor plants to take care of. Here are some simple plant care tips!

Peperomia Light requirements

Peperomia needs medium to bright light. If the leaves are looking sad and dull, it might not be getting enough light!

Peperomia Water requirements

Peperomia has a shallow root system. This means that they can get soggy easily. Make sure that the pot has good drainage and that you do not overwater! Only water when the soil feels dry.

Peperomia soil conditions

Peperomia is native to Mexico, South America, and the West Indies. It does well in thick, chunky soil that mimics those conditions. Orchid soil mix is an easy bet!

How to propagate peperomia in water

FAQ about Peperomia

Does Peperomia need sunlight?

Yes – this is not a low light plant. Medium to high light is needed to keep the leaves happy.

Should I mist Peperomia?

Peperomia does not need extra humidity. You can always spray it with a mister if you want to, but it’s not necessary at all.

How do you take care of a peperomia plant?

Choose a plant with great drainage – even a hanging basket! Place it in a spot where it will get plenty of light. Water when the soil feels dry. Propagate as the plant looks bushy!

How much light does a Peperomia need?

Pepomoria needs medium light – it is not a low light plant.

Is peperomia a succulent?

Though they do have thick leaves, peperomias are not succulents.

Can I propagate peperomia from a leaf cutting?

Yes! Cut off a leaf with a little bit of stem. Dip in rooting hormone and place in a tiny shallow water dish, just like the stem cuttings!

What are the peperomia varieties?

  • Variegated Peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia)
  • Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia)
  • Red-edge Rainbow Peperomia (Peperomia clusiifolia)
  • Metallic Peperomia (Peperomia rosso)
  • Pink Lady Peperomia (Peperomia griseoargentea)
  • Silverleaf Peperomia (Peperomia griseoargentea)

Peperomia vs. Rubber Plant

Despite the common nickname of “baby rubber plant”, peperomia plants are not related to rubber plants.

Be sure to check out my other plant propagation posts:

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