Complete and Easy Care Guide For a Healthy Peperomia Raindrop

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Peperomia Raindrop is a tropical and easy-to-care-for plant, making it a fantastic choice for indoor gardeners.

This care guide details everything you’ll need to know to keep your Peperomia Raindrop looking vigorous. If you want to discover the exciting qualities of this Peperomia and where to buy it, keep reading below!

What Is Peperomia Raindrop?

The Peperomia Raindrop– also called Coin Leaf Peperomia, Raindrop Peperomia, and Coin plant– is famous for its compact appearance.

This tropical plant is considered a perennial that flourishes in humidity. It grows well near an east or west-facing window indoors.

The Raindrop Peperomia earned its common name due to the tear-drop, almost heart-shaped thick, fleshy leaves. This appearance resembles its distant cousin, the Pilea Peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant). Many growers mistake these two as the same plant, but Peperomia’s more defined heart-shaped leaves are the most telling difference.

The Peperomia Raindrop is more than just a houseplant. It can be grown outside in certain climates. Hardiness zones 10-12 are the ideal locations for this plant.

Peperomia Raindrop Origin And Family

The Coin-Leaf Peperomia is part of the genus Peperomia in the Piperaceae family. It is native to Colombia and Peru’s rainforests. It has become a favorite for many indoor growers as a tropical houseplant that is easy to care for.

Fun Fact: The National Garden Bureau declared 2022 the Year of the Peperomia. NGB said, “Peperomia are having their much-deserved time in the sun, though they have been sold as houseplants since the 1930s.”

Where To Buy

Do you want to get a Peperomia Raindrop for your home? Try purchasing from Etsy; we’ve been doing that for years!

The Peperomia Raindrop can be very affordable in terms of pricing, costing between $3.60 for small cuttings and $20 and up for larger or more mature plants.

Peperomia Raindrop Plant Size

On average, the Peperomia Raindrop grows up to 12-15 inches tall indoors. It usually grows slowly and compactly, making it a fantastic centerpiece in a terrarium or tucked even in the smallest spaces.

Peperomia Raindrop Care Needs

Like any other houseplant, your Peperomia Raindrop will thrive when adequately cared for. With its compact appearance, this plant adores humidity and wants mostly dry soil throughout the year.

Although they are not succulents, their upkeep is comparable to succulents due to their robust stems and thick leaves.

For most growers, you’ll want to water your Peperomia when the top half of the soil dries out. Your soil must dry out almost entirely since the large, fleshy leaves store water and moisture.

Allow plenty of time for the water to pass through the pot’s drainage hole. In terms of lighting, this small plant needs bright indirect light to thrive.

Read our thorough care guide below for more specific advice!

Peperomia Raindrop Care Difficulty

The Peperomia Raindrop is easy-to-care-for in most situations, assuming you have the right amount of well-draining soil and light. With this Coin-Leaf Peperomia guide, you can easily grow this tropical plant.

Peperomia Raindrop Growth Rate

The Coin plant reaches a height of 12-15 inches when grown inside a home. This plant will usually grow more actively during spring and summer.

Most Peperomia species, including the Polybotrya, are known to grow slowly.

Peperomia Raindrop Potting

The potting material for Peperomia Raindrop should typically be terracotta, plastic, or clay in most cases.

The size of the pot matters for Coin-Leaf Peperomia, and you should use the medium option typically, as this succulent-like plant can only grow a foot tall.

Good drainage is another necessity for this perennial.

She’s so fine .. how stunning is my ‘Peperomia Raindrop’!? #HousePlantHour #PlantTwitter pic.twitter.com/cbeL5waTeh

— Erika🍒Monika🍊 (@ErikaMonika123) February 11, 2022

Peperomia Raindrop Repotting

Moving your Peperomia Raindrop into a bigger pot allows more space for its roots to expand. You will typically know that it’s time to repot if you see roots pushing out of the drainage holes.

Typically, you’d want to repot this tropical plant every 2-3 years. It is ideal for replacing old nutrient-deficient soil with a fresh batch of standard commercial potting soil when filling the new pot.

Take extreme care not to hurt the roots while shifting them to their new pot since peperomia roots are pretty sensitive.

Peperomia Raindrop Soil

Regular commercial potting soil is best for the Raindrop Peperomia. To make your soil mix, use perlite, sand, coco coir, or fine moss. To make sure that the final mixture is well-aerated, you can adjust the ratio as necessary. Keep in mind that this plant favors a growing medium that stays primarily dry.

The soil type should always provide good drainage to prevent diseases and root rot. We recommend choosing potting mixes such as the following:

Peperomia Raindrop pH

A soil pH of roughly 6.0-6.6, which is mildly acidic, is ideal for the Coin plant. If you’re a newbie and concerned about the soil’s acidity, you can purchase a simple pH meter device to examine it.

Conversely, you can use calcitic or dolomitic lime, wood ash, or baking soda to boost pH levels.

Peperomia Raindrop Water

When watering Coin-Leaf Peperomia, you’ll want to keep your soil mostly dry. To determine moisture, stick a finger into the pot, or purchase a soil moisture meter device. When the top half of the soil dries out, you’ll know it’s time to water your Peperomia.

Overwatering is one of the prevalent killers of indoor plants. When in doubt, keep in mind that it’s safer to underwater than overwater the Coin-Leaf Peperomia. Also, ensure you have a pot with drainage holes and quick-draining soil for excess water to flow.

Peperomia Raindrop Light

You’ll want to simulate the natural environment of Peperomia Raindrop, which would be the tropical region of South America. Give your Polybotrya indirect bright light every day. You can also place this plant near an east or west-facing window. However, it can also tolerate a bit of the gentler morning sunlight from time to time.

You’ll know your Peperomia Raindrop is getting too much light when its leaves get scorched. On the contrary, if this plant doesn’t get enough light, the stems will get leggy and grow to slant towards the light source.

Avoid putting your Peperomia Raindrop in direct sunlight, as this could cause damage or even kill it.

Peperomia Raindrop Fertilizer

For houseplants to thrive, they require soil, water, and sunlight. Plant food needs to be added to soil as it might lose nutrients over time.

If you want a thriving Raindrop Peperomia, fertilize it once a month during the spring and summer. You may opt for a water-soluble fertilizer, but make sure to dilute it first if it’s highly concentrated.

Typically, you don’t have to fertilize during the winter months.

Propagating Peperomia Raindrop

The Peperomia Raindrop can be propagated at home. Here’s how you can make more of this cute plant.

Stem Cuttings In Soil

One basic method to grow a Coin-Leaf Peperomia is directly planting stem cuttings into the soil. If you don’t already have this plant, you can purchase a cutting from Etsy or your local Facebook Marketplace.

It is best to propagate during early spring to summer so it will be easier for your plant to recover from transplant shock.

1. Cut. Using clean shears, cut off a healthy section of the plant. A cutting should ideally be at least three inches tall and include a few leaves and nodes.

2. Plant. Bury the stem’s nodes in a pot or container filled with damp potting soil. Pinch the soil around the stem or use wooden skewers to hold the plant in place. Too much movement can disrupt root growth.

3. Maintain. Place your container near a window in bright, indirect light. Remember to keep the soil moist.

4. Wait. You can expect new roots in about 2-3 weeks. An emerging shoot is the best indicator that your cutting has successfully grown roots!

New Peperomia called 'Raindrop'! pic.twitter.com/EuYVviojCD

— Mr Plant Geek ™ (@mr_plantgeek) June 5, 2017

Stem Cuttings In Water

A Raindrop Peperomia can be propagated in water with six simple steps.

1. Cut. Choose a piece of the stem that has recent growth and at least one node.

2. Submerge. To monitor the root development, keep the cutting in a clear container or a glass of water.

3. Maintain. The cutting should then be stored in a room with good ventilation, light, and shade.

4. Refill. To prevent bacterial illness, change the water every three to five days.

5. Transplant. After two weeks, assess the cutting’s progress; if the roots are about an inch or longer, plant them in a sterile potting medium.

6. Wait. It’s natural for your new plant to appear wilted at first as the roots become used to the soil. Until your plant has had a chance to stabilize, wait to apply fertilizer or any other treatments.

Humidity And Aeration for Peperomia Raindrop

Your Peperomia Raindrop needs high humidity between 60%-90% for rich-colored leaves and lush growth.

If you’re concerned about the humidity or see browning edges on your plant leaves, you may purchase a humidifier and place it near your plants. This addition will significantly impact your Polybotrya’s health.

Peperomia Raindrop Temperature

Your Coin plant will thrive in a warm area, so keep the ideal temperature between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Like most Peperomia plants, this tropical houseplant favors consistent temperatures throughout the year. Do not use hot or cold water when watering your plant. It should be kept from heat sources (such as furnaces and vents) and cold drafts (such as open windows during the winter).

Flowers

Most plants will typically bloom only when exposed to the natural elements. Nonetheless, your Coin-Leaf Peperomia can still produce insignificant white to light green flowers that are long and cylindrical. Peperomia blooms are often called “rat tails” because they look like one and are not very attractive and interesting flowers.

Non-Toxic

Raindrop Peperomia is not considered toxic to humans, dogs, or cats! This means it’s a great option to place in your home whether you have fur babies or not!

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems for Peperomia Raindrop

Things can occasionally go awry, even with skilled care. Gardening inevitably includes dealing with pests and diseases. This hardy plant is often resistant to disease and pests.

For advice on diagnosing typical issues and solutions to assist your plant in getting back to health, read the following sections.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are common pests, particularly among Coin plant plants. At first, spider mite damage seems like small, brown, or yellow spots on your plant’s shiny leaves. You might also discover that your plant has slowed or ceased to grow.

To eliminate spider mites, begin by washing off your Coin plant with a sink nozzle, a pressure sprayer, or a garden hose. Additionally, you can spray the leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap, but be certain to completely cover all surfaces, even the underside of the succulent-like leaves!

Of course, you can also introduce natural predators of spider mites such as ladybugs, lacewings, and Stethorus picipes beetles (dubbed as the “Spider Mite Destroyer”). The fantastic thing about these bugs is that they will feed on spider mites, but they won’t harm your plant!

Fungus Gnats

If you see abrupt wilting, yellowing, or poor growth in your Coin-Leaf Peperomia, these could be symptoms of a fungus gnat infestation.

These gnats might be seen swarming about your plants. Gnats have long antennae, slender bodies, and grayish-black, see-through wings as adults. They are drawn to a soil that is both damp and rich in organic materials.

The emergence of fungus gnats will be more common if you overwater your Coin-Leaf Peperomia. Instead of watering when the top half of the soil dries out, wait three days before watering the soil so that it can dry out. Some of the larvae at the soil’s surface should be killed by this.

When we came across these gnats in our hydroponics systems, we placed yellow sticky cards nearby. These traps work well for catching adults. To kill the larvae, pour a solution made from 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with 4 cups of water on the soil.

White Flies

Pests called whiteflies look like gnats and eat the sap of your houseplants. The presence of them on your Coin-Leaf Peperomia might be very bothersome. They lay eggs, which, when they hatch into larvae, consume the succulent undersides of the leaves of your plant.

Use a general pesticide to get rid of whiteflies. You can either order one online or make one yourself using the recipe provided below:

• To build your foundation, combine 1 cup of vegetable or olive oil with five drops of dish soap (make sure it doesn’t contain any bleach!).

• Add 1.5 tsp of the prepared mixture to each cup of water.

• Pour the mixture into a spray bottle after thoroughly shaking it.

• Spray the affected plant’s entire surface, paying special attention to the underside of the leaves.

Scale Insects

Scale insects consume the sap of plants. The mature scale will adhere to one section of the plant and remain there, setting them apart from other insects. These brownish lumps on a plant’s stems or petioles are called armored scales.

As a precaution, you can mix 500 500 mL of water with a teaspoon of neem oil in gently mist the leaves of your plant with it to keep scales from clinging to your Peperomia Raindrop.

Infected plants might also benefit from releasing ladybugs or lacewings, as it will resolve the problem for you.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs may infest your Coin plant. These little parasites damage your Peperomia by sucking on the sap through a feeding tube inserted into the plant tissues. They might eventually cause your plant to become sick or die.

You can get rid of them by manually removing each mealybug with the tip of a cotton swab after soaking it in rubbing alcohol. Neem oil can also be misted on the leaves to suffocate these bugs.

My Peperomia Raindrop is having a flower! #HouseplantHour pic.twitter.com/Td72iTHNuu

— Dais Hale 🦞 (@daisthehale) September 21, 2021

Brown Leaf Tips

If your Coin-Leaf Peperomia doesn’t get enough moisture from the air and through its roots, the edges of its leaves may start to turn brown. Check to see if the humidity in the area where your plant is located is appropriate for its needs, and water it as required.

You might also need to think about how much and how often you apply fertilizer. Your indoor plants’ foliage can be burned by overfeeding, which usually shows up as browning leaf edges.

Drooping Leaves

If you notice drooping leaves on your Peperomia Raindrop, it might be thirsty or need more moisture in the air. Plant leaves will usually remain fresh and perky for a more extended period if you keep a humidifier nearby.

Another cause of downward-curling leaves is overexposure to bright light. In this case, transfer your plant away from the nearest source of light and heat.

Yellow Leaves

Sometimes, you may see yellow leaves on this popular houseplant, which can signify trouble. Factors that cause this problem include moisture stress, improper lighting, nutrient imbalance, inconsistent temperatures, insect infestations, bacterial or viral infections, and many others.

To narrow down the problem, you must consider recent weather changes or how you care for your plant.

Root Rot

Root rot is a prime cause of death for the Coin plant. Indoor gardeners can be a little excessive with their watering or need to provide proper drainage for their compact plants. Prevention is the best course of action, given the difficulty of treating root rot.

Give your roots some breathing room by providing a well-aerated soil mix. Chunky and gritty materials such as river sand, horticultural coal, orchid bark, perlite, pumice, lava rocks, coco cubes, aqua soil, and many others will significantly improve the drainage of your plant.

Climate is also an essential consideration before deciding to water your plant. If your plant is in a location without abundant access to sunlight and good airflow, moisture will take longer to evaporate. Always check if the soil is dry about halfway down the pot before giving your compact plant a thorough drink.

Similar Plants to Peperomia Raindrop

Love Coin-Leaf Peperomia? Here are other similar plant options you should try:

Hoya Carnosa Compacta Variegata is an exquisitely variegated plant with vines decorated with curling leaves resembling thick ropes. To display their gorgeous trailing leaves, they look great in hanging baskets. The plant’s delicate, star-shaped blossoms, which gave it the nickname “Porcelain Flower,” add to its allure.

Hoya Krimson Queen – The Hoya Krimson Queen resembles a real queen. It features incredible colorful variegation on its thick, waxy leaves. This Hoya is well-liked for both its aesthetic appeal and drought tolerance.

Conclusion

With its compact appearance, Peperomia Raindrop is a great plant that looks stunning indoors. Following our care instructions, you’ll have no trouble growing this plant!

Have you got a Coin-Leaf Peperomia? We want to see it! Please submit photos to [email protected] so we can share them on our blog.

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