24 Tips You Need to Know Before Growing a Cupid Peperomia At Home

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Cupid Peperomia is a stunning and easy-to-care-for plant. Its unique appearance makes it a favorite among plant collectors.

In this post, we’re sharing the hows, whats, and when’s of keeping your Cupid Peperomia happy. We will also share different options for you to buy one for yourself. Read on to find out more about Peperomia’s exciting features!

What Is Cupid Peperomia?

The Cupid Peperomia is commonly called Cupid’s Peperomia, Peperomia Cupid, and Variegated Peperomia Cupid. Its botanical name is Peperomia Scandens Variegata. It is a perennial that is well-known for its beautiful foliage.

This stunning plant from the Piperaceae family has heart-shaped leaves that are bright green with cream edges.

While the rest of this article focuses on indoor growth, this Peperomia can be grown outdoors in hardiness zones 10-12.

Cupid Peperomia Origin And Family

From the Peperomia genus in the Piperaceae family, Cupid’s Peperomia is native to the rainforests of Mexico and South America.

Where To Buy

Cupid Peperomias are affordable, ranging between $10 for cuttings and $20+ for larger or more mature plants.

If you want to get a deal on a Cupid Peperomia, check out Etsy, which has some of the best options in the plant-growing space. They have a diverse plant selection that is sure to satisfy you.

Cupid Peperomia Plant Size

The Cupid Peperomia, as a houseplant, reaches about 2-4 feet. It typically grows slowly. Put it near an east or west-facing window for optimum plant development.

Cupid Peperomia Care Needs

With its beautiful foliage, your Cupid Peperomia will flourish if you take good care of it. This plant loves humidity and mostly dry soil throughout the year.

Water your Peperomia when the top half of the potting mix is dry. Make sure it’s fully drenched, and allow water to flow down the bottom of the pot. For fighting, bright indirect light is best for this plant.

Check out these more specific growing tips below to keep your Cupid Peperomia healthy and happy!

Cupid Peperomia Care Difficulty

The Cupid Peperomia is an easy plant to care for, assuming you have the right amount of well-draining soil and light. With this Cupid’s Peperomia guide, you can easily grow this stunning plant.

Cupid Peperomia Growth Rate

The Variegated Peperomia Cupid reaches a height of 2-4 feet when grown inside a home. This plant will usually grow more actively during spring and summer.

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

Cupid Peperomia Potting

Peperomia plants, in general, prefer a well-draining pot. A medium-sized clay, plastic, or terracotta pot is recommended for your Cupid’s Peperomia. As a trailing epiphyte, this radiator plant would appreciate a hanging basket or a trellis to showcase its beautiful growth habit.

One of the prime killers of houseplants is insufficient drainage, which leads to root rot. Please ensure that your pot has a drainage hole at the bottom to allow excess water to drain through.

Cupid Peperomia Repotting

Cupid Peperomia plants typically need to be repotted every 2-3 years or when you see roots pushing out drainage holes. When this occurs, carefully remove the plant from its pot and do not disrupt the main root ball (these plants have shallow root systems and are pretty sensitive). You can then plant it in a bigger pot. The roots will adapt quicker when planted on the same substrate that it’s used to.

Cupid Peperomia Soil

The Peperomia Cupid does best in standard commercial potting soil. The roots of this plant prefer a mostly dry environment, so make sure you choose components with suitable moisture-retention properties for your soil. Use perlite, peat moss, and orchid bark to create your soil mix.

With effective drainage, root rot and other diseases can be avoided. To increase aeration, think about incorporating chunky and grittier objects into your soil.

These are some excellent substrate options for your plant:

Cupid Peperomia pH

pH for this plant should be around 6.0-6.5, meaning your Variegated Peperomia Cupid likes mildly acidic soil. If you’re repotting on schedule or adding new soil from time to time, the pH level wouldn’t be as much of a concern as if you’re growing this plant outdoors.

Peperomia Green Cupid 🌱🪴 pic.twitter.com/8KrIrjQFUO

— Plantsbykyle (@plantsbykyle) March 21, 2022

Cupid Peperomia Water

Proper watering is a necessity for houseplants. If you water too much, you could contract fungal infections and root rot. On the other hand, if there is insufficient water, the plants may have brown, malnourished leaves. For optimal health, Cupid’s Peperomia generally prefers mostly dry soil. Their succulent-like leaves store water, so they do not require a watering schedule.

To check for moisture, simply stick your finger in the pot. When the potting mix’s top half is dry, you’ll know it’s time for you to water your plant.

Aerated soil and drainage holes are must-haves for Cupid’s Peperomia. Rule of thumb: Your plant shouldn’t be left submerged in water for an extended amount of time.

Cupid Peperomia Light

This easy-to-care-for ornamental plant prefers bright indirect light. If there’s excessive light, its foliage will burn. If there’s a lack of light, its stems will get leggy.

If your trailing plant isn’t getting enough light, you can move it closer to a window or consider investing in LED grow lights. Here are recommended products for you to choose from:

Avoid putting your Cupid Peperomia in direct sunlight, as this may damage your plant severely or even kill it.

Cupid Peperomia Fertilizer

Plants, like people, need more food when they are actively growing because they are using up a lot of their energy. This growth spurt usually happens in spring and summer for the Peperomia Cupid. During this time, you can apply a water-soluble fertilizer once a month.

In the winter, you don’t have to fertilize because plants’ roots usually go dormant in the cold. This means they won’t need extra food for growth.

Propagating Cupid Peperomia

It is possible to propagate Cupid’s Peperomia with the proper methods. Here are various techniques for propagating this stunning houseplant.

Stem Cuttings In Soil

Most plant experts agreed that the easiest method to propagate Cupid’s Peperomia is the process of placing stem cuttings directly into the soil. The growing season for this plant is in the early spring, so it’s best to make stem cuttings during this time.

1. Cut. Cut a portion of the stem that has new leaves and at least one connected node. If there isn’t a node, your cutting won’t be able to grow new leaves.

2. Disinfect. Coat the cut with cinnamon or rooting powder to help the rooting process and keep the wound clean.

3. Plant. The cleaned cutting should be planted in the potting soil. Be sure to bury the nodes.

4. Water. Keep the soil consistently moist by watering it (but not soggy).

5. Maintain. In two to three weeks, the Cupid Peperomia roots sprout. We recommend keeping your new plant in a bright, shaded space with good ventilation.

Stem Cuttings In Water

Your Peperomia Cupid can also be rooted in water by following these easy steps:

1. Cut. Take a few cuttings that have fresh leaves and a few nodes.

2. Submerge. Put your cutting in some water and submerge it in a mason jar or other clear container. Remove any bottom leaves that are submerged in the water.

3. Maintain. Place your propagation jar in a room that is 68°F on average and well-lit.

4. Refill. Replace the water once every few days to prevent bacterial infections.

5. Transplant. Move the cutting into damp, sterile potting soil when the roots have reached a length of at least one inch.

Humidity And Aeration for Cupid Peperomia

Cupid Peperomia is a quirky perennial that prefers high humidity – often between 60% and higher.

If you spot browning edges on your plant’s leaves, you may follow these steps to increase the humidity:

• Put your indoor plants together to form a humidity bubble.

• Acquire a humidifier.

• Set your pots on a tray with water and pebbles in it. Your plant will be surrounded by vapor as a result.

• Mist your plant, but don’t do it too often, or you risk spreading fungi.

Some favorites right now: Cupid peperomia + baby philodendron 💕 #HouseplantHour pic.twitter.com/oRXBfokiOJ

— Stacey Nguyen (@yecats_n) July 6, 2021

Cupid Peperomia Temperature

Peperomia varieties are known as radiator plants for their love of warm temperatures. They prefer the ideal temperature range of 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

They do, however, like constant temperatures, so keep them away from windows and openings that may allow chilly air during cold seasons. Also, keep them away from vents and other heat sources, which can dry the air.

Non-Toxic

The Peperomia Cupid is not hazardous to children or pets. According to the ASPCA, it will not harm your dogs or cats if consumed, and there are no elements in the plant that are toxic to humans.

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems for Cupid Peperomia

The Cupid Peperomia is a disease and pest-resistant plant. Here are some of the most frequent diseases, problems, and pests, along with how to treat them.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are common pests, particularly among Variegated Peperomia Cupid plants. The earliest signs of spider mite damage are little, brown, or yellow patches on the leaves of your plant. You can also find that the development of your plant has slowed or stopped.

To get rid of spider mites, wash off your Variegated Peperomia Cupid using a garden hose, a pressure sprayer, or a sink nozzle. You can spray neem oil or insecticidal soap on the leaves, but make sure to cover all surfaces, even the underside of their 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

Tiny insects called fungus gnats eat the organic matter in the soil. Their larvae are known to devour the roots of plants, which is terrible news for your Cupid’s Peperomia.

Products such as Pyrethrin sprays, neem oil, and hydrogen peroxide target both the flies and the larvae. If you reapply constantly, you should be able to kill these annoying insects in weeks.

We’ve used yellow sticky traps to deal with these gnats on our hydroponics systems, which work well.

White Flies

A cloud of white flakes that rises into the air when disturbed distinguishes whiteflies from mealybugs, scales, and aphids, which are all closely related.

Their larvae will feed on the sap of your Cupid’s Peperomia, causing severe leaf damage. Whiteflies have a moth-like look, a triangular shape, and typically a gray-white color.

When there is a serious infestation, use insecticidal soap or make your own solution by mixing a tablespoon of Castile soap with a quart of water. The adults, larvae, and eggs will all perish from the soap. Make sure to only apply when the temperature is cooler and repeat as necessary to prevent burn.

Scale Insects

Scale insects might appear as lumps on the stems or leaves of your Cupid Peperomia. These small bugs, which could be green, brown, gray, or black, usually stay inactive once they’ve latched onto a plant.

Use a teaspoon of neem oil diluted in four cups of water to dissuade scale insects from attacking your plant if the infestation isn’t too bad. Spray the plant ferociously with a spray bottle.

Even though neem oil and horticultural oils may not completely eradicate pests, they will surely suffer some damage. Several pesticide sprays used to eliminate scales are thought to be safe for use indoors.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs may infest your Variegated Peperomia Cupid. These little parasites damage your Peperomia by lodging a feeding tube into the plant tissues to suck the sap. They will eventually weaken or even kill your plant.

To get rid of them, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol, then remove each mealybug manually. Neem oil can also be misted on the thick leaves to suffocate these bugs.

Mama Cupid Peperomia and baby Cupid Peperomia❤❤ pic.twitter.com/HMOoZJWtY6

— Kukamikaplants 🪴🪴 (@mikaehayes) July 15, 2021

Brown Leaf Tips

Occasionally, you might find brown leaf tips on your Cupid’s Peperomia. This typically means that your plant is underwatered or rapidly transpiring moisture from its leaves.

Make your indoor growing place more humid, or water your plant as soon as the soil starts to dry out.

Make sure you provide a breathable, well-draining growing medium because brown leaf tips could potentially indicate a problem with the plant’s roots.

Drooping Leaves

A wilting, droopy appearance on your Cupid Peperomia implies distress. Overwatering, underwatering, excessive light exposure, insufficient light, and low humidity are all potential reasons for drooping leaves.

Yellow Leaves

If you see yellowing leaves on your Peperomia Cupid, you might need to consider a number of factors to identify the culprit. Do you water your plant too much or too little? Is there enough light for your plant? Have you lately fertilized your plant? Does the weather frequently change suddenly?

The bottom leaves naturally turn yellow to show that your plant is growing and that the leaf’s energy has been used up. Simply remove the yellowing leaves in this situation so that the plant may concentrate on producing new, green leaves.

Root Rot

Overwatering and poor drainage are the top prevalent causes of rotting roots. Preventing root rot is crucial since it can frequently be fatal and permanent.

Plant your Peperomia in standard commercial potting soil and keep it mostly dry. Water only when the top half of the potting mix is dry.

Similar Plants to Cupid Peperomia

Love Cupid’s Peperomia? Here are some other similar plant options you should try:

Hoya Carnosa Compacta Variegata – Elegantly variegated, Hoya Carnosa Compacta Variegata has vines embellished with curled leaves that resemble thick ropes. They look fantastic in hanging baskets to show off their lovely trailing foliage. The plant’s attractiveness is enhanced by the delicate, star-shaped flowers that have earned it the moniker “Porcelain Flower.”

Hoya Krimson Queen – The Hoya Krimson Queen is a fantastic plant deserving of its royal title. It has thick, waxy leaves variegated in the most amazing colors. Both its visual attractiveness and drought tolerance make this Hoya popular.

Conclusion

The Cupid Peperomia is an excellent choice for plant enthusiasts, primarily due to its beautiful foliage.

If you’re planning to get a new plant to add to your collection or are just getting started as an indoor gardener, use the tips you’ve learned from us to start growing Cupid Peperomia today!

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