Ruby Glow Peperomia (Peperomia graveolens) Indoor Care, Propagation & Problems
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Ruby Glow Peperomia (Peperomia graveolens) grows best in medium to bright indirect light, warm and humid conditions, and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soils coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Peperomia graveolens also called Ruby Peperomia is one of the popular Peperomia varieties and bears gleaming red stems in wine-red color and succulent leaves with a wine-red shade.
The upper part of the leaf has a transparent v-shaped ‘window’ which allows light to pass through to the photosynthetic tissues where photosynthesis takes place; photosynthesis is the process through which plants make food needed for energy and growth.
On account of its spectacular foliage and ease of care, Ruby Peperomia is one of the best plants for the living room where it will create a great first impression.
Botanical name: Peperomia graveolens
Family: Piperaceae
Common names: Ruby Glow Peperomia, Ruby Peperomia
Origin
Peperomia graveolens is a rare Peperomia that is endemic to Ecuador.
How big does Peperomia graveolens grow?
Peperomia graveolens typically grows 6–12 inches tall, making it one of the best plants for small spaces.
Flowers
The flowers in Ruby Peperomia are borne on the long stems but are rather tiny. They are in the shade of yellowish-white and they have a faint unpleasant odor if you get your nose close enough. The name 'graveolens' means 'bad smelling' because of the flowers scent which is like the smell of mice urine.
Is Ruby Glow Peperomia toxic?
No. Peperomia graveolens like other Peperomia Plants is non-toxic to humans and pets. They are some of the pet-safe plants ideal for growing in a home with children, cats, dogs and other pets.
Where to Buy
If you would like to acquire Ruby Peperomia for your collection, you may obtain them online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Peperomia graveolens Care Indoors
To care for Ruby Glow Peperomia indoors, give it medium to bright indirect light, warmth of 15-240C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained succulents potting mix coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Ruby Peperomia requires regular pruning to keep it neat, to encourage a bushy compact growth and minimize pest and disease infestations. Repotting is only needed when the plant becomes extremely pot-bound as it grows best when the roots are confined. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Watering
How often should I water Ruby Glow Peperomia?
Do not water on a schedule. Water your Ruby Glow Peperomia liberally during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist. Avoid overwatering as it can result in rotting, yellowing and leaf drop.
Significantly decrease watering during the cold season to keep the soil barely moist as growth is minimal at this time. However, do not allow the soil to dry out completely as underwatering can lead to wilting, drooping, yellowing and leaf loss.
Use room temperature water to prevent cold shock which can result in stunted growth and leaf drop. Only water with water that is free of chlorine and other dissolved chemicals to avoid staining and browning of leaf edges.
Ensure the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well-drained to prevent the soil waterlogging which can lead to root-rot and death of the plant.
Light Requirements
Does Peperomia graveolens need direct sunlight?
No. Peperomia graveolens thrives in medium to bright indirect light (filtered light). Keep it away from direct sunshine as it can cause scorching of the leaves.
Can Ruby Glow Peperomia grow in low light?
No. Too little light will result in a leggy plant, yellowing and loss of leaf color. If the natural lighting is not adequate, you may use full spectrum grow lights to increase it.
Regularly rotate the pot to make sure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and also prevent leggy growth.
Temperature & Humidity
Ruby Glow Peperomia prospers in a warmth of 15-240C; a room temperature that is comfortable for you is ideal for this plant.
Keep the plant from sources of drafts like AC units, drafty windows, open doors, heat sources among others to prevent temperature flactuations which can cause reduced growth, drooping, yellowing and leaf loss.
Peperomia graveolens has no need for extra humidity; a humidity of 50-55% is enough for this plant. Make sure that there is good air circulation to reduce fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Feed your Ruby Glow Peperomia with a balanced, liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing period for a lush growth. To prevent fertilizer burn and eventual death of the plant, do not feed it in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time.
Regularly, flush out accumulated salts by running a stream of water through the soil until it flows through the drainage holes. Repeat the process several times to clear most of the salts.
Potting Mix
The best potting mix for Ruby Glow Peperomia should be rich in organic matter, loose and free-draining to avoid waterlogging. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out fast enough.
Ruby Peperomia is prone to root-rot if the soil gets soggy (retains too much water), therefore, a Cactus and succulents mix is perfect for this plant as it drains easily.
Repotting
Repot Ruby Glow Peperomia during the growing season only when the plant is extremely pot-bound as it grows best when the roots are confined.
Use a pot one size larger that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting. A terracotta is preferable as it is porous and allows water to drain faster preventing the soil from holding too much water. Take a look at these terracotta pots with a drainage hole on Amazon.
Pruning & Grooming
Pruning Ruby Glow Peperomia involves regular removal of dead foliage to maintain the plant neat as well as minimize pest and disease infestations.
To encourage a bushy, compact growth of the plant, regularly pinch off the growing tips. The plant becomes straggly as it ages, therefore, cutback the stems during the growing season to rejuvenate growth.
Occasionally clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and also discourage pest and disease infestations.
Peperomia graveolens Propagation
Peperomia graveolens (Ruby Glow Peperomia) propagation is done at the beginning of the growing season from leaf and stem-tip cuttings or by plant division.
1. Propagating Ruby Glow Peperomia from leaf cuttings in water
The leaf cuttings root easily, therefore there is no need for a rooting hormone.
- Take leaf cuttings from a healthy plant and ensure each leaf cutting has a petiole.
- Allow some time for the formation of a protective callus tissue over the cuts of the leaf cuttings to prevent rotting.
- Submerge the leaf petiole in a jar of clean plain water or in a propagation station and change the water every 5-7 days.
- Position the set up in a warm, well-lit spot until growth begins at the base of the cuttings leaf petiole.
- Allow enough time for substantial growth of the roots and new leaves.
- Transfer the rooted cuttings to individual pots. For a fuller plant, transfer several plants into one pot.
- Place the pots in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight.
- Maintain the soil moist until the new plants are well established after which you can begin routine care.
2. Propagating Ruby Glow Peperomia from stem-tip cuttings
The stem-tip cuttings root easily, therefore, there is no need for a rooting hormone.
- Take stem cuttings of about 4-5 inches length from a healthy plant and ensure each cutting has at least 2 sets of leaves. Cut just below a leaf node using sterilized scissors.
- Allow some time for the formation of a protective callus tissue over the cuts of the cuttings to prevent rotting.
- Insert the cuttings in moist rooting soil and place in warm well-lit place away from direct sunlight.
- Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges and substantial growth has been observed.
- Transfer the new plants into individual pots and begin routine care. For a fuller plant, transfer several cuttings into one pot.
3. Propagating Ruby Glow Peperomia by plant division
- Water the plant thoroughly at least 1 day before to make it easier to divide and also hasten establishment.
- Remove the plant from its pot and divide it into several sections and ensure each section has adequate roots.
- Pot these sections in individual pots and place in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight.
- Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges on the sections.
- Allow the new plant to be well established before transplanting after which you can begin routine care.
Related Content: How to Propagate Radiator Plants (Peperomia) in 4 Easy Ways.
Peperomia graveolens Problems & Solutions
Ruby Glow Peperomia (Peperomia graveolens) problems are dropping leaves, drooping, yellow leaves, curling leaves, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Dropping leaves
Why are my Ruby Glow Peperomia leaves falling off?
Your Ruby Glow Peperomia leaves are falling off due to too little light, drafts, dry air, inconsistent watering, soggy soil among other reasons.
How to fix it
Too little light: Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive bright indirect light or instal a grow light if you do not have enough natural light in your home.
Drafts: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like AC units, hot air vents, windy doors and others to maintain constantly warm temperatures.
Dry air: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray, use a cool mist humidifier or group the plants together to increase humidity.
Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule; water when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Soggy soil: Use a pot with a drainage hole and a free-draining soil.
Find out more 12 reasons why Peperomia is dropping leaves with solutions
Drooping leaves
Ruby Glow Peperomia lis drooping due to temperature stress, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, exposure to direct sunlight, pests infestations among other reasons.
How to fix it
Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like AC units, hot air vents, open doors, drafty windows among others to prevent temperature flactuations.
Inconsistent watering: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Soggy soil: Use a pot that has a drainage hole and soil that drains freely.
Exposure to direct sunlight: Move the plant to a more shaded spot or instal a sheer curtain to diffuse the sunlight. Thoroughly wet the soil immediately and the plant should perk up.
Pests infestations: Inspect the plant regularly for these pests and carry out timely control measures.
Check out these 14 reasons for Peperomia is drooping leaves and how to fix them
Yellow leaves
Why are my Peperomia graveolens leaves turning yellow?
Some of the causes of yellow leaves on your Peperomia graveolens are inconsistent watering, soggy soil, too little light, dry air and aging.
How to fix it
Inconsistent watering: Water only when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out. Do not water on a schedule.
Soggy soil: Use a well-draining soil and a pot with a drainage hole.
Too little light: Position the plant in bright indirect light or use a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.
Dry air: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray, use a cool mist humidifier, group the plants together, or grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom.
Aging: It is natural for the old leaves to turn yellow and drop as the plant matures.
Curling leaves
Your Ruby Glow Peperomia leaves are curling due to underwatering or dry air.
How to fix it
Underwatering: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Dry air: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to raise humidity. You may also grow the plant in a closed terrarium.
Pests
Ruby Glow Peperomia is prone to pests like spider mites, whiteflies, scale insects and mealybugs.
How to fix it
- Isolate the infested plant to prevent spread to the rest of the plants.
- Treat the plant with neem oil or an insecticidal soap as recommended by the manufacturers'.
- Maintain the plant well pruned to discourage the pests.
- To elevate humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or group the plants together to minimize the pests infestations.
Diseases
Ruby Glow Peperomia is prone to the following 2 diseases:
1. Leaf spot disease which is characterized by brown, moist leaf spots. It is prevalent in warm, humid conditions.
How to fix it
- Remove and burn the affected parts to reduce spread to the other plants.
- Spray the affected plant with Neem oil and ensure to cover all the parts.
- Keep the plant on the dry side and do not mist it.
- Maintain a good air flow to discourage the disease.
2. Root-rot disease which is promoted by soggy soil due to poor drainage. It presents as yellowing and browning which is accompanied by rotting followed by sudden death of the plant.
How to fix it
- Slip the plant out of its pot, wash off the soil and inspect the roots.
- Brown-black, mushy roots indicate root-rot; cut them away. In addition, cut away any stems showing any signs of rot.
- Disinfect the healthy roots and the entire plant with a copper-based fungicidal solution as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Disinfect the pot with the fungicidal solution or use a fresh pot to repot the plant in fresh potting soil.
- Confirm that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Water the plant with the fungicidal solution and place it in a warm, well-lit spot.
- Do not water the plant again until new growth emerges and avoid overwatering and soggy soil thereafter.
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