How to Grow and Care for Variegated Cupid Peperomia (Peperomia scandens 'Variegata') Indoors
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Botanical name: Peperomia scandens 'Variegata'
Synonym: Peperomia nitida 'Variegata'
Family: Piperaceae
Common names: Variegated Cupid Peperomia, False Philodendron
Description
Variegated Cupid Peperomia also called False Philodendron is a trailing plant that is ideal for a hanging basket which bears heart-shaped leaves and pink semi-succulent stems.
The stems can spread to a length of 5 ft. The False Philodendron comes with fleshy, green leaves and cream-colored, golden, yellow, or off-white markings.
Variegated Cupid Peperomia flowers are tiny, green and are borne on a spike inflorescence that resemble rat tails.
Origin
Peperomia scandens 'Variegata' is native to South and Central America and Mexico rainforests, where it grows on top of trees.
Photo Credit: PlantVine
Peperomia scandens 'Variegata' Care Indoors
Variegated Cupid Peperomia thrives in medium to bright, indirect light away from direct sunlight, warm and humid conditions and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Peperomia scandens 'Variegata' requires regular pruning to keep it neat, minimize pest and disease infestations as well as rejuvenate growth. Repotting is only needed when the plant becomes extremely pot-bound. Keep reading for more details on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Light Requirements
Variegated Cupid Peperomia grows best in bright, indirect light away from direct sunshine can cause scorching of the leaves.
Too little light will result in a leggy plant and loss of leaf variegation therefore, ensure it receives adequate light.
It can be grown under a grow light where the natural light is not sufficient.
Watering
Water Variegated Cupid Peperomia liberally during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 in. of soil to dry out between waterings.
Lessen watering during the cold season to keep the soil barely moist as growth is minimal at this time.
Confirm that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead in root-rot disease.
Temperature
Variegated Cupid Peperomia requires an average warmth within the range of 15-260C. Room temperatures that are comfortable for you are ideal for the plant. Keep it away from cold draughts as they can cause leaf drop.
Humidity
Variegated Cupid Peperomia thrives in a humid environment. To raise humidity, set pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.
Peperomia scandens 'Variegata' can also be grown in a terrarium where a high humidity can be maintained.
Fertilizer (Feeding)
Feed Variegated Cupid Peperomia with a balanced, liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing period to promote lush growth.
Do not feed the plant during the cold season as growth is reduced and feeding at this time can lead to fertilizer burn.
Repotting
Repot Variegated Cupid Peperomia during the growing season only when the plant has become pot-bound. Use a pot one size larger than the current one.
Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot disease and eventual death of the plant.
Soil
The best soil for Peperomia scandens 'Variegata' should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients.
Most multi-purpose potting mixes are ideal for this plant. Purchase quality multi-purpose potting mix for Variegated Cupid Peperomia online from Etsy.
Pruning
Pruning Variegated Cupid Peperomia is easy as it involves regular removal of dead foliage to maintain the plant neat and reduce pests and diseases.
Regularly pinch off the growing tips to encourage a bushy, compact growth for Peperomia scandens 'Variegata'.
As the plant ages, it becomes straggly therefore, cut back the stems during the growing season to rejuvenate growth.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Propagation
Peperomia scandens 'Variegata' can be propagated in 3 ways; from leaf cuttings, from stem cuttings or by plant division.
Peperomia scandens 'Variegata' Problems Indoors
Variegated Cupid Peperomia problems indoors are brown leaf tips, dropping leaves, shrivelled leaves, wilting, leggy growth, diseases and pests among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Brown leaf tips and edges
Brown leaf tips and edges in Variegated Cupid Peperomia are due to sudden drop in temperature from cold draughts.
Remove all the damaged leaves to keep the plant neat and tidy. Protect the plant from cold draughts like windy doors, drafty windows, air conditioners and maintain an average warmth within the range of 15-260C.
Dropping leaves
Dropping leaves (leaf fall) in Variegated Cupid Peperomia is caused by many and varied reasons like overwatering, insufficient lighting, overfeeding among others.
Here is an outline on 12 reasons why Peperomia is dropping leaves (with solutions).
Brown, shrivelled leaves
The cause of brown and shrivelled leaves in Variegated Cupid Peperomia is too dry air. This plant requires a humid environment to thrive.
To increase humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray. Read more on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Dry, shrivelled leaves
Excess soluble salts in the soil from the water or excess feeding will cause dry shrivelled leaves in Variegated Cupid Peperomia.
Once in a while flush out the salts from the soil by running a stream of water through the soil until it comes out through the drainage holes and repeat the process several times.
Leggy stems
Leggy stems in your Variegated Cupid Peperomia are due to too low light. This is an attempt by the plant to reach the light source.
Cut back the stems to rejuvenate growth and move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive bright, indirect light or instal a grow light if the natural light is not adequate.
Wilted, discolored leaves
Soggy soil for your Variegated Cupid Peperomia is the cause of wilted and discolored leaves and corky swellings under the leaves.
This is an indication of root-rot disease. Isolate the affected plant and treat it appropriately for the disease.
To avoid getting soggy soil, ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-drainage.
Diseases
Variegated Cupid Peperomia is also prone to leaf spot disease. Isolate the affected plant and treat it appropriately for the disease.
Pests
Variegated Cupid Peperomia is prone to scale insects, whiteflies, mealy bugs and spider mites. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it appropriately for the pests. Read more on how to identify and control houseplants pests.
Is Variegated Cupid Peperomia toxic?
Variegated Cupid Peperomia (Peperomia scandens 'Variegata') like other Peperomia Plants is non-toxic to humans and pets. The plants are safe to grow indoors.
