If you have ever gone to a nursery and you have gone through the greenhouses of indoor plants, you have likely encountered some very interesting plants: The Peperomia Graveolens “Ruby Glow”Often can also be found for sale in local markets, as they have a high ornamental value, which makes it difficult to resist the temptation to buy at least one.
They look delicate, so much so that we might think they are very fragile.
But the truth is that, although they are a bit more demanding than conventional indoor plants, their care is suitable for everyone, regardless of their experience in plant maintenance.
To provide them with the best care, it is important to know where they originate from.
Well, these plants grow in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, especially in northern South America.
With this in mind, we already know that they are very sensitive to cold and frost, so we have to find a bright corner without the direct sun in our home where they are protected from drafts (both cold and warm), and in where temperatures remain above 10 ° C.
Originally from Ecuador and currently in danger of extinction, this beautiful and small succulent is characterized by having bicolor fleshy leaves that look like boats.
They will thank, above all, good ventilation and air circulation.
They have high tolerance range from direct sun to shade.
Take care that they always have moist soil, unlike other succulents that can withstand droughts. It grows in compact or hanging bushes and will fill the environment where you place it with life.
Peperomia graveolens is a small shrub, up to 10 inches tall, with red wine-colored stems and extremely succulent leaves.
The leaves are also red wine in color, except for the upper part of the leaf where it has a transparent, v-shaped window.
The flower racemes are simple and resemble a rats tail.
It seems like powdery lime green in color to the naked eye and usually grows up to 3 inches tall.
The tiny flowers are yellowish-white and grow on up to 10 inches
long stems.
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Tips to take care of the Peperomia graveolens “Ruby Glow”
Flowering and Fragrance
The flower racemes are simple and resemble a rat’s tail.
It seems like powdery lime green in color to the naked eye, and usually grows up to 3 inches in height.
The flowers grow on the long stems of the plant and are rather tiny.
They have no real scent and are in the shade of yellowish-white.
However, “graveolens” means bad smelling.
Get your nose close enough and you may get a whiff of a faint unpleasant odor.
Light & Temperature
Graveolens peperomia grows easily under bright light but does best when placed away from direct sunlight.
The best location for the ruby glow peperomia plant is indoors near a window facing east or north.
It also thrives when growing under fluorescent plant grow lights.
The ideal temperature is between 65° – 75° degrees Fahrenheit (18 °C and 24° C).
It does not like cold and it is best to avoid the temperature below 60° degrees Fahrenheit.
Watering and Feeding
Water the plant moderately but be consistent with watering when the plant is growing.
Water so the soil gets moist but is not soggy. When watering, make sure that the first inch of soil dries out before watering more.
Decrease the watering in the winter months.
The major issue with growing most peperomia plants is water-related.
As mentioned above, this plant prefers the soil to be steadily moist.
When overwatered the plant, tends to wilt or get scab-like raised protrusions throughout their leaves.
It is typically not alarming if your plant starts losing its bottom leaves.
However, if there is a major leaf-drop, it is recommended you adjust the temperature or check the fertilizer.
Soil & Transplanting
Graveolens prefer moist, humus-rich peat-based or well-drained soil.
The ideal mix for this plant is one part perlite or sand and two parts peat.
Other mixes also work well for this plant, but the major thing is that the potting soil well aerated and drain well too.
It is ideal to use half-strength balanced fertilizer twice in the growing season.
Ruby peperomia likes to be a little pot bound.
Grooming and Maintenance
Graveolens plants might need pruning a few times a year if it gets out of hand or scraggly.
The foliage, growth, and leaves come in various forms, which are:
- Erect
- Trailing
- Corrugated
- Round
- Oblong
- Reddish stems and foliage
- Crinkled
- Smooth
- Variegated
- Fleshy
- Shiny
- And/or single color
When cutting tips, keep the following in mind:
- Start with the leaves that are the lowest pairs
- Cut the tip with some leaves
This plant doesn’t require extra maintenance aside from the usual house plant care.
Pest
This plant doesn’t suffer from many diseases or pest issues other than overwatering.
However, it is best to be on the lookout for whitefly, spider mites and mealybugs. Look for white cottony masses on the leaves or stem.
You might see a few leaf spots.
Moreover, Peperomia ruby starts rotting if you keep the soil too moist. Cold temperatures and wetness should be avoided.
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Propagate
The easiest way to propagate peperomias is by rooting the stem tip cuttings when grooming the plant.
Ensure that you cut 3″ – 4″ tip cutting, leaving two to three leaves.
Dip the bottom in a rooting powder and place the cutting in a small pot with 50% peat moss and 50% perlite as a starting soil.
Ensure that the soil is moist and place the potted cuttings in it an area with indirect partial light.
Small plants can also be propagated by leaf cuttings.
It is best to experiment a little and try out a few stem cuttings and leaves to determine which method of propagation works for you.
Give the stem or leaves cutting a day or two to properly dry before planting.
Avoid overwatering and once it starts growing, move it to a bigger pot so they have more room to grow.
Conclusion
This shrub-like succulent is perfect for “filler” in your arrangements! It has v-shaped, “windowed” leaves that grow from a red stem.
The leaves are transparent on top and red underneath. When it blooms, Peperomia Graveolens “Ruby Glow” has yellow-white flowers.
Peperomia graveolens “Ruby Glow” is perfect for your home or office.
It does well in filtered light, doesn’t grow tall, and is great for beginners!
The leaves of “Ruby Glow” are similar to those of Lithops, Fenestraria and other windowed succulents.