Peperomia Prostrata

Peperomia prostrata – String of Turtles.   A beautiful and popular trailing houseplant with small, compact leaves that resemble, you guessed it, the shell of a turtle.   

Overall, the Peperomia prostrata is a relatively easy plant to care.  If treated as you would a succulent you won’t go far wrong. Although the String of Turtles is not technically a succulent but rather a semi-succulent, sharing the common trait of water storing leaves and the ability to go for prolonged periods of time without water.  This however is where it would be very easy to go wrong and if you do go wrong, it is very unlikely it will forgive you, therein lies the difference.

Ensuring you have the right potting mix is a good start.  The roots of the String of Turtles are shallow and fine and will rot quickly if allowed to sit in wet soil.  The recommended soil mix would ideally be coarse, light and airy which will ensure adequate drainage.  It is also advisable to ensure the pot is not too big for the plant, too big and the extra soil in the pot will hold too much water, and we all know what that can lead to! 

Your String of Turtles prefers bright, indirect light.  Too much direct sun will scorch the leaves and preferably average room temperatures between 18° and 29°.  If allowed to get too cold your plant will start to lose leaves.

Watering is key.  Some suggest to water when the top few inches of soil begin to dry.  I would suggest you allow the plant to become almost completely dry and then give the plant a good drink but ensure all excess water can drain away freely. If you do not water your plant adequately you risk the tiny hairs on the roots dying and then when the plant does have a good drink it is unable to absorb the water and in turn the roots will rot and die.  Bottom water!  This will prevent water sitting on the top of the plant and rotting the fine leaf stems.

These plants love humidity and is a much safer way for the plant to receive the moisture it needs. Ensure your plant receives adequate air circulation, particularly after transit. Poor ventilation and too much moisture is sure way to end the life of these beautiful specimens!