How to Grow Peperomia Polybotrya (Coin Leaf Peperomia): Detailed Planting Methods and Precautions
Coin leaf peperomia (Peperomia polybotrya) is a herbaceous plant introduced into China from abroad, and it can now be seen in many places across the country. Coin leaf peperomia is grown mainly for its foliage, which has a rather pointed tip and stays green all year round. Many people now grow coin leaf peperomia, but before planting it, you must first gain a thorough understanding of its planting methods.
How to Grow Coin Leaf Peperomia
1. Potting soil for coin leaf peperomia. Coin leaf peperomia is not particularly fussy about soil. Generally speaking, well-drained leaf mold is sufficient. Gardeners can also mix their own nutrient soil suitable for coin leaf peperomia, for example, a loose growing medium made by mixing garden soil, leaf mold and river sand, to which a small amount of cake fertilizer can be added as a base fertilizer.
2. Light and temperature. Coin leaf peperomia requires ample diffused light, and strong direct sunlight should preferably be avoided during the growing period. It is also highly shade-tolerant, so shading is needed in summer when the sunlight is strong. As for temperature, the suitable growing temperature for coin leaf peperomia should be kept between 20°C and 30°C. It is not cold-tolerant, so insulation work must be done well in winter, preferably not below 5°C, otherwise frost damage will occur. In summer, the temperature should also preferably not exceed 35°C; provide appropriate shading and strengthen ventilation to lower the temperature.
3. Soil. Coin leaf peperomia has high soil requirements: it needs fertile, well-drained soil. Generally, when planting coin leaf peperomia, sandy soil can be used; for pot culture, a soil mixed from several media can be used, such as peat soil, leaf mold and perlite mixed in a certain proportion.
Planting Methods for Coin Leaf Peperomia
1. Substrate preparation: Use imported peat of 5-40mm specification that is loose and has good drainage and aeration. Crush the peat and mix it evenly with water (standard for adding water: after mixing with water, squeeze a handful of peat tightly and water seeps out from between the fingers). Then it is ready for potting. A 9cm pot uses about 250 milliliters of peat per pot, and one 300-liter bag of imported peat can fill about 1200 cups.
2. Requirements for seedlings to be potted: Choose high-quality seedlings from professional production, with a seedling height of 5-8cm, 6-10 leaves, free of pests and diseases, and free of dead or yellow leaves.
3. Potting: For old pots that are reused, they must be soaked in a 1000-fold dilution of potassium permanganate for more than half an hour, then rinsed with clean water and left to dry for use; new pots can be used directly. Generally, plant first in a smaller flower pot (9cm plastic pot). When planting, first place an appropriate amount of substrate at the bottom of the cup, then move the screened seedlings into the cup. Small seedlings can be planted slightly deeper, with the base of the plant level with or slightly above the surface being suitable, 1 clump/pot; the substrate should be moderately firm, filled to 9/10 of the cup, then gently shake the pot soil, and water with half-soaked settling water or just surface water.
Precautions for Coin Leaf Peperomia
1. During the growing period of coin leaf peperomia, note that overly wet potting soil can cause root rot and stem rot, and excessively humid air can cause anthracnose. Keep the growing environment ventilated and use medication sprays for treatment.
2. In cloudy and rainy weather, drainage work needs to be done well to avoid excessive rainwater making the potting soil too wet, which can then cause root rot and stem rot. Light control should be done well: too strong light will scorch the leaves and fade their color, while excessive shading will make the plant grow leggy and lodge, losing its ornamental value.
Later Management of Coin Leaf Peperomia
1. Watering and fertilizing. Coin leaf peperomia does not have high humidity requirements, but moist conditions are preferable. During the growing period of coin leaf peperomia, keep the potting soil moist and water once a day; when the weather is dry, spray water on the leaf surface. However, be careful not to let the soil become too wet, so as to avoid root rot. Fertilizing can be done once or twice a month; to make the leaves green and beautiful, more nitrogen fertilizer can be applied.
2. Pruning coin leaf peperomia. The growth of coin leaf peperomia does not always follow our wishes, and sometimes it grows in a very messy, disorderly way. At such times, we should prune the coin leaf peperomia. The purpose of pruning is to make the plant full and the branches and leaves dense. Pinching can be done in early summer. Pinching means pruning the tender leaves growing from the growing tip of the plant, which can inhibit the plant's growth and let new leaves grow out from below.
When planting coin leaf peperomia, you must choose suitable potting soil, and then choose an appropriate time to do it. After planting, you must control its temperature well, do shading in summer, and keep it indoors in winter. If you want it to grow well, both fertilizer and water and pruning are essential.