A Detailed Guide to Propagating the "Smoke-Eating Ghost" (Peperomia obtusifolia var. variegata), Easily Master the Propagation Techniques

Smoke-Eating Ghost is a common name for the perennial evergreen herbaceous plant Peperomia obtusifolia var. variegata (green-leaf peperomia), so named because it can absorb secondhand smoke. So what are its propagation methods? How should it be cared for?

What are the propagation methods of the Smoke-Eating Ghost?

The Smoke-Eating Ghost is generally propagated by cuttings and division. Among these, cuttings can be divided into stem cuttings and leaf cuttings, and are best done in early summer from May to June.

How should the Smoke-Eating Ghost be cared for?

1. Temperature

Temperature changes directly affect leaf color. Its optimum growing temperature is 18°C to 30°C. It dislikes cold and frost, and the overwintering temperature needs to be kept above 10°C. When the winter temperature drops below 4°C, it enters a dormant state, and if the ambient temperature approaches 0°C, it will die from frost damage.

2. Light

The Smoke-Eating Ghost fears direct strong light and needs to be kept in a semi-shaded spot, or given 70% shade. If kept indoors, place it in as bright a spot as possible, and every 1-2 months move it outdoors to a semi-shaded spot or keep it under shade for 1 month, so that it can accumulate nutrients and recover its growth.

3. Watering

Spring, summer and autumn are the peak growing seasons for the Smoke-Eating Ghost. For outdoor care, water once every 1-4 days; shorten the interval on sunny days or during high temperatures, and lengthen the interval or skip watering on rainy days or during low temperatures. For indoor care, water once every 2-6 days. Try to water in the morning when the temperature is lower. In summer, water in the morning or evening when the temperature is low, and also mist the plant frequently.

4. Fertilizing

The Smoke-Eating Ghost has a high demand for fertilizer and water, but it most fears random fertilizing, concentrated fertilizer and one-sided application of nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium fertilizer. It should follow the fertilizing (and watering) principle of “frequent light feeding, small amounts with more frequent applications, and complete nutrition.” Winter is the dormant period for the Smoke-Eating Ghost, so water and fertilizer can be appropriately stopped.

The Smoke-Eating Ghost rarely suffers from diseases, but when there is often standing water in the pot or the soil is too wet, leaf spot, stem rot and scale insects may occur, so preventive work should be done promptly.