How often should you water Peperomia obtusifolia? Wait until the soil is on the dry side, then water thoroughly.
When it comes to watering Peperomia obtusifolia, some people think you should not water it at all, some think you should water it sparingly, and others think you should water it frequently. In fact, none of these views is entirely correct, because the watering strategy differs from season to season. So how often should you water Peperomia obtusifolia? Let us tell you the answer.
What kind of water to use for Peperomia obtusifolia
In the cultivation methods for Peperomia obtusifolia, we know that it is not demanding about the pH of the water; under normal circumstances, ordinary household water can be used for irrigation, such as tap water and so on, but the most suitable is river water, rainwater and the like. Well water is not suitable for watering Peperomia obtusifolia.
How often to water Peperomia obtusifolia
Because temperature, humidity and so on differ from season to season, and because Peperomia obtusifolia grows at different rates in different seasons, the watering interval is different in each season. The principle is to water when the soil looks dry, and to water thoroughly each time. Below are reference watering intervals for the four seasons.
1. Watering in spring
In spring, watering is generally done once every 4-6 days, because at this time Peperomia obtusifolia is recovering from its dormant period and resuming growth, so it needs a fair amount of water. Sufficient water must be ensured so that it can sprout a large number of new shoots during the budding stage.
2. Watering in summer
The summer climate is rather special, and water poured into the soil also dries out relatively quickly. So how often should you water Peperomia obtusifolia at this time? Generally once every 2-4 days; when the soil is fairly dry, replenish the water promptly to avoid the soil becoming too dry.
3. Watering in autumn
The air in autumn is relatively more humid, and the water requirement of Peperomia obtusifolia is also gradually decreasing, so in autumn watering is generally done once every 5-7 days. Observe the moisture of the soil every day, and if it is on the dry side, water immediately.
4. Watering in winter
In winter, generally there is no need to water Peperomia obtusifolia, but the soil should not be allowed to become too dry either. Before it completely dries and hardens, water of a certain amount needs to be poured into the potting soil to maintain the basic water requirement, and at the same time to keep the soil from becoming compacted.
Precautions for watering Peperomia obtusifolia
No matter what season you water Peperomia obtusifolia in, you need to watch out for water accumulating inside the soil; this is the most basic principle. When watering, you should try to pour the water onto the surface of the soil, and do not splash water onto the leaves of Peperomia obtusifolia.
How to water Peperomia obtusifolia, the watering methods for Peperomia obtusifolia
Peperomia obtusifolia is emerald green, with a petite and lovely plant shape and a fresh, refined temperament, making it very endearing. So how do you water Peperomia obtusifolia? Below we introduce the watering methods for Peperomia obtusifolia.
How to water Peperomia obtusifolia
Peperomia obtusifolia likes water fairly well and is not tolerant of drought. During the growing period it should be watered frequently; when the temperature is above 25°C or the air is dry, water a little more, but also guard against waterlogging. When the temperature is below 25°C, water thoroughly only once the surface of the potting soil is dry. When the temperature is below 10°C, it can tolerate several days without watering even if dry.
Watering methods for Peperomia obtusifolia
1. Peperomia obtusifolia likes water fairly well and is not tolerant of drought. In ordinary watering, aim for "dry then wet": let the soil dry before watering, and do not let the potting soil become too dry.
2. But while watering, also be careful to avoid water accumulating in the pot. Waterlogging very easily causes root rot, leading to disease in the plant.
3. At low temperatures in winter, it depends on the situation: when the temperature is lower, water less; on sunny days, water a little more as appropriate.
4. To avoid water accumulating in the pot, when planting it is best to choose a clay pot or ceramic pot with good air permeability.
How to grow Peperomia obtusifolia, how often to water Peperomia obtusifolia
Peperomia obtusifolia is a very small and lovely plant, so generally we also need to give it some reasonable care during cultivation, so that the Peperomia obtusifolia we grow better matches its own characteristics. Therefore, mastering the growing methods is very useful.
How to grow Peperomia obtusifolia
1. Soil choice for Peperomia obtusifolia
Peperomia obtusifolia requires soil that is rich in humus, loose, fertile and well drained. You can choose 7 parts leaf mold and 3 parts river sand, adding a small amount of base fertilizer to make a growing medium, or mix 6 parts peat soil, 4 parts perlite and a small amount of base fertilizer. When planting, generally you buy a potted plant directly and do not need to mix soil; a slight understanding of the soil composition is enough.
2. Temperature requirements for Peperomia obtusifolia
Peperomia obtusifolia likes a warm, humid, semi-shaded environment and tolerates high temperatures. The suitable growing temperature is around 25°C. In winter it can grow normally at 10-15°C, stops growing below 10°C, suffers damage below 5°C, and freezes to death below 0°C. Such a small pot of Peperomia obtusifolia is not that easy to grow.
3. Light requirements for Peperomia obtusifolia
Peperomia obtusifolia is fairly shade tolerant and can be grown indoors in a spot with bright scattered light in all four seasons. In spring and autumn it can take a bit more light; in winter place it near a south-facing windowsill for more sunlight; in summer place it on a north-facing windowsill with appropriate shading. When the light is suitable, the leaf color is vivid; light that is too strong or too dim will make the leaves lose their delicate, vivid color.
4. Watering methods for Peperomia obtusifolia
Watering should keep the potting soil neither too dry nor too wet. During the growing process, spring and autumn are the peak seasons of growth and development, so use more water. In summer the weather is hot, but because of the high temperature the plant actually grows slowly; you can water once in the morning and once in the evening. With high temperature and high humidity, stems and leaves rot easily, so it depends specifically on the weather and the potting soil. The potting soil should be kept slightly on the dry side, because its stems and leaves are thick and fleshy, and too much moisture easily causes root rot. Especially in winter, because of the low temperature, it is in a dormant state, and the potting soil should be kept dry.
5. Fertilizing methods for Peperomia obtusifolia
Peperomia obtusifolia usually has its growing medium renewed once every 2-3 years. During the growing period, apply a decomposed liquid fertilizer or nitrogen-phosphorus chemical fertilizer once every 15-20 days, at a concentration of 15%-20% for cake fertilizer and 0.2%-0.3% for nitrogen-phosphorus compound fertilizer. If you are unsure about the right amount of fertilizer, you can reduce the nitrogen fertilizer, which can make the markings on the leaves more pronounced.
How often to water Peperomia obtusifolia
Peperomia obtusifolia likes water very much, especially when the temperature reaches 25°C, when it should be watered even more diligently. When the environment is dry, besides watering diligently, also spray water around it; it is very intolerant of drought. When the summer temperature is high, Peperomia obtusifolia grows very slowly, and watering once a day in the morning or evening is enough. When the temperature is below 25°C, water once the soil becomes on the dry side. When the temperature is below 10°C, or in winter, the watering interval can be extended; observe the soil, and if it is on the dry side, you can wait a few more days before watering.
Pruning methods for Peperomia obtusifolia
1. Pinching Peperomia obtusifolia
Flower lovers who adore Peperomia obtusifolia may be a little reluctant, but if you cannot bear to pinch, you cannot grow it well. Generally, when it grows to about ten centimeters, it should be pinched back appropriately, which can stop it from growing taller. Another point is that once it is pinched, it can promote the growth of side branches, so that not only is the height restricted, but it also becomes fuller and fuller. Is that not killing two birds with one stone?
2. Pruning Peperomia obtusifolia
Even after pinching, it will still keep growing taller, just not as fast. So for some branches that have already been pinched and are still very tall, we can cut them off. Note that what is cut off are the tall and dense branches; this keeps it looking good while also increasing the airiness of the potted plant, which can to a certain extent prevent it from rotting or dying.
3. Using the branches cut from Peperomia obtusifolia
If you really feel it is a pity to discard the pruned branches, you can use them to propagate by stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.
The benefits of Peperomia obtusifolia
1. Decorating the home
Placed indoors, Peperomia obtusifolia can decorate the home and is very fresh and natural. Peperomia obtusifolia has a relatively small plant shape; grown in a white porcelain pot or an artistic flower pot, with its petite body and emerald green leaves, it is very elegant and refined. Placed on a coffee table, desk or office desk, it is very beautiful. Or hang it as a trailing plant by a window or in the bathroom, and it is also very pleasing to the eye. A cold home, paired with a small emerald green plant, gains a touch of warmth.
2. Purifying the air
When it comes to purifying the air, Peperomia obtusifolia definitely has something to say: the green leaves of the whole plant can purify harmful gases in the air such as formaldehyde and biphenyl, and have a certain positive effect on the safety of the home environment. Placing a pot of green plants indoors can also protect the eyes and relieve fatigue. 3. Medicinal value
Peperomia obtusifolia can be used as medicine. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, taken internally, Peperomia obtusifolia can dispel wind and dampness, relieve cough and reduce phlegm, and has a marked curative effect on treating bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough and so on; used externally, it can treat bruises and fractures. So Peperomia obtusifolia is an important part of Chinese herbal medicine. However, friends should not use it casually at home; every medicine has some toxicity, so use it through proper channels.
Every step in growing Peperomia obtusifolia, as well as the details of watering it, plays a very important role in its normal growth. Growing Peperomia obtusifolia well not only decorates the home and purifies our air, but can also have certain medicinal benefits.