Peperomia albovittata is a peperomia cultivar developed in the Netherlands. Like its many cousins, this tropical perennial is an attractive and popular houseplant.
Peperomia plants, like the watermelon peperomia, are members of the Piperaceae family of plants. In general, peperomias come from the rainforests of South America.
Peperomia Albovittata Quick Care Tips
- Botanical Name: Peperomia Albovittata Piccolo Banda
- Common Name(s): Piccolo Banda Peperomia, Piccolo Banda, Ivy Leaf Peperomia
- Synonyms: N/A
- Pronunciation: pep-er-ROH-mee-uh al-boh-vy-TAY-tuh
- Family & Origin: Piperaceae family, native to rainforests of South America
- Growability: Easy to grow
- Grow Zone: 10-12
- Size: Grows up to 8” to 12” inches
- Flowering: Produces small, unscented flowers on tall, red spikes in spring
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light
- Humidity: Thrives in high-humidity environments
- Temperature: Warm temperatures from 68° to 86° degrees Fahrenheit
- Soil: Well-draining soil mix
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering
- Fertilizer: Feed with commercial houseplant fertilizer from spring through autumn monthly
- Pests & Diseases: Susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and fungus gnats; watch for root rot, leaf spot,
- Propagation: Propagate through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings
- Plant Uses: Great for small spaces, tabletops, and terrariums. It can also be used as a hanging plant or gift plant.
With their epiphytic growing habit, Peperomia seems very much like succulent plants. They prefer loamy soil, cool temperatures, high humidity, and dappled sunlight.
The common names for Peperomia albovittata include:
- Piccolo Banda
- Ivy Leaf Peperomia
- Piccolo plant
Peperomia is also sometimes referred to as Radiator Plants, which is the common name given to all Peperomia species, with Peperomia obtusifolia being one of the most popular.
The plant’s genus name refers to the fact that it is a member of the Piperaceae family. The specific epithet, albovittata, means “with white stripes or bands.”
In this article, we’ll delve into the Peperomia piccolo plant care.
Peperomia Albovittata ‘Piccolo Banda’ Care
Size and Growth
The slow-growing Albovittata peperomia plant attains a maximum height of 8” -12” inches, not counting the flower spikes.
Piccolo Banda has very pale, thick, silvery green round, medium-sized leaves marked by heavy veining in shades of deep green or purple running in bands the length of the leaves.
The red stems of Peperomia albovittata are succulent and fleshy.
Peperomia Plant Flowering and Fragrance
Individual peperomia albovittata flower is unscented, tiny, and difficult to see. They grow very close together on tall, red spikes, which typically appear in the springtime.
They are interesting looking, but many peperomia plant owners simply pinch them off because the foliage is the main point of interest.
Light and Temperature
Ivy Leaf Peperomia does well in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate more direct sunlight in the morning hours or during the wintertime, but a very hot summer sun can burn the plant’s leaves.
During very hot times of the year, place your Peperomia plant far enough away from the window so it will still receive bright sunlight without being hit by the sun’s direct rays.
Peperomia prefers warm temperatures ranging from 68° to 86° degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can tolerate temperatures ranging from 59° to 68° degrees Fahrenheit in winter.
Moreover, it thrives in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12.
Related: What are the secrets to successfully growing a San Marino plant?
albovittata peperomia Piccolo Banda Watering and Feeding
Ivy Leaf Peperomia is drought-tolerant and can store moisture in its leaves.
Allow the soil of your radiator plant to become almost completely dry, and then water deeply. Avoid overwatering; do not allow your Peperomia Piccolo banda to stand in water.
Ensure there are proper drainage holes to allow excess water to flow freely.
However, do not mist your peperomia often because high humidity levels can result in fungus growth.
You can use any commercial houseplant fertilizer in pellet, granular, stick, or liquid form. We’ve found Peperomia plants respond well to liquid fertilizer applications, and Peperomia albovittata is no different.
From spring through autumn, fertilize monthly. Do not fertilize in the wintertime.
Soil and Transplanting
Remember that Peperomias is an epiphytic plant. It does its best with a soilless potting medium.
However, it can also do well with a regular potting mix that does not contain peat moss with 25% perlite added. Alternatively, you can use a commercial cactus mix.
Some good ingredients for a Peperomia potting mix include:
- Worm Compost
- Orchid Bark
- Coco Fiber
- Charcoal
If you’re using regular potting soil as a base, mix it half-and-half with lighter ingredients such as cactus mix, coco coir, perlite, or pumice.
Ivy Leaf Peperomia does not need to be repotted frequently. These plants do best when slightly root-bound, so plan on repotting once every couple of years.
When you repot, prune the roots and return the plant to its original pot with fresh potting medium or move up to the next size pot.
Peperomia Piccolo Care – Grooming & Maintenance
The peperomia plant does not need much in the way of grooming. In fact, heavy pruning will damage the plant.
If your plant becomes too tall and ungainly, trim it back with a sharp knife or pair of scissors. For the most part, simply keep an eye out for any dead, damaged leaves or stems needing pinching or removal.
The leaves and form of Albovittata peperomia resemble the popular Peperomia Caperata (aka red ripple Peperomia), including Peperomia Rosso and Peperomia Frost.
How To Propagate Peperomia Albovittata
Peperomia piccolo banda propagation can be done easily from leaf cuttings and stem cuttings.
This is best done at very warm times when temperatures range between 72° and 86° degrees Fahrenheit.
Related: Check out this article on How To Propagate Peperomia
After taking the cutting, dip the cut edge in the rooting hormone.
Plant peperomia banda cuttings in a clean, damp potting medium. Cover the containers with a plastic bag and place them in an area that receives bright indirect light. NO direct sunlight!
Remove the bag for an hour or so daily to prevent mold growth. Within a couple of weeks, your cuttings should begin showing new growth.
Peperomia Albovitata Pests or Diseases
These attractive tropical plants are surprisingly carefree and low-maintenance. Any problems they experience tend to stem from overwatering.
This can cause wilting, scabby spots on the leaves, sudden leaf drop, root rot, and even death.
Sudden changes in temperature and excessive fertilizing can also cause these problems. Plants that are weakened by poor care are susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and fungus gnats.
You can use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or spray to control the spread of the infestation.
Is Peperomia Considered Toxic, Poisonous or Invasive?
Peperomia albovitatta is not toxic, but as an ornamental plant, do not eat it. However, you should protect the plant from curious kids and pets. Also, the mild-mannered peperomia houseplant is not known as invasive.
Suggested Peperomia Albovittata ‘Piccolo Banda’ Uses
Radiator Plants like the Piccolo Banda are very much on trend. They are an excellent choice as a gift plant and break houseplant’s traditional dark green leaves.
These are easy-care plants for beginners, make a great first impression, and they give even the most novice gardener a reliable opportunity for success.
With their shade-loving habits, attractive leaves, and small size, these plants are right at home in an office setting, as a table centerpiece, displayed on a small table, or in a dish garden.
They can also do quite well in hanging baskets.