Peperomia clusiifolia [pep-er-ROH-mee-uh, kloo-si-FOH-lee-uh] is a succulent native to southern Florida and parts of Central America, commonly grown as a potted houseplant due to its ability to thrive indoors.
It belongs to the large Peperomia family, which includes over 1,000 species of mostly succulent perennial plants.
Clusiifolia peperomia is one of the more popular varieties and sold under a variety of names:
- Peperomia Jelly
- Jellie
- Peperomia Tricolor
- Ginny Peperomia
Red edge variety is the common name, due to its distinct red margins around the leaves.
Other Popular Peperomia Varieties
- Peperomia Rosso
- Peperomia Caperata (Emerald Ripple)
- Peperomia Argyreia (Watermelon)
- Peperomia Obtusifolia
- Peperomia Polybotrya
Peperomia Clusiifolia Care
Size and Growth
Jelly Peperomia produces oval-shaped leaves that come to a point at the ends.
The succulent leaves are often light green with darker green coloring in the center and red or pink edges.
This compact plant grows only about 6″ or 7″ inches.
Flowering and Fragrance
Healthy plants produce white panicle-like spikes appearing in the spring.
The spikes almost resemble white worms reaching the sky and don’t produce a noticeable scent.
Jelly Plant Light and Temperature
Tricolor Peperomia grows best in full sun or partial shade.
When grown indoors, it should receive bright, indirect sunlight.
Direct sunlight may burn the jelly plant leaves.
While the jelly plant can tolerate low light, the colors may not become as bright, and the plant may not grow as quickly.
It also thrives under artificial fluorescent lights, if placed in a room without access to adequate sunlight.
During the warmer months, it should remain in temperatures between 65° and 80° degrees Fahrenheit (18° – 27° C).
It’s intended for year-round outdoor growth in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12.
Temperatures should not drop below 50° degrees Fahrenheit (10° C).
Cold drafts from doors and windows may also harm the plant, causing the leaves to droop.
Watering and Feeding
Water the jelly plant moderately during growing, ensuring the soil remains moist.
- The soil shouldn’t become too soggy.
- Wait until the top inch of the soil is dry before watering.
- Reduce watering when the temperatures start to drop.
- If possible, water from below using a container with a saucer.
Watering from below provides the root system with water without overwatering the leaves and stems.
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- Use a diluted liquid fertilizer in the spring and summer.
- Add fertilizer to the water once per month.
- Don’t add fertilizer during the winter.
Jelly Plant Soil and Transplanting
Red edge peperomia grows best in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil.
The recommended soil mixture contains two parts peat-based soil and one-part sand or perlite.
Transplant as needed in the spring.
The plant shouldn’t outgrow its container but benefits from fresh soil every two to three years.
Grooming Peperomia Clusiifolia Jelly
Tricolor Peperomia rarely needs grooming.
However, pinching the top of the stems can help produce thicker growth.
If the stems grow uncontrolled, they may eventually become spindly.
Trim the jelly plant back anywhere along the stems to limit its size.
How To Propagate Jellie
Propagate Baby Rubber Plant Peperomia clusiifolia by division or leaf cuttings.
To propagate using leaf cuttings, take the cuttings at the start of spring.
- Ensure each cutting has a little bit of stem attached.
- Allow the cuttings to dry for several hours or overnight.
- Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and then place in containers full of rich soil, such as compost.
- Thoroughly water the cuttings and cover with a plastic bag.
- Set in a bright, sunny spot, removing the bag every few days to prevent rot.
New plants should appear around the base of the leaf cuttings within four to eight weeks.
After the new plants appear, wait until they appear sturdy before transplanting to individual containers.
To propagate by division, prepare new pots with well-drained, aerated soil.
- Gently remove the original plant from its container and separate the root ball into two or more sections.
- Plant the sections in their own containers, ensuring each section receives some of the soil used for the original plant.
- Water thoroughly and then wait to water a second time until the top half of the soil is dry.
More on How To Propagate Baby Rubber Plants
Jellie Pest or Disease Problems
Peperomia clusiifolia isn’t prone to any major diseases or pest problems.
Soggy soil may lead to root rot.
If rot appears, limit watering and allow the soil to dry completely.
Resume watering and ensure the plant receives plenty of sunlight.
If the rot continues to spread, propagate healthy sections of the plant using cuttings.
The main pest threats include mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites, especially in dry, indoor conditions.
Reduce the risk of pest infestations by spritzing the plant every few days or maintaining a higher indoor humidity level.
If the pests appear, wash them away with cold water or treat the plant with insecticide.
Suggested Peperomia Clusiifolia Uses
Peperomia clusiifolia is mostly grown as an ornamental houseplant, as it doesn’t require a lot of space.
Grow in a container or a hanging pot in an area with bright, indirect sunlight.