Peperomia clusiifolia [pep-er-ROH-mee-uh, kloo-si-FOH-lee-uh] is a succulent native to South Florida, Mexico, and 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 is sold under a variety of names:
- Peperomia Jelly
- Jellie
- Peperomia Tricolor
- Ginny Peperomia
- Red Edge 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 Quick Care Tips
- Botanical Name: Peperomia Clusiifolia
- Common Name(s): Jelly Peperomia, Peperomia Jelly, Jellie, Peperomia Tricolor, Ginny Peperomia
- Synonyms: Peperomia marginata, Peperomia clusiaefolia
- Pronunciation: pep-er-ROH-mee-uh, kloo-si-FOH-lee-uh
- Family & Origin: Piperaceae family, native to southern Florida and parts of Central America
- Growability: Easy to grow
- Grow Zone: 10-12
- Size: Grows up to 10″ inches tall and 6″ inches wide
- Flowering: Produces small, insignificant flowers in spring
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Humidity: Prefers high humidity
- Temperature: Ideal temperature range is 65° and 80° degrees Fahrenheit
- Soil: Nutrient-rich, well-draining soil
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
- Fertilizer: Fertilize with half-strength diluted liquid fertilizer in the spring and summer
- Pests & Diseases: Susceptible tomealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites; prone to root rot if overwatered
- Propagation: Propagate through division or leaf cuttings
- Plant Uses: Used as an ornamental houseplant or in terrariums and dish gardens.
Peperomia Clusiifolia Jelly Plant Care
Size and Growth
Jelly Peperomia is a compact radiator plant that reaches only about 6â³ or 7â³ inches, growing well in a wide range of conditions, and is a great size for an indoor garden.
It 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.
However, Peperomia clusifolia jelly also has a variety of colorful foliage options. Some examples include:
- Peperomia Clusiifolia Red Edge, which has distinctive red edges on its leaves.
- Peperomia Clusiifolia Variegata, a variety of Peperomia Clusiifolia with variegated leaves with gold and green stripes.
- Peperomia Clusiifolia Tricolour is another variety of Peperomia Clusiifolia with vibrant, variegated leaves with shades of green, cream, and red.
- Peperomia clusiifolia Red Margin has thick, elongated oval-shaped leaves that have a waxy appearance and red edges. It also produces spikes of green-white flowers.
Flowering and Fragrance
Healthy Peperomia jelly plants produce white panicle-like spikes appearing in the spring.
The spikes almost resemble white worms reaching the sky and donât 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.
When you grow the red variegated peperomia in low light conditions, the color of its foliage wonât be as vibrant as it would be if grown under bright, filtered indirect light.
During the warmer months, it should remain in temperatures between 65° and 80° degrees Fahrenheit (18° â 27° C).
Peperomia clusifolia can thrive through medium to high humidity levels because it appears to do well under most household situations.
Itâs 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 Peperomia jelly plant moderately during growing, ensuring the soil remains moist.
Thoroughly water the plants until water starts to come out of the potsâ drainage holes; only water for the second time when the top half of the potting soil is completely dry.
One thing to avoid is keeping them near radiators, as they can cause the air around the plant to dry out too much.
- The soil shouldnât 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. PlantCareToday.com
Moreover, your Peperomia thrives in high humidity. You can increase the humidity levels by putting your plant on a pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Stop feeding your plant with fertilizer-based nutrients during the winter. During the growing season, you can use soluble fertilizers.
- Use a half-strength diluted liquid fertilizer in the spring and summer.
- Add fertilizer to the water once per month.
- Donât add fertilizer during the winter.
Jelly Plant Soil and Transplanting
Red edge peperomia grows best in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. It also needs soil rich with nutrients, so fortify it with a little peat compost.
The recommended soil mixture contains two parts: peat-based soil and one part sand or perlite.
Peat and sand or cactus and perlite soil mixtures create a growing medium where Jelly peperomia does well.
You can use cactus soil or a 50/50 mixture of potting soil and sand.
Keep the soil slightly moist during the growing season and reduce the watering frequency during winter because of the extremely low temperatures.
Transplant as needed in the spring.
The plant shouldnât outgrow its container but benefits from fresh soil every two to three years.
Grooming Peperomia Clusiifolia Jelly
Tricolor Peperomia rarely needs grooming. Select a healthy leaf from your plant. Cut the leaf, making sure that it has about 2 inches of the stem attaching it to the parent plant.
You can take either a leaf or a stem cutting and place it in water or directly into the soil. If you place the cutting in water, you can watch the roots grow.
Once the roots are established, plant them directly into the recommended potting mix.
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
Peperomia clusiifolia propagation is easy enough, just as it is with many other species of Peperomia. Â
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 them 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 them 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 a second time until the top half of the soil is dry.
Related: More on How To Propagate Baby Rubber Plants
Jellie Pest or Disease Problems
Peperomia clusifolia jelly isnât 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.
For larger infestations of spider mites, use Neem oil, which suffocates and destroys the insects at all stages of their development.
Reduce the risk of pest infestations by spritzing the peperomia jelly pink edge 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 Jellie Uses
Peperomia clusiifolia jelly variegated pink edge is mostly grown as an ornamental houseplant, as it doesnât require a lot of space.
Grow in a container or a hanging pot in an area with bright, indirect sunlight.