Peperomia Ferreyrae [pep-er-ROH-mee-uh, FAR-rer-ay] is a small semi-succulent perennial species from the family Piperaceae. This variety of Peperomia is native to Peru and the rain forests of South America.
The scientific name of the Peperomia plant refers to its connection to the pepper plant. Peperomia comes from two Greek words peperi meaning pepper and homoios meaning resembling.
It’s known by the following common names:
- Pincushion peperomia
- Peperomia Happy bean plant
- Bean plant peperomia
- Green bean peperomia
Peperomia Ferreyrae Care
Size & Growth
Despite the fact the scientific name of the peperomia happy bean plant refers to its relationship with the pepper family, it has a different appearance than most other peperomias, which display rounded leaves.
The pincushion Peperomia Ferreyrae plant grows up to 12” inches tall and features narrow, slender, and glabrous lime green leaves, which are peapod shaped and grow along thick and erect green stems up to 3” inches.
Flowering and Fragrance
The happy bean peperomia produces clusters of yellow flowers, but they are tiny and inconsequential and hold no value in comparison to the unique foliage.
Light & Temperature
The plant grows best with bright light for part of the day. But, it can survive in lower light conditions, partial shade or under artificial grow light.
It cannot tolerate direct sunlight or full sun.
The ideal temperature range for this species of pepper family is 65° – 75° degrees Fahrenheit (18° – 24° C).
The Peperomia Ferreyra plant is not winter hardy. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 50° degrees Fahrenheit (10° C).
Besides the warmer temperatures, pincushion peperomia likes humid conditions.
The natural humidity level at room temperature is fine in most cases. Place a pebble tray filled with water under the plant if the air gets dry during the summer months.
Or, mist the leaves to maintain the humidity levels in hot, dry weather.
The plant grows in USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11.
Watering and Feeding The Happy Bean Succulent
Watering is the tricky part of growing and caring for pincushion peperomia.
On one hand, the plant likes the soil to remain moist. But, it is sensitive to overwatering.
For those new to gardening this makes watering the plant challenging.
Since the leaves of the peperomia plant are semi-succulent, they store some amount of water.
Hence, the Peperomia Ferreyrae plant is moderately drought tolerant.
Experts avoid overwatering by letting the topsoil dry out completely and then water thoroughly.
Water sparingly in winter.
In spring during active growth, feed the plant with a diluted liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
Reduce fertilization to once a month in summer. Stop it completely at the end of the summer season.
Do not feed the plant fall and winter.
Soil & Transplanting
Peperomia plant grows best in peat-based, well-aerated soil with excellent drainage.
Use a potting mix prepared with two parts peat and one part perlite or sand for best results.
Transfer the plant to a new pot of the same size or one pot size bigger in spring to refresh the soil.
Grooming and Maintenance
The happy bean plant is not hard to grow or maintain.
It does not creep out of its space, take over the neighboring plants or require pruning. It makes an ideal choice for gardeners looking for hassle-free plant species.
Peperomia Ferreyrae Propagation
Like African violets, most Peperomia species are best propagated through stem and leaf cuttings.
- Take 2″ – 3″ inches (5-8 cm) long petiole leaf cuttings with a couple of leaves.
- Let the wounds of the cuttings dry out for a day before replanting them.
- Keep newly planted cuttings covered with plastic. Until new growth appears, make sure the cuttings get plenty of bright indirect light and warm temperatures around 68° degrees Fahrenheit (20° C).
- Keep the soil moist, but refrain from watering too much.
Pincushion Peperomia Pest or Diseases
The Peperomia Ferreyrae is susceptible to mealybugs, those little white bugs on plants. Watch out for cottony white masses on the undersides of leaves and the stems.
Overwatering causes wilting, or the appearance of scab-like protrusions on leaves. Sudden temperature changes (exposure to cold conditions) can lead to massive leaf-drop, in some cases.
Peperomia Ferreyrae Uses
The happy bean succulent is grown for its unique and attractive foliage.
Its small size makes it ideal for dish gardens, conservatories, greenhouses, and as a potted plant for window sills and table tops.