Peperomia incana is an evergreen perennial plant belonging to the family Piperaceae. It is native to Brazil and named after the appearance of its leaves.
The heart-shaped leaves are covered in small white hairs meant to protect this peperomia plant member from the burning sun during a drought.
It’s these white hairs that give the appearance of felt, hence the common name Felted Pepperface.
Other common names include:
- Felted Peperomia
- Fuzzy Pigface
- Amazon Fuzz
- Felted Pepperface plant
The incana plant is easy to care for and has striking, evergreen foliage making it an ideal choice to keep all year around in your garden.
Peperomia Incana Quick Care Tips
- Botanical Name: Peperomia incana
- Common Name(s): Felted Pepperface plant, Felted Peperomia, Fuzzy Pigface, Amazon Fuzz
- Synonyms: N/A
- Pronunciation: Pep-er-OH-mee-uh in-KAY-nuh
- Family & Origin: Piperaceae family, native to South America, Brazil
- Growability: Easy to grow
- Grow Zone: USDA zones 10-12
- Size: Grows up to between 6” to 12” inches tall and 12” to 15” inches wide
- Flowering: Produces tiny white flowers in summer
- Light: Prefers medium to bright, indirect light
- Humidity: Enjoys around 40% to 50% humidity levels
- Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 45° to 90° degrees Fahrenheit
- Soil: Well-drained soil with a pH of 5 to 7.5.
- Water: Regular watering schedule but avoid overwatering
- Fertilizer: Feed with a well-balanced liquid fertilizer every two months
- Pests & Diseases: Susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites; watch for root rot if overwatered
- Propagation: Propagate through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings
- Plant Uses: Great for tabletops and shelves, it adds texture to indoor gardens.
Peperomia Incana Care
Size and Growth
Pepperface peperomia plant has a stiff, almost upright growth that spreads as it gets older.
Peperomia Incana can grow between 6” to 12” inches tall with a width of 12” to 15” inches. Felted Peperomia has a slow growth rate and is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 10a to 12.
Flowering and Fragrance
This plant has a unique felt-like appearance thanks to the tiny white hairs on the leaves.
If grown in lots of light, older plants will produce stems completely covered in tiny white flowers during the bloom season in summer.
These flowers generally have no scent.
Light and Temperature
Pepperface incana is a light-loving plant that can bode well in shady spots. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light but cannot tolerate intense, direct sun.
Ideally, it should be kept in a spot receiving very high light, like sunny south or east facing window. However, a brightly shaded spot also works.
This plant is resistant to heat and can withstand temperatures from 45° to 90° degrees Fahrenheit.
However, it is not frost-hardy and should be brought indoors if possible during colder seasons.
Water and Feeding
Pepperface peperomia requires a regular watering schedule and is protected from overwatering.
The best way to do this is to water thoroughly until the soil is completely saturated and spills out of the pot.
Wait until the top 2″ inches of soil have almost dried out before watering again.
Moreover, it prefers around 40% to 50% humidity levels.
Fed the plant with a well-balanced liquid fertilizer every two months. If growing in a terrarium, apply fertilizer every four months.
Soil and Transplanting
Peperomia Incana requires well-drained soil with a pH of 5 to 7.5. Soils such as sandy loam or loam are good options.
Avoid frequent transplanting. At the most, repot after several years to a larger pot once they outgrow their current one.
Grooming and Maintenance
Peperomia Incana is not a high-maintenance plant and does not require too much effort.
You can pinch back the tips of new growth to stimulate the branching and bushiness of the plant.
To keep the leaves fresh between watering, gently mist them occasionally, but this is not strictly necessary.
Related: How To Care For The Teardrop Peperomia Pixie
How to Propagate Incana Felted Pepperface
Propagate the felted incana peperomia in spring or summer using 2”-3” leaf or stem cuttings.
- Cut off a stem and remove the lower leaves
- Allow the cuts to dry out and callus.
- Once the cutting dries out, plunge the cutting into the soil
- Maintain a temperature of 70°-75° degrees Fahrenheit until roots develop.
- Once the plant takes root, transplant it into individual pots.
- Once established in the new pot, move the plant outdoors or replant it into a hanging basket.
Felted Pepperface Pest or Diseases
Peperomia Incana is susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites collecting at leaf nodes and axils. They are relatively easy to get rid of.
Pick the bugs off and wipe down the leaves. Follow up with an appropriate pesticide, such as Neem oil, to prevent further infestation.
Suggested Uses For Pepperface
Grow the Peperomia Incana as a groundcover outdoors or keep it as a house plant indoors. It is also beautiful when used as a hanging plant.
Due to the slow-growing nature of this house plant, when planted outdoors, place it with other slow-growing plants.
As faster-growing plants, they may end up getting smothered before they have had a chance to grow.