Peperomia Pellucida [Pep-er-ROH-mee-uh, Pel-LOO-sid-a] is a shallow-rooted, annual herb, belonging to the family Piperaceae (Peperomia plants).
This plant is easy to take care of and looks beautiful indoors. Typically, this plant doesn’t produce flowers and is popular for its light green or pale green spikes.
It is mostly found growing in damp, shaded, tropical habitats, and is native to Asia and America.
It is utilized ornamentally, medicinally, and as a food plant in numerous segments of Central and South America.
The common names for Peperomia Pellucida include:
- Shiny bush
- Erva-de-vidro
- Coracaozinho
- Lingua de sapo
- Silver bush
- Vietnamese crab claw
- Rat ear
- Pepper elder
- Man to man
- Clearweed
Peperomia Pellucida Plants Care
Size & Growth
Shiny bush grows 6” – 8” inches tall and is distinguished by its fleshy, heart-shaped, and shiny leaves, succulent stems, and dot-like seeds.
The stems are ascending or erect and 6” – 17” inches long, while the leaves are 1” – 2” inch long and 1” inch wide.
Flowering and Fragrance
The shiny bush produces small flowers, shaped like cord-like spikes.
The flowers are 1” – 2” inches long and sprout from leaf axils.
The fruits of this plant are tiny ridged, oblong or round, which are initially green but turn black later on.
This plant has a mustard-like fragrance.
Light & Temperature
Pellucida peperomia grows well in full to moderate light.
Plant it near an east or north-facing window for the best growth.
This plant also grows under fluorescent lights, which makes it ideal for office or commercial buildings.
It prefers the cool atmosphere of a home but is not a fan of dry air.
The ideal temperature for this plant is 65° – 75° degrees Fahrenheit (18° – 24° C).
Watering and Feeding
This shiny bush enjoys moist soil during the growing season.
During winter and fall, it is best to water the plant in intervals to allow the soil to get a bit dry.
The soil has to be moist, but not soggy.
During the end of spring, water this plant from the top to eliminate salt buildup.
If it is placed outside, ensure it gets sufficient water if the soil gets dry.
This plant must be watered infrequently, but deeply.
During its growing season, feed bi-weekly using a diluted liquid fertilizer.
Feed with a controlled-release fertilizer at the start of the growing season.
Avoid feeding during the winter season.
Soil & Transplanting
This plant typically has a small rooting system, which makes it ideal as an indoor or dish garden plant.
The ideal soil mixture is an equal combination of perlite and peat moss.
Adding in fine gravel to the soil provides the roots sufficient air for better growth.
If growing indoors, it grows best over planted as compared to being underplanted, so changing pots is not required as it grows.
The shiny bush also grows well on damp moss.
Grooming and Maintenance
Shiny peperomia shouldn’t be located under highly dark or highly sunny spots.
Find a middle ground to keep this plant happy. Growing under fluorescent lights are ideal.
If growth slows down, it means it’s not receiving enough light.
However, too much direct sunlight will scorch the leaves.
When growing outside, it is best to plant the shiny bush under the shade, where it gets some morning sunlight or receives filtered sunlight through the branches of a tree.
Related: Tips On Peperomia Rotundifolia Care
How to Propagate Shiny Bush
Propagation of the majority of the Peperomia species is done through leaf cuttings.
- Take larger leaves from the plant and bury them in the seedling starting soil.
- Use a rooting hormone to enhance the growth of this plant.
- The cutting should be placed in a bright, warm spot until new growth began showing.
Peperomia Pellucida Pests or Diseases
This plant doesn’t experience serious pest problems, but it is best to be on a lookout for spider mites and fungus gnats.
There might be some occurrence of caterpillars, thrips, mealybugs, and other insects, but it is rather infrequent.
The shiny bush is prone to various fungal diseases, including verticillium wilt, sclerotium stem rot, pythium root rot, phytophthora leaf, and stem rot, myrothecium leaf spots, rhizoctonia, cercospora, and anthracnose.
It is also vulnerable to the ringspot virus and cucumber mosaic virus.
Therefore, the right care is necessary to protect it against these diseases.
Peperomia Pellucida Uses
The species of Peperomia has numerous ethnomedicinal uses, as it has analgesic, chemotherapeutic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
The young stems and succulent leaves are edible.
They are typically blanched and used as vegetables or herbs in salads, particularly in Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines.
The plant has a mild flavor and crunchy texture.
Shiny Pellucida is also cultivated as a groundcover in permanently damp, shaded ferneries and rockeries due to its fast growth, lush foliage, and upright form.