The Peperomia polybotrya [pep-er-ROH-mee-uh] [pol-ly-BOT-ree-uh] is a compact peperomia species plant well suited for life as an easy-to-care-for houseplant.
The plant features heart-shaped, succulent foliage and typically only achieves a maximum height of one foot.
Like many botanical names, the name of this plant is taken from the Greek language. Peperomia means “resembling pepper,” while Polybotrya means “many.”
Some call the plant the “Chinese Money Plant” [Pilea peperomioides], assuming they are the same. They do have similar leaf shapes.
Peperomia Polybotrya Quick Care Tips
- Botanical Name: Peperomia Polybotrya
- Common Name(s): Coin-Leaf Raindrop plant, Chinese Money Plant, Coin-leaf peperomia, Raindrop peperomia, Peperomia raindrop, Coin plant
- Synonyms: None
- Pronunciation: pep-er-ROH-mee-uh pol-ly-BOT-ree-uh
- Family & Origin: Piperaceae (Pepper) family, native to South America, parts of Colombia and Peru
- Growability: Easy to grow
- Grow Zone: USDA zones 10-12
- Size: Grows up to 12 inches tall and wide
- Flowering: Small white or green flowers
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity
- Temperature: Ideal temperature range is 65°- 80° degrees Fahrenheit
- Soil: Well-draining soil rich in organic matter
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry; avoid overwatering
- Fertilizer: Fertilize with balanced liquid fertilizer once per month during the warmer months
- Pests & Diseases: Susceptible to mealybugs and red spider mites, can also be affected by root rot and leaf spots if overwatered
- Propagation: Propagate through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings
- Plant Uses: Great for indoor decoration, it adds a pop of green to any room. It can also be used in terrariums or as a small desk plant.
Caring for the coin-leaf peperomia is not hard, but you may want to review a few basic plant care tips.
Coin Leaf Peperomia – Peperomia Polybotrya Care
Taking care of the peperomia raindrop flower is relatively easy. This includes providing proper coin leaf peperomia care to ensure beautiful and healthy growth.
Size and Growth
The coin-leaf peperomia has succulent raindrop-shaped leaves and stems, allowing Polybotrya to store water through the dryer seasons.
The heart-shaped leaves are thick, shiny, and heart-shaped, with a glossy dark green sheen and pale green underneath.
The raindrop plant flower doesn’t get very big. With proper care, it may achieve a size of at least one foot.
It’s recommended for USDA hardiness zones 10-12 but grows best outdoors in zone 10.
Flowering and Fragrance
The coin-leaf peperomia produces interesting peperomia polybotrya flower resembling green-tipped mouse tails. They grow in clusters from the tops of the stems.
Most people enjoy the sweet fragrance produced by the coin plant flower.
Unfortunately, the peperomia flower does not last long. When the peperomia flowers fade, remove them from the plant.
Light Requirements and Temperature
This is a hardy plant if you place it in the right spot. When grown indoors, place Peperomia Polybotrya near a window with bright light.
Remember, the Peperomia Coin leaf plant thrives in bright indirect light.
However, avoid direct afternoon sunlight, which may burn the leaves.
The general temperature range for this plant is 65°- 80° degrees Fahrenheit. It prefers cool, humid conditions but may tolerate warmer temperatures during the summer.
When grown outdoors, place the coin Peperomia in an area with no direct sunlight and plenty of partial shade, especially if you live in a region where temperatures exceed 80° degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.
Peperomia Raindrop Watering and Feeding
During the spring and summer, thoroughly water the Coin leaf plant and allow the soil to dry between watering.
Like other succulents, it’s easy to overwater these plants if you’ve never cared for succulent peperomia plants before. The stems and leaves store water, which allows the plant to go longer without water.
Pay attention to the soil. To avoid overwatering, stick one finger in the soil. If the soil is dry, water the plant.
Add a balanced liquid fertilizer once per month during the warmer months.
In the winter, limit the watering and stop fertilizing.
Moreover, the Peperomia raindrop plant tolerates lower humidity.
Soil and Transplanting
Plants should not need repotting unless you start it in a small plant and pot and need to move it into a permanent home.
The coin leaf peperomia flower has a relatively weak root system. Transplanting may damage the plant if you’re not extremely careful.
When potting the plant, use a houseplant potting mix (African Violet mix works well) to ensure the soil has good drainage. Another option is a mixture of 50% peat moss and 50% perlite.
Grooming and Maintenance
Raindrop peperomia flower doesn’t require any special grooming. The plant grows slowly and rarely exceeds more than one foot.
However, remove the old flowers as they start to dry out.
NOTE: Some indoor gardeners choose to mist the plant. This provides several benefits:
- Misting helps recreate the humid conditions the plant prefers
- Misting also helps keep the thick leaves clean and free of dust
- Cleaning the leaves reduces the risk of red spider mite infestations.
How To Propagate Coin Leaf Peperomia
Propagating the coin leaf Polybotrya isn’t difficult. Take leaf cuttings, tip cuttings, or stem cuttings during the spring using sterile sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Then, dip the cutting in the rooting hormone powder.
Cut one of the leaves in half. Plant the cutting, with the leaf’s cut edge, in moist soil in a small pot.
Make sure the cuttings receive moderate sunlight and the soil remains moist. Within one or two weeks, small leaflets should appear.
These leaflets should soon grow to become their own new plants. After several weeks, or when the leaflets begin to crowd each other, transplant them into individual containers.
Peperomia Polybotrya Pests or Diseases
The raindrop plant flowers can live for many years when watered correctly and doesn’t face any major threats.
With proper care, the only issue plants may encounter is an infestation of red spider mites and mealy bugs.
These small critters suck the sap from the leaves, which causes small yellow spots to develop. The leaves eventually dry out and fall from the plant.
- If you detect the yellow spots, look for spider mites webbing around the stems.
- If you notice cottony-looking masses on leaves or the leaf axils, look for mealybug infestation.
Remove and control spider mites and mealybugs with Neem oil sprays or with regular cleaning.
In addition, this plant is prone to diseases like leaf spots and root rot. So, it’s important not to water the plant before the soil dries a little.
Moreover, avoid overwatering and stagnant water on the leaves.
Suggested Uses For Raindrop Peperomia
The raindrop peperomia may be grown indoors or outdoors. It’s best suited for outdoor growth in cooler regions that experience humid, mild summers, such as the Great Lakes region.
When grown indoors, the coin-leaf peperomia can be placed in a large decorative pot and used as a focal point among an arrangement of house plants.