Peperomia quadrangularis (pep-er-ROH-mee-uh, kwad-ran-gew-LAIR-iss) is a member of the Piperaceae family originally hailing from northern South America.
This tiny houseplant is very easy to manage and is often used for decoration in houses.
Often confused as succulents, peperomia plants require higher humidity and more water.
The plants are compact and occupy a small space wherever you place them.
Peperomia quadrangularis is also found in abundance in Brazil and Panama.
A common garden plant, this live plant is safe to use with animals and are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Peperomia quadrangularis is a common indoor plant and is often known for its following common names:
- Peperomia beetle
- Radiator plant
- Peperomia angulata
The genus peperomia consists of various types.
Around 1,000 types of peperomia plants exist, but not all of them are available for the public.
The widely available peperomia plants are:
Peperomia caperata: This plant has heart-shaped, green leaves and attractive foliage texture.
It has attractive silvery or burgundy tint which makes the leaves even more attractive. A sport known as Peperomia Rosso is also very popular.
Watermelon Peperomia: Similar to the texture of watermelon fruit, watermelon peperomia has silver stripes on its elliptical-shaped leaves.
These two peperomia plants grow up to 8″ inches in height and width.
When planting them in a container, make sure the pot size is large and it provides enough space for root development.
Peperomia obtusifolia: With a more upright demeanor, peperomia obtusifolia has shiny, green leaves which are variegated with white and gold coloration.
Peperomia puteolata: Often called parallel peperomia, peperomia puteolata is a delicate plant with colorful foliage and the stems which are in reddish or deep maroon color.
Peperomia prostrata: Known by the name ‘string of turtles’, peperomia prostrata is a creeper plant with thread-like stems which string together blue-button leaves.
Peperomia clusiifolia: The plant has large green leaves with white edges and rosy-pink blushes. It is commonly known as ‘tricolor’ or ‘rainbow’.
Peperomia Quadrangularis Plant Care
Size & Growth
Peperomia quadrangularis has thick, dark green, variegated leaves which make it a perfect addition to your collection of indoor plants.
The creeping species of peperomia (like Peperomia perciliata), Peperomia quadrangularis is not a difficult plant to grow.
They grow up to 12″ inches when trailing.
Peperomia quadrangularis has striped, oblong, dark green leaves which grow up to 1″ inch.
Flowering and Fragrance
Quadrangularis produces white flowers attractive flowers which look like boot or ice-pop.
The blooming seasons for the plant are spring and summer.
Light & Temperature
The plant will grow better in the lighting which varies from partial shade to filtered sun.
It is USDA hardiness zone is 11-12 and it may grow in tropics climate, and tolerates low to moderate amounts of light.
Water and Feeding
Even though the plant is often classified as a succulent plant, it does need regular watering.
For its proper growth, make sure to keep the soil moist. But don’t overwater the plant as it may be damaging for the plant.
Peperomia quadrangularis responds well to regular feedings of liquid houseplant fertilizer.
Soil & Transplanting
The plant needs well-draining potting moist soil with a pH of 5.5 – 6.5 for its speedy growth and development.
It requires mild nutrients for its development.
Grooming and Maintenance
Peperomia quadrangularis requires minimum maintenance.
Bi-monthly trimming will be enough for the maintenance of the plant.
Even though pruning the plants is not always necessary, you will have to control the size of the plant if it has reached 15″ inches or more.
Since heavy pruning can damage the plant and halt its growth, you should only pay attention to damaged leaves, stems, and foliage.
How To Propagate Beetle Peperomia
Peperomia quadrangularis can be propagated from leaf cuttings.
Remove the large leaves of the plant with their petioles (stalks).
Now, bury these leaves in moist houseplant potting mix and keep the cutting in a warm, bright place.
You will see the growth of the new plant.
Beetle Peperomia Pest or Disease
The peperomia plant is a non-toxic plant safe to use with animals and humans.
However, the plant itself is vulnerable to mealybugs.
Be vigilant and make sure there are no cottony white masses on the undersides of leaves and stems. Use Neem pesticide oil for control.
More on Pests and Diseases Radiator plants face
Neem Oil is our FAVORITE natural organic insecticide. Control aphids, mealybugs, plant scale, Japanese Beetles and more. It can also be used as a soil drench.
Peperomia Quadrangularis Uses
Peperomia quadrangularis is an easy-to-grow plant and a wildly popular houseplant, ground cover, and hanging basket.
Plant lovers grow it in container gardens – just make sure you have the perfect pot size – and be kept on the desk or the window sill.
Since it is a creeper plant, many people grow peperomia in hanging baskets to decorate their outdoor seating areas such as a pergola.
Plants are also wildly grown in a terrarium.
In vivarium, the plant may grow both terrestrially and epiphytically.
Many, however, mount them like an epiphyllum orchid cactus as an epiphyte.
This plant is popular for its ornamental foliage and its ability to fit in compact spaces.
It’s a good decorative plant requiring minimum care and maintenance.