Peperomia Rotundifolia Care: Learn Tips On Growing Trailing Jade

Peperomia rotundifolia [pep-er-ROH-mee-uh, ro-tun-dih-FOH-lee-uh] is an evergreen perennial with small round leaves growing in a natural trailing pattern and a member of the family Piperaceae (Peperomia).

Native to the tropical rainforests of South America, this vining epiphyte plant species is prized for its ornamental foliage and ability to provide indoor color all year round.

potted plant of Peperomia rotundifolia with its trailing leavesPin

Common names for this Peperomia rotundifolia include:

  • Round Leaf Peperomia
  • Trailing Jade (Senecio Jacobsenii shares the common name as well)
  • Jade Necklace
  • Creeping Buttons
  • String of Turtles
  • Radiator Plant

However, despite the alternatives, the Peperomia rotundifolia plant is usually referred to by its botanical or scientific name given by the German botanist Carl Sigismund Kunth and literally translates to ‘resembling round leaves.’

Peperomia Rotundifolia Quick Care Tips

  • Botanical Name: Peperomia Rotundifolia
  • Common Name(s): Round Leaf Peperomia, Trailing Jade
  • Synonyms: –
  • Family & Origin: Piperaceae family, native to South America
  • Growability: Easy to grow
  • Grow Zone: 10-11
  • Size: Grows up to 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide
  • Flowering: Produces small, insignificant flowers
  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light
  • Humidity: Prefers high humidity but can tolerate average humidity
  • Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 60-75°F
  • Soil: Well-draining soil
  • Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, avoid overwatering
  • Fertilizer: Use a diluted liquid fertilizer twice a month to ensure healthy growth throughout the year
  • Pests & Diseases: Susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites, can also develop root rot if overwatered
  • Propagation: Can be propagated through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings
  • Plant Uses: Great for hanging baskets or as a trailing plant on shelves, adds a pop of green to any room.

Peperomia Rotundifolia Care

Size and Growth

Peperomia rotundifolia produces thin, soft trailing stems with a vining growth habit of up to 12” inches long.



Each perennial epiphyte succulent stem consists of several small green leaves growing all along the stem on either side.

Peperomia Rotundifolia plant with small, round green leaves.Pin

The leaves have a rounded appearance and typically measure about an inch in diameter although some peperomia varieties are known to produce slightly larger leaves measuring as wide as 4” inches in diameter.

Peperomia rotundifolia is commonly grown in home gardens. In its natural habitat, it is often found thriving on tree trunks and rotten logs and crawling through rock crevices, and covering the forest ground.

Flowering and Fragrance

Peperomia plants feature tiny flowers growing on spikes. The flowers are neither fragrant nor bear any ornamental traits.

The plant is primarily grown for its attractive foliage instead.

The long and fancy, threadlike stems laden with lush, green foliage featuring small, fleshy leaves surely look incredible whether grown indoors or outdoors.

Light and Temperature

Partially shaded and well-lit areas without direct sunlight are the ideal spots for growing round leaf Peperomia.

This is because the plant needs sufficient light requirements to grow properly, but too much bright light will easily scorch the leaves. So it’s best to provide bright, indirect light.

Grow it on north or east facing windows as they receive morning and evening sun but not the intense afternoon sunlight.

Temperatures between 65° – 75° degrees Fahrenheit (18° – 21° C) ensure optimum growth. Trailing Jade plants will tolerate temperatures as low as 50° degrees Fahrenheit (10° C).

It is recommended for USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11.

Trailing jade plant, cascading green leaves, displaying its growth habitPin

Watering and Feeding

Peperomia has a succulent nature and, therefore, is extremely sensitive to overwatering. You will notice yellow leaves if your plant is overwatered.

Ensure a significantly long interval between successive watering sessions to allow the soil to dry sufficiently. Growing in well-drained soil is a must.

Reduce the amount of watering even further during the cold winter months.

In addition, ensure to maintain humidity levels of about 50% percent for excellent plant growth results.

Feeding is recommended during the spring season or growing season. Use a diluted liquid fertilizer twice a month to ensure healthy growth throughout the year.

Soil and Transplanting

This species of epiphytes prefers moist soils with proper drainage.

Although it performs well in various climates, areas with high humidity give the best results.

Consider grouping Peperomia with other garden plants, as this increases the humidity in the surrounding air.

Repotting is seldom required unless the existing container seems too small for the overgrowing vines.

Grooming and Maintenance

Peperomia is easy to grow and care for. In fact, its low maintenance needs are exactly what makes it such a popular houseplant.

Simply pinch out the unwanted stems from the tip to keep the plant in shape.

Alternatively, use a pair of scissors to prune any overgrown stems. Just remember, regular pruning will also keep the compact plant’s tidy appearance and minimize pest infestation. 

How to Propagate Trailing Jade Peperomia

To propagate Peperomia rotundifolia, use leaf cuttings obtained from mature plants. This is the best peperomia rotundifolia propagation method.

Bury a part of the cutting into an appropriate pot and place it in a bright spot until new growth emerges.

Other ways you can propagate your Trailing jade plant include stem cuttings or plant division.

Creeping Buttons Peperomia Pest or Diseases

Despite its tendency to grow on tree trunks and dapple over surrounding garden plants, Peperomia is not considered to be an invasive species.

If you look after the plant well and water properly (no waterlogged soil), this perennial epiphyte won’t give you any trouble.

However, poor plant care often leads to the appearance of raised, scab-like protrusions on the leaves.

Moreover, it also makes the plant more susceptible to attack from different garden pests and insects.

For example, the lack of proper sunlight increases the risk of attack from mealybugs.

Check the top and bottom surfaces of the leaves for small white bugs on plants which signify an infestation of mealybugs.

You can use neem oil or insecticidal soap to eliminate these.

In addition, this plant is also likely to be susceptible to root rot disease. You can prevent this by avoiding soggy soil and providing drainage holes.

Peperomia Rotundifolia Uses

This species of evergreen indoor plant looks best when planted in hanging baskets where its delicate vines seem to spill over from the container in an attractive manner.

Hang these baskets around the patio, on trellises, or simply on tree branches to evoke some cool, rainforest vibes.

The size of these little tropical plants also makes them perfect for use in dish gardens and terrariums as well as for adorning rock gardens and small areas such as balconies.

The pretty little leaves of the Peperomia plant will make a fine addition to your office desk.

Grow them in pots placed on window sills where the stems may cascade down like a miniature waterfall of leaves.

If you want something fancier than the plain leaves of Peperomia rotundifolia, consider the following varieties from the Peperomia genus.

  • Watermelon Peperomia – features elliptical leaves with silver stripes
  • Peperomia Rosso – dark green, deeply corrugated, wrinkled leaves at the ends of long stems.
  • Peperomia Caperata – heart-shaped leaves with a tint of silver and burgundy hues.

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