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Peperomia prostrata

Phonetic Spelling
pep-er-ROH-mee-uh prost-RA-tuh
Description

String of Turtles is a delicate trailing vining plant with round, tiny, succulent, green leaves that are marbled with a darker green or sometimes the marbling may be white or silver. The leaf shape looks like the shell of a tiny turtle that is strung together and is the origin of its common name. The plant is slow growing and at maturity, the stems reach a length of 12 inches. This plant is native to the wet tropical areas of Ecuador and is a member of the Piperaceae or pepper family.

They thrive in bright, indirect light and can tolerate low light conditions, but the leaf color will not be as vibrant in low light. They prefer evenly moist soil, but they can suffer from overwatering. This plant also prefers average to higher humidity levels. Regular misting or a small humidifier nearby may be of benefit. Avoid cold drafts, and a consistent temperature of 68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit is preferable. They do well to be pot-bound.

They are perfect potted plants either in a terrarium, outdoor container, or hanging basket.  They trail and spread but are not aggressive. 

Quick ID Hints:

  • evergreen perennial, trailing, cascading, vining, extending up to 12 inches in length,
  • delicate, trailing, red stems
  • small, round, succulent green leaves with a marbled pattern of dark green but sometimes white or silver
  • leaves resemble a turtle shell
  • flowers are small, tail-like, brownish spikes 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: A String of Turtles are usually resistant to insects and diseases. Monitor for mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, scale, and whiteflies. Overwatering can result in root rot.

More information on Peperomia.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Pepperspot'
    trailing habit, deep green leaves with red undersides, and wiry reddish-brown stems
  • 'Silver Stripe'
    dark green leaves with silvery stripes, reddish stems, good fo a terrarium
'Pepperspot', 'Silver Stripe'
Tags:
#houseplant#slow growing#interiorscape#low maintenance#pet friendly#interesting leaves#hanging baskets#cascading#trailing#variegated#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Pepperspot'
    trailing habit, deep green leaves with red undersides, and wiry reddish-brown stems
  • 'Silver Stripe'
    dark green leaves with silvery stripes, reddish stems, good fo a terrarium
'Pepperspot', 'Silver Stripe'
Tags:
#houseplant#slow growing#interiorscape#low maintenance#pet friendly#interesting leaves#hanging baskets#cascading#trailing#variegated#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Peperomia
    Species:
    prostrata
    Family:
    Piperaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Leaf Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Ecuador
    Play Value:
    Easy to Grow
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 9 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 3 in. - 0 ft. 4 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Succulent
    Vine
    Habit/Form:
    Cascading
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spike
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    The plant flower is a tiny, upright, brown spike that appears tail-like. Indoor plants rarely flower.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Variegated
    White
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Orbicular
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    The leaves are tiny, round, green with dark green marbled markings, and less than 1-inch in diameter. The tiny leaves resemble the shells of miniature turtles that are strung together. The leaves are multi-colored patterns when young. As the leaf matures, it is usually dark and light green.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    The stems are delicate, trailing, and red.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants