Peperomia Pepperspot: How to Grow the String of Coins

The Peperomia ‘Pepperspot’ is an adaptable plant that loves to use its vines to climb and to vine – being just a tad bit extra never hurt anybody!

While frequently mistaken for the Peperomia prostrata, also known as the String of Turtles, Pepperspots keep a consistent coloring rather than bright veins or variegation. The round, succulent-like leaves grow into a dark green, juxtaposing the brownish-red vines and undersides.

String of Coin plants look wonderful on the floors of terrarium where it will fill in and cover the ground, protecting the roots of any other plants planted with it; they also can be a dramatic waterfall of vines in the background of a space once mature enough.

Lighting

The String of Coins plant grows on the forest floor in their natural habitat, so they are familiar and happy with shady, dappled light exposure.

In a closed terrarium setting however, they prefer to crawl across the bottom and soak up moderate indirect light. If you see direct sun on your Peperomia often, consider planting something tall and sun-loving just above it.

Watering

Peperomia ‘Pepperspot’s are lovers of, and grow very well with, regular moisture.

Though they will put out more growth with consistent waterings, these Peperomias are terribly sensitive to sitting in soggy soil and will develop root rot if their substrate isn’t able to dry out in the meantime.

Substrate

Because the String of Coins belongs to the Peperomia genus, it loves a loose, well-draining substrate to dig it’s delicate roots into.

A perlite and coco coir rich mixture is best, but an African Violet soil mix is always a great substitute for Peperomia plants. The Pepperspot root structure is susceptible to root rot, so if you see any excessive leaf drop, check the roots and re-pot your plant with dry soil as soon as possible.

Temperature & Humidity

While this Peperomia calls the Amazon jungles of South America its home, it is actually able to survive with or without high levels of humidity. Consistently warm temperatures are non-negotiable though.

It’s also important to keep your Peperomia away from drafts. Even though plants in this genus are often called “Radiator Plants” does not mean you should place your terrarium directly on a radiator – definitely don’t do that.

Growth

The Peperomia ‘Pepperspot’ is not one to outgrow the usual terrarium, but it does absolutely love to stretch its red vines and put out leaves in its growing season.

If it is given a little bit of organic fertilizer or worm casting when its first placed in a terrarium, it will thank you for the nutrients by quickly covering the floor with its glossy green leaves.

Propagation

As with most Peperomia, the String of Coins is best propagated with stem cuttings in water.

You can use a small amount of rooting powder to encourage good root health if you’d like, but your Peperomia can grow just as well on its own. If you take multiple cuttings from one vine, you can later on use those in the same terrarium to fill any empty space in your foreground.

Varieties & Similar Plants

The Peperomia genus is a family of over 1,500 other recorded plants, and it’s expanding all the time with new discoveries and classifications.

The Peperomia ‘Pepperspot’ is commonly mistaken for two of its cousins – the String of Turtles and the Ruby Cascade.

While the Pepperspot has the same leaf shape (but lacks the variegation) as the Turtles and shares the same burgundy stem color as the Ruby Cascade, it is still a separate plant all its own!

For other vining types, see Peperomia ‘Hope’ and Peperomia rotundifolia, or check out Peperomia Rosso for a more compact foliage type.

Common Problems

With the String of Coins, overwatering and excessive light are the most common issues you will face with this plant in a terrarium.

Unusually high amounts of dropping leaves and browning leaves are the most common red flags this Peperomia will throw up to tell you it needs a little more love and attention.