The Peperomia genus of plants is known for it’s hundreds of species perfectly suited for terrarium environments, and the Round Leaf Peperomia is yet another species that fits the bill.
This plant is typically found crawling across trees and rocks along the forest floor, trailing along surfaces with its bright green leaves – hence one of its many common names, Trailing Jade.
The circular leaves of this plant may grow and open slowly, but the low maintenance that goes along with it are an easy trade off, especially if you’re on the patient side.
The Peperomia rotundifolia can enjoy itself in a wide range of conditions, only disliking extremely dry air or extreme swings in temperature. All things considered, this species of Peperomia is an easy choice for anyone finding extra space in their terrarium.
Where to Buy Peperomia rotundifolia (Trailing Jade)
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Where to Buy Peperomia rotundifolia (Trailing Jade)
| Plant Type | Vine, epiphyte |
| Lighting | Bright, indirect light |
| Temperature | 65-80°F (18-26°C) |
| Watering | Moderate, even moisture |
| Humidity | Moderate to high (50-80%) |
| Growth | 8-12 inches |
Lighting
The Round Leaf Peperomia is a plant that loves bright, indirect light up until the moment that the midday sun directly touches it’s leaves – then it despises the light and can be burnt to a crisp…
In its natural habitat, this plant grows along the forest floor, so transplant it at the bottom of a terrarium to help it feel most at home.
Watering
A Peperomia rotundifolia plant, under ideal conditions, is a low maintenance plant when it comes to watering.
This species still retains some of the succulent preferences that most other Peperomia varieties exhibit, even with its leaves being on the thinner side, so take care to not overwater.
If you need to, you can always open your terrarium and let it air out if you’re worried about the roots of this plant getting too much moisture.
Substrate
Round Leaf Peperomias are epiphytic plants, meaning they grow on the surface of another plant like a tree, rather than directly in the soil.
A well-draining, aerated substrate that gives roots something to hold onto and still allowing them to breathe easily is the perfect match for a Peperomia like the Trailing Jade.
A substrate heavy in perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir would be best, while the average potting soil may hold onto too much moisture and encourage root rot in a closed terrarium setting.
Temperature & Humidity
Coming from South America, the Peperomia rotundifolia is a plant that has evolved to appreciate consistently high humidity and warm temperatures, so a terrarium is an ideal space for this plant!
In both closed and open terrariums, its important to keep your Trailing Jade away from drafts and air vents because that can not only lower the temperature but also move the moisture in the air away from this plant.
Growth
Creeping Buttons are not particularly slow or fast growers, no matter if it is growing inside a home or a outside in its natural environment.
In a terrarium with enough vertical space, this species of Peperomia can grow flowers on spikes that look like stems growing straight into the air. These flowers aren’t especially decorative or fragrant, so this plant is mostly grown for its foliage.
Propagation
The Trailing Jade is a great plant to propagate using the stem cuttings method, regardless if it is done hydroponically in water, or semi-hydroponically in perlite, sphagnum moss, or leca.
If given the right conditions and its vines are able to grow as long as they like, it can be easy enough to the take multiple cuttings from one vine and fill a brand-new pot.
Varieties & Similar Plants
The plant is a member of the Peperomia genus that can claim over 1,500 other species, so the Creeping Buttons are often mistaken for many of its cousin plants.
While Peperomia ‘Pepperspot’ and Peperomia ‘Hope’ look the most like this plant, the Pellaea rotundifolia is most often mislabeled and sold as the Peperomia rotundfolia because how incredibly close their names are – clearly the parties that named both of these plants didn’t have a Zoom call ahead of time…
Common Problems
Most plants of the Peperomia genus are lucky because they aren’t extra susceptible to any pests, however the Round Leaf Peperomia is one of the exceptions.
Mealybugs and spider mites can be naturally attracted to the Creeping Buttons’ vines, especially when they don’t receive the proper amount of light to help it build its resistance. Also, the succulent nature of this plant and the delicate root structure that goes along with it makes it extra sensitive to overwatering.