Are you the proud owner of a Peperomia plant and noticed some not-so-pleasant symptoms such as cracked, chipped, or withered leaves with black edges?
Don’t worry; you’re not alone! These symptoms can happen to even the most experienced plant parents.
But don’t fret; I am here to help you figure out the leading causes and how to deal with them. So grab your gardening gloves, and let’s work on saving your beloved Peperomia plant.
Contents
Solving the Mystery of Peperomia’s Split Leaves
1- Poor Ventilation
If you see some unsightly cracked and chipped leaves on your Peperomia plant? Or perhaps the edges of the leaves are damaged, dark, and withered? Chances are, poor ventilation is to blame.
Peperomia may be known as a houseplant, but it’s also a succulent at heart. With plump, fleshy leaves, it stores much water, just like its succulent cousins.
That’s why it’s essential to pay special attention to the airflow around your Peperomia, especially during those steamy summer months and rainy seasons. Proper ventilation can mean distinguishing between a thriving plant and damaged leaves.
Keep the Windows Shut In Winter And Ventilate As Much As Possible In Summer
My dear friends, as the temperature rises and falls, you tend to rely more on our trusty air conditioning systems, closing windows more often in the middle of the summer and winter.
But this can lead to one unfortunate side effect: poor indoor ventilation. Now, you know it can be a hassle to constantly open and close windows, but don’t despair!
There are a few simple solutions to this problem. First, introduce a fan or two into the room; these can circulate the air and improve ventilation.
Additionally, moisture tends to linger in the air after watering your Peperomia, causing humidity to build up.
Keep an eye out for this, and try to ventilate the room as much as possible to keep your Peperomia leaves from cracking.
2- Overwatering Damages the Leaf Cells
Now, my dear friends, let’s not forget that our dear Peperomia is a succulent at heart. And as any seasoned plant parent knows, succulents don’t take kindly to over-watering.
With too much H2O, our Peperomia may feel like it’s at a water park – and no one wants to see their plant become a soggy, bloated mess.
In the summer heat, all that excess water is quickly evaporated, putting pressure on the cells in the leaves, resulting in ruptured cell walls and damaged leaves.
And if you’re not careful, it can lead to blubbery, damaged, blackened, and even rotten leaves. So, let’s all raise a glass of water (not for the plant) and make a toast to proper watering for our Peperomia friends.
Let Peperomia Soil Dry Out Before Watering
As the spring and fall seasons roll around, many of our houseplants experience a growth spurt. And our dear Peperomia is no exception.
But here’s a friendly reminder, if you water your Peperomia at the same time as you water other houseplants, it may become susceptible to root rot.
How can you tell when it’s time to give your Peperomia a drink? A good rule of thumb is to water when the top soil dies out or when the peperomia wilts and droops, as shown in the image below.
Remember, for peperomia, over-watering is more dangerous than under-watering. This way, you can ensure that your Peperomia gets just the right amount of hydration for healthy growth.
Here is How to Water Peperomia In Different Seasons
| Spring to fall, from 68 to 77 °F | It’s important to be both generous and judicious. Allow the soil to dry out thoroughly before giving it a good drenching. And don’t forget to pour out any excess water that may accumulate in the tray or receptacle to prevent the dreaded root rot. |
| Rainy season and midsummer when the temperature is above 86°F | Ensure the soil is thoroughly dry, and water the plant just enough to allow a little water to seep out of the bottom of the pot. After watering, place the pot in a well-ventilated place as much as possible, avoiding direct sunlight. |
| Fall and winter temperatures below 59°F | Allow soil to dry thoroughly for 3-4 days before watering at room temperature. Water during the warmest part of the day and drain completely. Place in a well-ventilated and brightly lit area. |
3- Peperomia Leaf Burn Due To Direct Sunlight
Ah, the magic of sunlight and its effect on our beloved Peperomia. This tropical beauty thrives in warm, bright, and airy locations but prefers a more delicate touch.
Think of it as a plant that prefers soft, filtered sunlight, such as “bright shade,” “semi-shade,” or the light that filters through lace curtains.
You see, our Peperomia hails from the tropical regions of Amelia, and it craves warm, bright, airy locations all year round.
I know what you might think: “So Peperomia grows better if it’s exposed to as much sunlight as possible!”
Well, that’s not entirely true. In its native habitat, Peperomia can be found growing in areas surrounded by tropical rainforests where the sun shines through the trees.
In other words, it prefers to be an undergrowth and doesn’t do well in direct sunlight. Especially during those hot summer months, direct sunlight can cause leaf burn.
So, let’s give our Peperomia the perfect balance of light, which will reward us with lush green leaves.
What to Do With Sunburned Leaves
My dear friends, I’ve talked about the perils of leaf burn and its effects on the health and appearance of our Peperomia plants. But, you might be wondering, can leaves that have already been damaged be restored to their former glory?
I’m afraid the answer is no; leaves damaged by leaf burn cannot be restored to their original color. Furthermore, photosynthesis cannot occur in burnt areas, which is essential for the plant’s survival.
So, if you continue to place your Peperomia in an environment that causes leaf burn, not only will the ornamental value of the plant decrease, but the plant itself may also die.
The solution is simple, if you notice a leaf burn on your Peperomia, move it to a location where it is not in direct sunlight or use a shade net to filter the sun’s rays. Trust me; your Peperomia will thank you!
Key Takeaways
Here are the three leading causes of Peperomia leaves splitting, and what to do about them:
| Stuffiness due to poor ventilation | Keep your Peperomia in a well-ventilated spot as much as possible! If you’re keeping it outdoors, make sure it’s in a shaded or semi-shaded area, and if it’s indoors, put it near a window with lace curtains. And remember, when windows are closed, use a circulator to keep the air moving. |
| Rot from overwatering | Remember, the key to watering your Peperomia is to let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Peperomias store water in their thick leaves, so be careful not to over-water. In the winter, space out watering even more to keep the soil dry. |
| Damage from direct sunlight | Give your Peperomia the right amount of light by placing it near a window indoors or using a half-shade outdoors. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during midsummer, and provide some shade. |