Peperomia prostrata hort.
string of turtles
A compact, trailing, evergreen perennial with red stems bearing circular leaves to 1.5cm across. The leaves are dark green with lighter markings along the veins. From spring to summer it produces upright, slender, tail-like spikes of tiny brown flowers
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown | Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Piperaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing
- Genus
Peperomia are evergreen perennials with simple, often succulent leaves and very small greenish-white flowers borne in slender spikes or panicles
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in houseplant compost in bright indirect light while in growth, moving into full light in winter. Water moderately in summer, sparingly in winter, preferably with tepid, soft water. From spring to summer apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. See Peperomia and houseplant cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed at 19-24°C when ripe; take stem cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- hanging basket
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.