Growing Peperomia Verticillata: How To Care For Red Log Peperomia

If you’re looking for a plant that’s both unique and easy to care for, the peperomia verticillata is a great choice! Peperomias are tropical plants native to South America and grow in humid, shaded forests.

The baby rubber plant gets its name from its thick, rubbery leaves. The leaves are arranged in a whorl (or spiral) pattern growing up from the roots, giving the plant a distinctive look.

Red twist peperomia is a relatively small plant that only grows about 12″ inches tall and wide. Yet, its compact size makes it perfect for growing in small spaces, such as apartments or offices.

You can’t ask for much more in a plant than easy care and good looks; this plant has both in spades.

If you’re thinking of adding one (or more!) of these beauties to your home, read on for everything you need to know about care and maintenance.

What Are The Common Names?

Some of the typical household names include:

• Baby Rubber Plant
• The Red Log Plant
• Red Twist Plant

So, why is it called the baby rubber plant? The plant leaves are thick and fleshy, much like rubber. They’re also a deep green color with red stems.

The plant is also known as the red log plant because, when it matures, the underside of the leaves turns a reddish hue.

Quick Facts:

• Family: Piperaceae
• Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix
• Water Needs: Medium
• Light Needs: Medium to low indirect light
• Temperature Range: 65°-80° degrees Fahrenheit
• Fertilizer: Every 2-3 months
• Propagation: Stem or leaf cuttings
• Common Problems: aphids, mealybugs, root rot

How To Care for Peperomia Verticillata

Peperomias thrive in humid environments. It’s an easy plant to care for and is an excellent addition to any indoor jungle or as a solo piece.

Let’s take a look at how to care for this beautiful plant!

What Does the Verticillata Peperomia Plant Look Like, and How Big Does It Grow?

The red twist is a gorgeous plant with velvety leaves, deep green, and red with a beautiful sheen. The plant can grow to around 12″ inches long, and the leaves about 2″-3″ inches wide.

When grown indoors, the baby rubber plant is a slow grower. Given the right conditions, it can grow up to 6″ inches per year.

When Does the Verticillata Flower? Are the Flowers Fragrant?

The red log plant flowers in the spring and summer. The flowers are small, white, and not very fragrant. More on what to do with peperomia flowers.

What Are the Lighting Needs and Temperature Requirements?

Peperomias do best in bright, indirect light. But, it can also tolerate low light conditions.

When it comes to temperature, this plant prefers warmth and humidity. It thrives in temperatures of 70°-85° degrees Fahrenheit (21° Celsius – 29° Celsius).

How and When to Water and Fertilize the Peperomia Verticillata Plant

As with most plants, the key to success is not to overwater! These plants like to have their soil moist but not soggy.

Sticking your finger in the soil is the best way to know if your plant needs water. If it feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water.

Fertilize the red twist plant about once a month during the growing season, as they are not heavy feeders. Use a balanced fertilizer diluted to half-strength.

Apply the fertilizer directly to the soil, mix it with water, and use it as you would when watering the plant. Always follow the directions on the fertilizer package.

Over-fertilizing can damage the roots and leave the plant vulnerable to pests and diseases.

What Is The Best Soil For the Red Rod Plant, and When Should You Transplant?

The red twist plant prefers a well-draining, rich potting mix. Use a commercial potting mix or make your own by mixing equal parts peat moss, perlite, and sand.

Transplanting is only necessary when the plant has outgrown its current pot. Peperomia plants don’t like to be disturbed, so it’s best to wait until transplanting is needed.

These plants can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet or the pot doesn’t have adequate drainage. If you think your plant has root rot, it’s best to transplant it into a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil.

When you transplant, always use a pot that is only one size larger than the current pot. This will help reduce the stress on the plant and make it easier for it to adjust to its new home.

Does the Verticillata Peperomias Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?

The red rod verticillata is a low-maintenance plant and doesn’t need much grooming. But, if the leaves look dull, wipe them down with a damp cloth to restore their shine.

If the plant becomes too leggy, trim back the stems to encourage new growth.

How to Over-Winter Your Red Twist

If you live in an area where the temperature drops below 60° degrees Fahrenheit (15° Celsius), bringing your Peperomia Verticillata indoors is best. These plants are not cold-hardy and are susceptible to frost damage.

When bringing your plant indoors for the winter, could you place it in a bright, sunny spot? You may need to supplement the light with grow lights.

Help preserve moisture by placing the pot on a pebble tray or grouping it with other plants. Be sure not to overwater!

How to Propagate The Red Log Plant

Propagation is easy if you want more of this beautiful and unique plant. Peperomia verticillata can be propagated by stem cuttings.

To propagate by stem cutting:

• Take a cutting that includes a couple of leaves attached to the stem.

• Remove the bottom leaves so that only two or three remain on the cutting.

• Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and place it in a pot filled with moistened perlite or vermiculite.

• Cover the pot with plastic wrap or a clear glass jar to create a humid environment, and place it in indirect light.

• Water as needed to keep the perlite or vermiculite moist.

After a few weeks, new growth should emerge from the cutting. At this point, remove the plastic wrap or glass jar and continue to water as needed.

Peperomia Verticillata Pests and Disease Problems

This plant is relatively pest and disease free. Yet mealybugs and aphids can be a problem. These pests drink the sap from the leaves and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and bronze. 

Leaf spots can also be an issue. If you notice any of these problems, treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Also, like other plants in this family, the leaves could turn yellow and drop off if you are overwatering. Be sure to allow the top inch or so of soil to dry between waterings.

Suggested Uses for the Baby Rubber Plant

If you want to landscape with this plant, it works well as a ground cover. It will only reach about 6″ inches in height, so it is perfect for filling in those empty spaces in your garden.

It also makes a great houseplant. Verticillata is relatively easy to care for and does well in most indoor conditions. It can even tolerate low light. 

This could be the perfect plant for you if you want a plant to brighten up a dark corner in your home!

Verticillata peperomia is a beautiful and unique plant, perfect for adding a touch of tropical flair to your garden or home. 

With its red and green leaves, it is sure to make a statement in any setting. And with its easy care requirements, it is perfect for even the most novice gardener. 

So if you are looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance plant, add Peperomia verticillata to your list!

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