Family: Piperaceae
Common Name: Peperomia Piccolo Banda
Botanical Name: Peperomia albovittata 'Piccolo Banda'
Light
Peperomia Piccolo Banda prefers medium to bright indirect light. For this type of light, it is best to place them near a south- or west-facing window or very close to a north- or east-facing window. Be sure the foliage is protected from the harsh afternoon direct rays of the sun, as direct sunlight will cause leaf scorch or discolor the leaves. They can tolerate medium light but become weaker and leggy and produce fewer leaves in low light. Learn more about light requirements for indoor plants.
Water
Peperomia albovittata 'Piccolo Banda' has thinner, less waxy leaves than other types of peperomia, and therefore requires water more frequently than its more succulent-like cousins. A good indication that your peperomia needs water is when you notice the stems and leaves begin to droop. A moisture meter can help determine when it’s time to water your plants, but sometimes your finger is a more reliable gauge.
Soil
Peperomias love good drainage and a soil mixture containing pumice, perlite, or wood chips to provide the drainage they need! Most bagged potting soils will be adequate for transplanting Peperomia Piccolo Banda. Consider mixing in cactus potting soil to help with drainage. If you decide to transplant them (we do not recommend transplanting your new plants for at least 3-6 months after receiving them), make sure you do not damage the roots as they are shallow and sensitive to being disturbed.
Temperature
Temperatures between 60-80℉ are ideal, and they can withstand temps as low as 55℉. However, these tropical houseplants love warmer conditions, so the warmer, the better! Keep your peperomias away from cold drafts and frequently used doors in the winter time to avoid shocking them.
Humidity
As with most tropical indoor plants, Peperomia Piccolo Banda benefits from higher humidity levels, but will do fine in average household air.
Fertilizer
Peperomia Piccolo Banda is not a heavy feeder, but you can fertilize it once a month during the growing season with a complete liquid fertilizer at 1/4 the recommended strength, or you can top dress the soil with worm castings, or a rich compost once in the spring or early summer. Remember to water your plants after applying granular fertilizer and water them before adding liquid fertilizer! Over fertilizing your peperomias can cause more damage than good and it is best to wait at least a month between fertilizing!
Growth Rate
Peperomia Piccolo Banda is a slow to medium growing indoor plant and can reach a mature height and width of 4-12".
Pet Friend or Foe
Peperomia Piccolo Banda is non-toxic to pets. Friend!
Pro Tips
- When re-potting your peperomia, use a soil that has good drainage to discourage water-logged soil and do not disturb the roots!
- Peperomia Piccolo Banda have shallow root systems and can thrive by being in smaller containers and terrariums!
- Peperomia Piccolo Banda does flower, but the blooms are small. Feel free to cut them off to encourage more foliage development.
- Leach the soil once a season to flush out salt build up. Fertilize with a complete liquid fertilizer or top dressing of worm castings after leaching the soil.
- If you find your Peperomia Piccolo Banda is not growing or dropping leaves, consider moving it to a brighter setting and monitor the soil for dryness.
- It is always better to lean toward dry soil if you are unsure whether or not to water your Peperomia Piccolo Banda!
- Remove dead leaves from the soil to help prevent mildew and pests from harming your plants as leaf litter can facilitate these issues.