Peperomia makes an excellent indoor plant, especially for beginners. Peperomia Angulata leaves are elegantly patterned and highly adaptable.
Furthermore, it’s one of the hardiest peperomia species and can survive neglect. You can place this perennial, evergreen almost anywhere in your home.
Here’s our grower’s guide to growing, caring for, and propagating peperomia Angulata plants.
How to Identify Peperomia Angulata
Peperomia plants come in a variety of species, so it’s not always easy to figure out which type you are growing.
Many sub-species of peperomias grow in tropical areas of South America, where they are epiphytes, or grow on the branches of other trees in the rainforest.
In its natural habitat, the peperomia beetle reaches and spreads over moss-covered areas.
Peperomia Angulata is more ornamental as an indoor plant, and its wiry, flexible stems are perfect for hanging baskets.
Identifying features of the Angulata include its smallish, ovate leaves, which are dark green with faint yellow veins. Occasionally, you may notice spikey, rat-tail-like flowers on your Angulata. These flowers tend to be infrequent and are not particularly fragrant.
Peperomia Angulata also goes by these common names:
- Beetle Peperomia
- Peperomia Quadrangularis
How to Grow Peperomia Angulata
Plants of the Angulata genus grow easily and are very easy to maintain once established. You need to make sure that your soil drains properly in order for your plant to be happy and healthy.
Despite its slow growth rate, the peperomia Angulata doesn’t require much space. It is important, however, to choose the right place.
Sun
Peperomia Angulata thrives in indirect, filtered light, as do most species of peperomia. Overexposure to the sun, especially in the summertime, will cause your Angulata to quickly wilt since the plant naturally grows in shady, tropical areas.
You might want to consider a semi-shaded spot near a window facing east or west.
Soil
Peperomia Angulata requires free-draining soil because its sensitive root system requires much breathing space. Peat moss and tree bark are equal parts in potting soil mixed with perlite.
An important feature of the soil is that it drains well while maintaining a high level of nutrient density.
Humidity
Because it is native to the tropics, the Angulata thrives in medium to high levels of humidity, making it a good choice for terrariums and bathrooms.
Place your Angulata on a pebble tray or some loose rocks to ensure it maintains a healthy level of humidity. Keep the pebbles moist by misting them occasionally.
How to Propagate Peperomia Angulata
You can have plenty of Angulata plants all around your home since propagation is relatively simple and straightforward. You can propagate plants by cutting stems, cutting leaves, or even dividing plants.
Propagation should be done in June when the tropical growing season will be underway.
Propagation from Stem Cutting
Cuttings from stems are very effective. Make sure you use a healthy stem from an Angulata plant. Follow these steps:
- Remove a stem cutting with one or two leaves, about four inches long, with a sterile blade or grafting knife. Cut directly below the node.
- Allow the area where the cutting was made to dry and callous a little.
- To root your cutting, submerge it in water.
- Plant your cutting into a potting mix after your cutting has developed a good amount of fibrous roots.
- Initially, retain quite a bit of moisture in the soil to allow the roots to adjust to the new environment.
Propagation from Leaf Cutting
Leaf-to-leaf propagation is equally effective, and you can remove more than one leaf at a time to assure success. Follow these steps:
- A few strong, healthy leaves are removed from an established Angulata plant with a sharp, sterilized blade. Each leaf should have about an inch of stalk or petiole.
- After the tip of the stalk has dried out, soak it for about 30 seconds in rooting hormone.
- Leaf stems should be planted in a mix of succulent soil, peat moss, and perlite. Leaves should be spaced at least 4 inches apart.
- Root your leaves in an area that is free from breezes and well-lit. Be sure not to overwet the soil to prevent rot.
- From the leaf base, new plants will grow. Replant in a potting medium once they have established themselves.
Tips for Peperomia Angulata Care
Although your Angulata plants will still be perfectly fine if you forget about them periodically, you will need to water, fertilize, and prune them occasionally to ensure optimum health.
Watering
Angulatas are semi-succulents, so they do not require a lot of water. Because it only receives some rain infrequently, an occasional watering during the summer months is sufficient.
Winter is an ideal time to cut back almost completely. Save rainwater for watering during the summer. Pepperomias store a large amount of water in their leaves.
If you notice your leaves are starting to thin, it could be the result of overwatering.
Fertilization
A good dose of fertilizer is especially important for plants of the Angulata family during the growing season. Once every two weeks is sufficient.
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer of a 10-10-10 ratio. Winter is a good time to cut back on feeding.
Pruning
Pruning is important for maintaining a plant’s shape and curbing pest infestations. Also, a good cutting back will help your Angulata look bushy and healthy.
Cut off a few inches at a time and use a sterilized blade. Repotting the Angulata regularly is unnecessary, and since its roots are quite sensitive, it might do more harm than good.
You should only report your Angulata every 3 to 4 years unless it is overgrown.
Pests, diseases, and problems
Peperomia won’t pose many problems and will be pretty trouble-free. The most common problems occur when they are overwatered or when the soil is particularly water-logged.
To avoid root rot, always regulate your watering and allow the soil to properly dry out between waterings.
It is possible to get red spider mites in overly dry conditions. Keep any bugs or pests at bay by misting your Angulata occasionally with neem oil.
What Causes My Angulata Leaves to Look Scorched?
The scorched leaves of your peperomia Angulata are a clear sign of excess direct sunlight. Move your Angulata to a shadier area as soon as possible.
Why Is My Peperomia Limp and Wilting?
Wilting is usually the result of overwatering or root rot. Taking cuttings and growing fresh plants can help to grow healthier roots if your roots are rotting.
What is Causing My Peperomia Angulata to Appear Stunted?
Peperomia Angulata plants are slow to grow, but insufficient light can lead to small or stunted growth. Move your Angulata to a place where it can receive more indirect light if you are worried it might stunt its growth.
How to Use Peperomia Angulata in Your Home
As long as it is not sitting in a dark corner, this amazing flora will work in just about any room.
Hanging baskets or taller standing pots are ideal for their long stems. Additionally, they look great on high shelves or even on fireplace mantles.
In addition, this quirky cultivar also looks great when planted in earthen pots near a window.
The Peperomia Angulata Guide Comes to an End
You will have complete peace of mind with the fuss-free peperomia Angulata no matter where you decide to plant it. You won’t have to worry much as long as you regulate your watering and ensure enough indirect light.
After your plant is established and happy, you can propagate plenty of new plants. Peperomia Angulata is great for any place you want it to grow.