Of all the little plants I own, one of my favorites is the peperomia prostrata, also known as String of Turtles, because of its small round leaves that sit on long, succulent stems. It’s a straightforward plant to care for and is perfect for those who are just starting to get into plants or want to add some greenery to their home without worrying about watering it every day.
This plant does best in bright indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels. It’s important not to let the soil dry out completely, but it doesn’t need to be constantly wet.
I like to water my peperomia prostrata every 1-2 weeks and ensure the pot has drainage holes so the roots don’t get waterlogged.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance and stylish plant, the string of turtles is a great option!
String of Turtles Care Summary
Water: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the pot to dry out between waterings.
Fertilizer: Fertilize every 2-3 months with a general-purpose liquid fertilizer.
Light: Place in a bright spot out of direct sunlight.
Soil: Use a well-draining, sandy potting mix.
Potting and Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years or when the roots start to crowd the pot.
Temperature: Keep in a spot that is out of drafts and has a consistent temperature between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humidity: The peperomia prostrata prefers humid conditions but can tolerate lower humidity levels.
Common Pests: Mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects.
Diseases: Root rot and leaf spot.
Toxicity: The peperomia prostrata is not considered to be toxic to humans or pets.
About the Peperomia prostrata
The String of Turtles is a small, herbaceous perennial plant that typically grows to 4-8″ tall and wide. It is semi-succulent. Like some other peperomia plants, the prostrata has thicker, fleshy leaves that store water. The leaves are green with dark spots and have a textured, rippled appearance.
The markings on its round leaves look like little turtle shells, which is how it earned its nickname, String of Turtles.
The string of turtles will flower in optimal growing conditions. The flowers are small, green, and borne on spikes that grow from the leaf axils.
The peperomia prostrata is a popular houseplant because it is easy to care for and does not require much attention. It is also a low-maintenance plant, making it an excellent option for those who do not have much time to dedicate to plant care.
There are many different varieties of peperomia prostrata available, including:
- ‘Variegata’ – This variety has variegated leaves with white and green stripes.
- ‘Red Log’ – This variety has red stems and dark green leaves.
- ‘Variegata Gold’ – This variety has variegated leaves with yellow and green stripes.
The Variegated String of Hearts is another one of my all-time favorites. It has the exact care needs as the peperomia prostrata, but the leaves are purple and green. It’s a little more challenging to find but so worth it if you can get your hands on one!
Classification
The peperomia is in the family Piperaceae and is native to tropical regions of South America. Its classifications are as follows:
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Piperales
Family: Piperaceae
Genus: Peperomia
Species: P. prostrata
Common Names
The peperomia prostrata is also known as the string of turtles because of its small round leaves that resemble turtle shells.
Other common names include the Peperomia plant, Turtle vine, Radiator plant, and jade necklaces.
Origin
The peperomia prostrata is native to tropical regions of South America, specifically Brazil.
It was discovered in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist, and has been cultivated since the 19th century.
These plants thrive in humid, tropical climates and require little care to flourish.
String of Turtles Feature/Characteristics
-Foliage Height
The turtle plant can be grown to approximately 4-8″ in height. It is a low-growing plant with thin, succulent leaves. It grows in a long vine-like shape with small round leaves arranged in a rosette pattern.
– Foliage Pattern
The foliage of the peperomia prostrata is a dark green color with light green stripes running along the length of the leaf. The leaves are arranged in a rosette pattern and sit on long, slender stems.
– Flowering Feature
The flowers of the peperomia prostrata are small and white with purple spots. They grow in clusters and are not typically showy.
String of Turtles Care guide
Watering Needs
The peperomia prostrata is a drought-tolerant plant that does not require much water. It is essential not to let the soil dry out completely, but it does not need to be constantly wet. Over-watering will kill this beauty. During the summer months, water once a week, and during the winter months, water every two weeks.
Semi-succulent plants like the peperomia prostrata store water in their leaves, which means they can go long periods without being watered.
When watering your plant, use lukewarm water and avoid getting the leaves wet. This can cause leaf spots or fungal diseases. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. You can use your finger to check the soil moisture level. The top inch or so of your soil should dry before watering it again.
You can mist the leaves of the plant if you live in a dry climate or if the air in your home is arid. I do this during the winter months when the air is chilly.
Bottom Watering
Bottom watering is a great way to water your plants if you are unsure whether they need to be watered. Place your plant in the sink and fill it with lukewarm water until it reaches the bottom of the pot. Allow the plant to sit in the water for a few minutes, then drain the sink and allow the plant to dry out completely before placing it back in its pot.
This method is also helpful if you have a plant prone to root rot. By watering from the bottom, you can avoid getting the leaves wet and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Lighting Needs
The peperomia prostrata does best in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sun, but it is essential not to let the leaves scorch or burn. If you live in a hot climate, it is best to grow your turtle plant in a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. However, it is not a plant that requires a lot of light to thrive.
Soil Needs
The peperomia prostrata prefers well-draining, sandy soil. It is essential to ensure the pot has drainage holes, so the roots don’t get waterlogged. You can buy a commercial potting mix for succulents and cacti or make your own by mixing equal parts sand, perlite, and peat moss. The soil should be loose and airy so that the roots can breathe.
Fertilizing Needs
The peperomia prostrata does not require a lot of fertilizer. I like to fertilize my plant every 2-3 months with a general-purpose liquid fertilizer. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer if you prefer. It is crucial not to over-fertilize the plant, which can cause leaf burn. Never pour fertilizer directly onto the leaves, as this can cause leaf burn.
Pruning Needs
The peperomia prostrata does not require a lot of pruning. I like to prune my plant every 2-3 months to remove dead or dying leaves.
String of turtles propagation
The string of turtles is easy to propagate from stem cuttings. I like to take 4-6″ stem cuttings in the spring or summer and root them in a pot of well-draining, sandy soil. I ensure the pot stays moist but not wet and in a bright spot from direct sunlight. The cuttings will typically root within 2-4 weeks.
You can also place the stem cuttings directly in water and let them root. I like to do this in the summer when the weather is warm. I change the water every few days and keep the vase in a bright spot out of direct sunlight. The cuttings will typically root within 2-4 weeks.
You can also propagate by leaf cuttings, but this method will take longer for the leaves to root. I like to take 2-3″ leaf cuttings and place them in a pot of well-draining, sandy soil. I make sure to keep the pot moist but not wet and in a bright spot out of direct sunlight. The leaves will typically root within 4-6 weeks.
Humidity Needs
The string of turtles prefers humid conditions but can tolerate lower humidity levels. If the air in your home is arid, you can increase the humidity around your plant by placing it on a pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Temperature Needs
The peperomia prostrata prefers warm temperatures and does not tolerate cold well. It should be kept in a spot that is out of drafts and has a consistent temperature. The ideal temperature range for this plant is 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you leave your turtle plant outdoors, make sure to bring it indoors if the temperature is going to drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Frost will kill these gorgeous, fun plants. These plants do best in USDA zones 10, 11, and 12.
Sunlight Requirements
The peperomia prostrata does best in bright indirect light but can also tolerate lower light levels. It is not a plant that requires a lot of light to thrive. Mine sits on a sunny window sill in my kitchen, where it is nice and warm.
The best location to place your plant will depend on your climate. If you live in a hot environment, it is best to grow your turtle plant in a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.
Tips For Success with your Peperomia Prostrata
The turtle plant is a relatively easy houseplant to care for. It requires well-draining, sandy soil. Water it every 1-2 weeks, ensuring the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Place it in a bright spot out of direct sunlight. Fertilize it every 2-3 months with a general-purpose liquid fertilizer. Prune it every 2-3 months to remove any dead or dying leaves.
Common Pests
The peperomia prostrata is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with regular insecticidal soap or neem oil applications.
Check for these pesky bugs by looking for small, white, cottony masses on the stems and leaves of your plant. You may also see small, dark spots on the leaves, which are spider mites. Scale insects will look like small, brown bumps on the stems and leaves of your plant.
If you see any of these pests on your plant, isolate the plant so it doesn’t infect the other plants nearby, and clean the leaves carefully. Then wipe down the leaves with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. Repeat this process every few days until the pests are gone. You may also use neem oil or insecticidal soap to eliminate the problems.
Diseases
The peperomia prostrata is susceptible to root rot and leaf spot. These diseases can be controlled with proper watering and air circulation. If you suspect your plant has either of these diseases, you should first remove any affected leaves or stems. If the problem persists, you may need to treat your plant with a fungicide.
Potting and Repotting
The peperomia prostrata does not need to be repotted often. I like to repot my plant every 2-3 years or when the roots start to crowd the pot. I use a well-draining, sandy potting mix to ensure the planter has drainage holes.
Toxicity
The peperomia prostrata is not considered to be toxic to humans or pets. We love that this can be shown in a popular area of your home – like a coffee table, or on a side table, without worrying about it!
I always like to remind people that even though the plant is non-toxic, it’s essential to keep an eye on your furry friends and children, as the plant can cause stomach upset if ingested in large quantities.
Flowering
The string of turtles produces small, insignificant flowers that are typically white or green. They are not showy and are borne on spikes that grow from the leaf axils. Small, purple berries follow the flowers. The string of turtle flowers is very rare when grown indoors.
Growth Of the Peromia prostrate
The peperomia prostrata is a slow-growing plant. It typically grows to only about 6-8″ tall and 12-18″ wide.
Durability
The peperomia prostrata is a durable plant that can tolerate many conditions. It is a good choice for beginner gardeners or those who do not have much time to dedicate to plant care.
Uses
The peperomia prostrata can be used as a groundcover, hanging baskets, or potted plant. It is also a good choice for terrariums.
Dormancy Period
The peperomia prostrata does not have a dormancy period. It can be kept as a houseplant year-round.
Where to Buy Peperomia Prostrata Plants
You can buy peperomia prostrata plants online or at your local nursery. I like to buy my plants from online retailers such as Amazon.com or Etsy.
String of Turtles vs. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
The peperomia prostrata and the string of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) are often confused with one another because they have similar leaf shapes and growth habits. However, there are a few key differences between these two plants.
The string of hearts is a vine that can grow up to 10 feet long, whereas the peperomia prostrata is a shorter, more compact plant that typically only grows to 4-8″ tall and wide.
The leaves of the string of hearts are thinner and more delicate than the leaves of the peperomia prostrata. The leaves of the string of hearts are also typically darker green, while the leaves of the peperomia prostrata can range in color from dark green to light green.
The flowers of the string of hearts are white or pink and have a tubular shape, while the flowers of the peperomia prostrata are small, green, and borne on spikes.
The string of hearts is native to Africa, while the peperomia prostrata is native to South America.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between a peperomia plant and a radiator plant?
A: The peperomia plant is a type of radiator plant. Both plants are members of the Peperomia genus and have similar care needs. The main difference between the two plants is their appearance. Radiator plants have larger, more colorful leaves than peperomia plants.
Q: Once my String of Turtles Starts Trailing, how do I care for it?
A: Once your string of turtles plant starts trailing, you can allow it to grow freely or train it to grow up support. To prepare your plant to grow up a support, simply place the support next to the plant and allow the plant to start growing up. You can then gently guide the plant as it grows.
Q: How often should I water my peperomia prostrata?
A: The peperomia prostrata is a drought-tolerant plant that does not require much water. I like to water my plant every 1-2 weeks and ensure the pot has drainage holes so the roots don’t get waterlogged.
Q: What is the best way to propagate a peperomia prostrata?
A: The peperomia prostrata is easy to propagate from stem cuttings. I like to take 4-6″ stem cuttings in the spring or summer and root them in a pot of well-draining, sandy soil. I make sure to keep the pot moist but not wet and in a bright spot out of direct sunlight. The cuttings will typically root within 2-4 weeks.
Q: What pests are attracted to peperomia prostrata?
A: The peperomia prostrata is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with regular insecticidal soap or neem oil applications.
Q: Why are my Plant leaves turning Red?
A: If the leaves of your peperomia prostrata are turning red, it is likely due to too much sunlight. Peperomia plants prefer bright, indirect light and will scorch if exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Move your plant to a shadier spot and make sure to provide adequate ventilation if you live in a humid climate.
Q: What diseases does the peperomia prostrata plant suffer from?
A: The peperomia prostrata is susceptible to root rot and leaf spot. These diseases can be controlled with proper watering and air circulation.
Conclusion
The peperomia prostrata, aka the string of turtles plant, is an excellent choice for beginner gardeners or those who do not have much time to dedicate to plant care. This tough little plant is durable and can tolerate many conditions. It is also easy to propagate from stem cuttings.
The peperomia prostrata can be used as a groundcover, hanging baskets, or potted plant. It is also a good choice for terrariums. You can buy the string of turtles plants online or at your local nursery as they are relatively common to find.
