Peperomia Obtusifolia Albo Marginata Care Guide

We've heard these cuties called 'Poor man's Ficus Tineke' before. Don't be mean. She's SO much better than that! Unlike the toxic Ficus these babes are pet and kid safe. She also won't break the bank, and she's super easy care. In fact, so low maintenance we give her a coveted 1 out of 5 LTLC Rating. And check out the variation below that you get in those leaves! These babes are compact shorties, reaching about 20cm to 30cm, perfect for bedside tables, the bathroom, your office desk... and with 100% insta-worthy cuteness too! Find out more below...

Light, Temperature & Humidity

Say it with me EASY. CARE. Yep, so easy care she gets capital letters. Just like cheerful green Peperomia obtusifolia, and the mottled green variegated version, the green & pale lemon, super-variegated Peperomia obstusifolia 'Albo Marginata' is almost succulent-level easy care.

Plenty of bright indirect light is this girl's happy place. You can chuck in a couple of hours of direct sunlight for the extra variegated babes, but we stick to winter sunlight, or in summer, morning light rather than hot afternoon summer sun, just to be safe. We wouldn't put the solid or darker greener varieties in direct sun though. Keep it medium to bright for those chaps.

These babes do enjoy it on the humid side. A typical humid kiwi summer is all good, but if your home's on the dry side in winter - maybe you have a fire, heat pump, HRV or DVS running - consider a bit of a mist every so often, or a pebble tray or humidifier. Not a biggie though, she's a trouper.

As for temperature, you guessed it, she's pretty chill in that regard too. If you're comfortable she'll be sweet. A range around 18 to 24 degrees is her happy place, but down to about 10 degrees isn't a biggie if the rest of her conditions are all good. Ours handle both cooler and hotter than that with ease, but we do run a humidifier which helps.

Soil

We've got our Pep gang in a mix of different soils. In general though about 2/3rds potting mix and 1/3rd perlite or succulent / orchid mix is the way to go. Free-draining mixed with a bit of water retention is a happy balance. A pot with a drainage hole is a must whatever soil you go for. No wet feet!

Water

Those gorgeous thick, glossy, smooth leaves and sturdy stems are water magnets, keeping her well hydrated even when she fully dries out. Over-watering is way more of an issue than neglect for the Peperomia Albo Marginata, so if you're not sure if she needs watering again, don't. We're not saying cactus-level dry though!  Water less often in winter (every 2 weeks or so depending on conditions), than in summer (water about weekly), and check the top half or so of her soil is dry before you next water. If in doubt, wait and check in a few more days / next week. How many plants can you say that about?!

Peperomia Albo Marginata pro tips & problem solving

Wilting leaves

If you've taken the 'okay with neglect' advice a bit too far, she'll tell you by wilting and drooping those usually cheerful, upright leaves. Yes, limp leaves can also be from over-watering as with most plants, but you'll know if it's too dry or too wet that's the cause. Just check the soil. Other causes can be too much light or over-fertilising, but again, you'll know if that's the cause. The first and most likely cause is being far too dry. 

Fungus Gnats

Any indoor plant that's been over-watered or kept moist is going to be prone to pesky fungus gnats (honestly, there's one in my cup of tea right now as I write this - Anna). Luckily with her dry preferences that's less likely with Peperomia, so if yours has fungus gnats that's a sure sign you're over-watering (or her shelf-mates are over-sharing theirs).

Fading or green leaves, losing variegation

This one's almost always caused by light. First step is to try more light if your variegated Albo Marginata is getting too much green. Fading or yellowing however is normally due to too much light. Either way, a move is recommended. Improve the light situation and she should come right.

Sudden leaf drop

Oh no, poor babe. This is almost always from a sudden temperature change but the other possible cause is overwatering. You'll know which is which, but if she's come to you and done that soon after arrival so you don't know the cause, let the soil dry out and move her somewhere bright and warm with no draughts so she can recover.

Slow growth

These babes tend to go dormant or close to it in winter, so if it's cold and those sunlight hours are down, it's normal for growth to slow or stop. Overall though, even in summer, they aren't crazy fast growers. So if everything else is showing you she's happy and healthy, you could mix a little Groconut or Plant Runner in her water for a while to replenish anything lost in the soil, and that should be all that's needed to get her putting out that new growth (at her own pace). 

Pet safe?

Yes! The Peperomia obtusifolia Albo Marginata is pet safe, yipee!

LTLC Rating (Love That Leaf Care Rating)

As if this babe could get any better. She's a solid 1 out 5 on our totally unscientific LTLC scale. Super easy care. Easier than a Peace Lily we reckon (unless you're an over-waterer). If all you see on your feed is variegated leaves, then this is your girl to start you down that rabbit-hole, with minimum commitment and maximum variegation. 100% gram-worthy even for those lacking a green thumb.