As an Amazon and Etsy Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

About the Raindrop Peperomia

The Raindrop Peperomia, scientifically known as peperomia polybotrya, is an easy-to-care-for, charming houseplant known for its fat, thick, shiny leaves that look like a raindrop rolling down your window, something I am fond of in Seattle and now London. Not only are the leaves shaped like a water droplet, they are designed to store water, hence their thickness. This plant is also know as coin plant or coin-leaf peperomia and is commonly mistaken for the popular Chinese Money Plant (pilea peperomia).

Native to South America’s tropical regions, this plant grows on the jungle floor and therefore likes similar house conditions: bright filtered light, and moderate temperatures with high humidity. Since they already store water in their leaves, it is easy to overwater these so err on the side of under watering when in doubt. Their leaf size, intensity of green, and overall size can vary depending on the conditions they are grown in so don’t be shocked if yours doesn’t look like others. These plants only get about 12-15 inches tall but they can reward you with dainty, fragrant blooms.

These plants have a very happy presence and are a great addition to any room, especially an office as a pick-me-up for those tough meetings. I wrote a post on ways to decorate your desk and increase productivity and plants are definitely top of that list! They have so many positive properties.

How to Care for your Raindrop Peperomia

SOIL: Since this plant stores water well it is best to use a fast draining soil mixture. African Violet soil is a great option, which you can easily find at stores even though I know that sounds really specific. If you want to make your own mix, use 50% perlite and 50% peat moss.

TEMPERATURE: The ideal temperature for this plant is 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit which is pretty easy considering most houses stay in that range. She will put up with higher temperatures in summer but if that is the case then keep her in more shaded conditions. Avoid drafty windows and AC units.

LIGHT: There are a few options for placement when it comes to the Raindrop Peperomia. Avoid placement in direct sun as it can burn the leaves. Directly in the north facing windows will do as the light is not strong. East and west facing windows you can place it close to the window. West light can be really hot so keep an eye out for burning and shift it a little farther away if need be. Southern light is extremely strong so place it at least a few feet away from the window. Mine is about 6 feet from a southern window. If you live in a very dim place you can always look into grow lights. If your plant is not getting enough light it will start stretching toward the light and become leggy. Shift it closer to a window and if its looks are bothering you, you can prune it.

HUMIDITY: While misting isn't essential for Raindrop Peperomia to grow, it will be grateful. It helps recreate the hiumid environemnt its from and it prefers clean leaves. I recommend this continuous mister, or a humidifier in the room.

WATER: As I explained earlier, the leaves store water so overwatering is a big no. Let the soil dry before watering again. If you are unsure, stick your finger in the soil and make sure the top 1-2 inches are dry. During the spring and summer I water mine once a week. In the winter I reduce watering to every 10 days. Water throroughly until its running out the bottom of the pot, make sure to dump the tray out so there is no standing water though. Signs of overwatering are: rotting stalks, yellowing or wilting leaves, water logged soil.

FERTILIZER: Once a month during the growing season fertilize your Peperomia. In winters you should not fertilize.

Common Questions

REPOTTING: Raindrop Peperomia's have small, fragile root systems so you have to be careful when repotting or you can damage the plant. This doesn't mean you shouldn't repot, just be very gently when removing it from the pot and brushing off the soil. Don't worry, I wrote a guide on repotting your plants.

PROPAGATION: It is best to propagate during the growing season as that is your best chance of success. You can use either leaf cuttings or stem cuttings.

Start with cutting a healthy leaf or stem/leaf combo off with sterilized shears. For leaf propagation, cut the leaf in half.
Tap the edges or stem base with rooting powder to encourage root growth.
Fill a tray or small pot with the same soil mix you are using on the mother plant. Make a small trench in the soil and set the leaf in, cut edge down, a centimeter into the soil OR set the stem in.
Pat the soil down and water the cutting.
For best results cover the tray with another clear plastic tray, seran wrap, or a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Uncover every few days else you can get a fungus from too much humidity.
Once multiple leaves have developed, move the cutting to its official home. Since they have such shallow root systems, you want to make sure enough roots have developed.

PRUNING: This plant can handle pruning pretty well. It is really only needed if your plant is growing in an irregular shape, generally from lack of light or from forgetting to rotate your plant reqularly causing growth to be one-sided. This plant is supposed to be compact. If you need to prune it, make sure to use clean shears, and just follow the steps of propagating.

PESTS & DISEASES: The most commonn infestations this plant could get is red spider mites and mealy bugs. These will suck the life out of the leaves and cause them to fall off. Keep the leaves clean to help prevent these but if you get an issue, neem oil is the cure.

PETS: This is not poisonous for pets or humans. The leaves and sap are both safe.

FLOWERS: A more mature Raindrop Peperomia will reward you with unique flowers that look like the tail of a mouse. They smell quite lovely, not peppery at all. They only last a couple weeks and then you need to trim them off imediately else they will rot.

I know this may not be as popular as its sister the Chinese Money plant but I have a feeling it will be eventually. Its leaves are so beautiful and with it being so easy-to-care-for, I see this blowing up over the next year. Its leaves are some of the prettiest in my collection and it really is one of my favorite plants. Tag me on Instagram with your Peperomia babies @thegreenmadhouse and let me know if you have any questions below.