- How to Propagate Monstera Guide: The Three Ways to Succeed - September 17, 2021
- Escargot Begonia: Why Is The Rex Begonia So Rare? - August 31, 2021
- Rieger Begonia: When You Can Expect The Hiemalis Begonia To Flourish - August 31, 2021
This succulent plant from the tropical regions of Central and South America is a perfectly unfussy plant that is ideal for beginner gardeners. It is compact in size, easy to grow, and very cute.
How to Identify Radiator Plant (Peperomia Hope)
Since this plant is a hybrid between Peperomia Quadrifolia and Peperomia Deppeana, it can be difficult to distinguish it from its relatives. Just like its parent plants, Radiator Plant is a vining epiphyte that grows low to the ground.
Its small round leaves are green and grow on thin stems in groupings of four, which is similar to how its cousin, Peperomia Tetraphylla grows its leaves. The leaves of this plant also feature oblong stripes, which are reminiscent of the striped leaves on Watermelon Peperomia.
How to Grow Radiator Plant (Peperomia Hope) from Seed
It is more common to grow this plant from leaf cuttings; however, it is still possible to propagate one from seeds. To grow a Radiator Plant from seed, follow these steps:
- Purchase seeds from a reputable seller (sellers who price their seeds between $1 and $2)
- Fill a container with a soilless seed starting mix
- Plant the seeds in the seed starting mix
- Water the mix so that it is moist but not soggy
- Place plastic wrap over the top of the container
- Set the container in a warm spot that gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight
- Once sprouts appear, transplant the seeds to a container filled with soil that has a pH level between 6 to 6.5
How to Propagate Radiator Plant (Peperomia Hope)
This plant is exceedingly easy to propagate via leaf cuttings. In fact, it is so easy, that it is a great opportunity for children to learn about gardening and how to grow their own plants from the ground up. Here are the steps for growing a Radiator Plant from a leaf cutting.
- Using a sterile cutting utensil, cut off a healthy leaf that includes a petiole (this plant can even grow roots from half a leaf)
- Allow the leaves to callous for a day
- Fill a plant container with potting soil that is a half and half mix of peat and perlite soil
- Place the leaves four inches apart in the soil mix
- Press the stalks under the soil just slightly
- Moisten the soil with water
- Set the plant in a warm spot with bright, indirect sunlight
- Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry
- Shoots should appear on the plant after a few weeks
Radiator Plant Growing Conditions
This is an unusual plant because it is a tropical succulent. Since it comes from a warm, humid climate it is expected to prefer growing in a humid environment; however, this is a hardy plant that can deal with low humidity levels. If it does begin to look feeble, spray it with a water bottle or set a plant humidifier or pebble tray by it.
This plant is also fairly adaptable to cooler temperatures than what is normal for its natural habitat. It will grow very well in temperatures that range between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to Plant Radiator Plant (Peperomia Hope)
Since this is a slow-growing plant, it will not need to be repotted frequently; however, it is a good idea to replant it every few years to provide it with fresh nutrient-rich soil. The steps for repotting a Radiator Plant are:
- Fill a container with potting soil (if the plant has outgrown its current container, choose a new container that is two inches larger in diameter)
- Create a hole in the soil for the plant to set inside
- Carefully remove the plant from its current container
- Gently dust off any excess soil from its roots
- Set the plant into the hole in the new container
- Spread the soil around so that the plant is secure in its new container
- Water the plant
- Set it in a warm spot with indirect sunlight
Radiator Plant Potting Soil
While this plant is unfussy and adaptable to most things, it does have very particular soil requirements. It will need soil that has the following attributes:
- It drains well
- It contains a high amount of nutrient-rich material
- It has a pH level range between 6 and 6.5
- It contains half peat moss and half perlite
Radiator Plant Water Requirements
This plant can actually tolerate under-watering better than it can handle being overwatered. Because of this, it is best to water this plant using the soak and dry method. The steps for doing this are as follows:
- Test the soil moisture level before giving it a drink. If the top two inches of its soil is dry, it can use a drink. If, however, the top two inches are still moist, it does not need any more water.
- If the plant needs a drink, fill a tray with a few inches of distilled water or rainwater.
- Set the plant container in the tray of water.
- Let the plant soak in the water for fifteen minutes. The roots will soak up water from the bottom of the container.
- Take the plant container out of the water.
- Allow the excess water to drain from the holes in the bottom of the plant container. If the soil mixture is done right, there should not be any soil coming out of the bottom with the excess water.
For peace of mind, try using a plant watering app to track when a plant has been watered, set reminders to water it, and get answers to common plant care questions.
Radiator Plant Light Requirements
The most important thing to remember when selecting a spot for this plant is that it cannot handle full sun all day long. It is best to set Radiator Plants in a location that gets plenty of bright sunlight that is either indirect or is filtered by a shade or curtain. East and south-facing windows offer the perfect amount of sunlight for plants that are kept indoors.
Try using a light meter to test indoor light capacity. This is a great way to ensure that the plant is receiving the amount of sunlight it needs.
Best Radiator Plant Fertilizer
This plant can be fed once a month during its growing season, however, it should not be fed during wintertime so that it can rest. Any of the following types of fertilizer will work well to feed this plant.
- Slow Release Manure
- 10-10-10 Balanced Fertilizer (diluted 3 to 4 times more than the package recommends)
- Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Organic Succulent Fertilizer
Best Radiator Plant (Peperomia Hope) Companion Plantings
While this plant looks great by itself, it will look even better when set next to a few companion plants. Companion plants will help create a space that looks like a tropical getaway and will provide some extra humidity that these tropical plants love.
Peperomia Obtusifolia
Why not set two plants from the same family next to one another so that their similarities and differences can be appreciated? Also, choosing a plant from the same family makes learning the care requirements of these plants more streamlined.
Light Requirements
Peperomia Obtusifolia should be set in a place that gets plenty of bright, but indirect sunlight.
Soil Requirements
Peperomia Obtusifolia prefers a soil mix that is well-draining and well aerated. The soil should contain a mixture of two parts peat and one part perlite or sand.
Water Requirements
Peperomia Obtusifolia should only be watered when the top two inches of its soil is dry. It should be allowed to dry out between watering since it does not handle overwatering very well.
Pros
- It is a hassle-free plant
- It is easy to learn how to grow
- It has a lot of common care requirements with Radiator Plants
- It is not toxic
Cons
- It is susceptible to infestations of mealybugs and spider mites
- It is susceptible to root rot
Philodendron Subhastatum
This is another climbing plant that hails from the tropical regions of South America. It is perfectly suitable as a companion planting for a Radiator Plant.
Light Requirements
Philodendron Subhastatum should be set in a place that gets plenty of bright, but indirect sunlight.
Soil Requirements
Philodendron Subhastatum prefers a soil mix that is well-draining and contains peat moss.
Water Requirements
Philodendron Subhastatum should only be watered when the top two inches of its soil is dry.
Pros:
- It has many air-purifying qualities
- Its leaves are red and green in color
- It will grow under artificial light sources
- It is easy to propagate via stem cuttings
Cons:
- It is susceptible to root rot
- It is susceptible to infestations of mealybugs
- It is not cold tolerant
- It requires soil that contains plenty of magnesium
Peperomia Argyreia
This plant is commonly called Watermelon Peperomia because of how its leaves look like a watermelon rind. It, too, is a tropical plant from the rainforests of Brazil. These two qualities are sure to make it a wonderful companion plant for a Radiator Plant.
Light Requirements
Philodendron Argyreia should be set in a place that gets plenty of bright, but indirect sunlight.
Soil Requirements
Peperomia Argyreia prefers a soil mix that is well-draining and highly nutritious. The soil should contain a mixture of two parts peat moss and one part perlite.
Water Requirements
Peperomia Argyreia should be watered regularly. If the top three inches of its soil is dry, it will need a drink.
Pros:
- It is not toxic
- It has a lot of common care requirements with Radiator Plants
- It is easy to propagate via stem cuttings
Cons:
- It grows best in a humid environment (at least 40%)
- It is susceptible to root rot
- It is susceptible to infestations of mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites
Radiator Plant Diseases and Common Problems
This plant susceptible to a few types of infestations and diseases. The most common problems it faces are:
Aphids
Evidence of this type of infestation is tiny insects that are shaped like a teardrop.
Mealybugs
Evidence of an infestation of mealybugs is small white spots that look like cotton on leaves and stems.
Scale Bugs
Evidence of this problem is round lumps on the plant’s leaves and stems. These lumps are usually small, round, and brown in color.
- Dropping Leaves
- Dull Leaves
- Leaves with Brown Spots
- Yellow Leaves
Radiator Plant Treatments and Maintenance
If a plant shows signs of an infestation or sickness, it must be treated quickly in order to save the plant. Here are some tips for treating the most common problems and infestations faced by Radiator Plants.
Aphids
To deal with an infestation of aphids, follow these steps:
- Spray the plant with a mixture of neem oil and soapy water
- Wipe down the leaves of the plant
- Apply neem oil to the leaves to prevent another infestation
Mealybugs
To deal with an infestation of mealybugs, follow these steps:
- Spray a solution of alcohol and water on the leaves
- Rub the leaves with a cotton ball
- Coat the leaves in neem oil or insecticidal soap every few days
Scale Bugs
To deal with an infestation of scale bugs, follow these steps:
- Spray them off with a hose
- Wipe the remainder off with neem oil and a cloth
- Prevent them from returning by coating the leaves with neem oil regularly
Dropping Leaves
This could be caused by the plant being in a cold location. If this is the case, the plant should be moved to a warmer spot.
This could also be evidence of root rot. This will require an examination of the plant’s root systems. Confirmation that the plant is dealing with root rot is that its base will be soggy and disconnected from its roots. The best way to treat a Radiator Plant with root rot is to cut off some healthy stems and repot them in fresh soil.
Dull Leaves
This could be caused by a lack of adequate sunlight. Simply move the plant to a location that gets more sunlight.
Leaves with Brown Spots
This could be caused by a fungal infection from too much water on the leaves. If this is the case, the plant should be watered in the soak and dry method and set in an airy space.
Yellow Leaves
This could be caused by a lack of nutrition in the plant’s soil. This is easy to resolve by giving the plant a feeding.
Where to Buy Radiator Plant (Peperomia Hope) Seeds Online
Since this plant is so easy to propagate via leaf cuttings, it can be difficult to find seeds for it online. These shops are a great place to try when looking for rare seeds.
Where to Buy Mature Radiator Plants (Peperomia Hope) Online
This is a popular plant to keep indoors or add to a tropical garden, so it is easy to find a mature plant for sale. These online shops offer some great selections of Radiator Plants.
FAQs
Question: Is Radiator Plant Toxic?
Answer: No, this plant is not toxic.
Question: How Large Will Radiator Plant Grow?
Answer: This is a compact plant that will grow up to 8 inches wide and 12 inches tall.
Concluding Thoughts
Radiator Plant is a wonderful little plant that is suitable to grow for decoration or for a science project. It is such an easy-going and forgiving plant that no one will feel overwhelmed while caring for one. Plus, it is absolutely adorable.