Learn how to grow Peperomia incana in your indoor garden and get this beautiful plant to thrive. Peperomia incana is easy to grow as a houseplant when you know what to do. Learn what the plant needs for lighting, watering, fertilizing, humidity, and more. See care time stamps below.
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Today we have a plant care video featuring Peperomia incana. Peperomias are some of the easiest indoor plants to grow, and they reward you with excellent growth when cared for properly. Botanically known as Peperomia incana, this beauty also goes by the common names felted peperomia, Amazon fuzz, and felted pepper face. The plant has soft, velvety foliage that is both eye-catching and fun to touch.
Peperomia incana is native to Brazil, where it grows on the forest floor. It has semi-succulent properties and stores moisture in its thick, fleshy leaves. The plant typically grows 6–12 inches tall and 12–15 inches wide when given bright light. Mature plants may produce tiny white flowers in summer.
Although often labeled a slow grower, I find it to grow at a medium pace when given proper care. My plant was repotted four months ago in spring and has grown three to four inches since then, producing multiple new branches.
Lighting
For best growth, give Peperomia incana bright to medium light. Place it two to three feet from a southern window or directly in front of an east-facing window. Avoid north windows (too dim) and west windows (too hot and prone to burning foliage). The plant also grows well under full-spectrum grow lights, especially during winter or in low-light homes.
Without enough light, the plant grows slowly, develops smaller leaves, and becomes more susceptible to pests and disease.
Watering
Because of its semi-succulent leaves, Peperomia incana should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Too much water can quickly lead to root rot. Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil read “4” on a moisture meter—just above dry.
Insert the moisture meter deeper based on pot size:
1 inch for small pots
2 inches for medium pots
3+ inches for large pots
Always err on the side of underwatering, especially in winter when the plant cycles water more slowly.
Fertilizing
Fertilize monthly from spring through fall using an organic fertilizer. Chemical fertilizers are too harsh for this plant. Do not fertilize during winter when growth slows.
Humidity
Peperomia incana tolerates average indoor humidity levels of 40–50% and usually does not require additional humidity—an advantage over many tropical houseplants.
Temperature
Native to a warm climate, this plant prefers temperatures between 60–85°F. Cold conditions cause leaf drop, leaving stems bare and unsightly. Keep the plant in warm rooms and avoid drafts.
Repotting
Repot Peperomia incana when it surpasses the two-thirds plant / one-third pot rule. If the plant becomes three-quarters plant and one-quarter pot, move it up only one pot size. Repot from spring to mid-summer; avoid winter repotting unless necessary.
Use high-quality organic potting soil with added drainage such as pumice or perlite.
Pruning
Pruning needs are minimal—just remove occasional spent or damaged leaves.
Pests and Diseases
Root rot occurs if overwatered.
Overwatering and poor air circulation may cause leaf-spotting diseases, which appear as raised yellow or brown bumps. Remove damaged leaves, disinfect shears with a 1:9 bleach solution, and improve airflow.
Mealybugs may appear occasionally but struggle to penetrate the thick leaves. Treat with 91% isopropyl alcohol.
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Peperomia incana Care FAQ
What type of light does Peperomia incana need?
Peperomia incana grows best in bright to medium light, such as two to three feet from a southern window or directly in front of an east window. Full-spectrum lighting works well in low-light homes.
How often should I water Peperomia incana?
Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry before watering. Water when the moisture meter reads around “4,” which indicates dryness is approaching.
Does Peperomia incana need extra humidity?
No. This plant does well in average home humidity levels between 40% and 50% and typically does not need added humidity.
What temperature range is best for Peperomia incana?
Keep the plant in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. Cold temperatures can cause leaf drop and stress the plant.
When should I repot Peperomia incana?
Repot when the plant becomes disproportionately large for its pot—generally when it surpasses the two-thirds plant to one-third pot ratio. Only increase by one pot size.
What pests or diseases affect Peperomia incana?
The plant may experience root rot from overwatering, leaf-spotting diseases from moisture and poor airflow, or occasional mealybugs, which can be treated with isopropyl alcohol.
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