Here's some tips on how to care for Peperomia polybotrya , so that you ensure your Raindrop Peperomia remains a happy and healthy houseplant.
Raindrop Peperomia
Native to the South American tropics, Peperomia polybotrya, Coin-Lead Plant or Raindrop Peperomia, gets its name from its thick, shiny, raindrop-shaped succulent leaves.
Not to be confused with the popular Pilea peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant), this relatively easy to care for houseplant will add some satisfyingly circular shaped foliage to your home in a rather compact houseplant package.
Light
Bright, indirect sunlight will suit your Raindrop Peperomia best, as in the wild it enjoys the bright dappled light of the jungle floor. Just make sure to avoid harsh, direct sunlight which may burn your Peperomia polbotrya's fleshy leaves.
If you struggle to get enough bright light in your home, you might want to consider using a grow light.
Soil
Well draining soil is key to caring for your Peperomia polybotrya as it is a semi-succulent. Good drainage will help avoid root rot - a common problem with this houseplant.
Adding about 1/2 perlite to peat moss or a general potting mix is a good idea, both to increase drainage and root aeration for your plant's delicate root system.
Watering
Overwatering is on of the most likely ways you will damage your Coin-Leaf Peperomia. The Raindrop Peperomia has succulent style leaves and stems which allow it to store some water during dryer periods.
In summer, give your Peperomia polybotrya a good soak and then allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again. In winter you can cut back on watering a bit -- until your Peperomia really needs it.
To see if you need to water your plant, stick your finger in the soil, or lift the pot up and feel its weight before and after watering to get an idea of when the soil is dry. If you're unsure, always err on the side of caution.
Humidity
Your Peperomia polybotrya should grow just fine in normal household humidity, though it does prefer medium to high humidity conditions to flourish.
Placing your houseplant in a more humid area such as a well lit kitchen or bathroom is a good idea. You can also place it near other humidity loving plants to help create a more humid microclimate. Be sure to avoid placing it near air vents or dry heat sources that will suck moisture out of the nearby air.
Giving your Raindrop Peperomia a spray with a mister each day, or standing it on pebbles in a tray of water will help raise the humidity too.
Temperature
Peperomia polybotrya prefers temperatures between 18° - 26°C, so will do just fine in most normal household temperatures. Generally the Coin-Leaf Peperomia prefers it cool and humid, tough it will withstand temperatures a bit hotter than this in summer.
Toxicity
Peperomia polybotrya / Coin-Lead Plant / Raindrop Peperomia is classified as non-toxic and pet safe for cats and dogs. We'd still recommend they don't eat large quantities of this plant though, as they may get a little sick, so keep it away from prying paws just to be safe / to avoid upset tummies and having to get your carpet cleaned.
Growth
Peperomia polybotrya is a rather compact and easy to care for houseplant that makes it a great addition to a collection or as a beginner level plant. On average, it will grow to about 1 foot high.
The Raindrop peperomia produces long towering green tipped flowers that grow in clusters from the tops of the stems and emit a sweet fragrance. Make sure to remove the flowers once they fade, to redirect your plants energy back towards leaf and root growth and keep pests at bay.
If you want to fertilise your Coin-Leaf Peperomia - to give it an extra boost - you can do so once a month with a balanced liquid fertiliser during the warmer part of the year only.
Report your Peperomia only when it's pot becomes too small, or every couple of years to refresh the nutrients in the soil, being careful of its delicate root system.