Peperomias are hardy, but they have one weakness: too much water. Their thick leaves and small root systems store water, so soggy soil leads quickly to rot.
Warning signs
- Yellow, soft or translucent leaves.
- Leaves dropping at the slightest touch.
- Mushy stems near the soil line.
- Fungus gnats hovering around the pot.
- A musty smell from the soil.
How to rescue an overwatered Peperomia
- Remove the plant from the pot and shake off the wet soil.
- Cut away any brown, mushy roots with clean scissors.
- Trim damaged stems back to healthy tissue.
- Repot into a small pot with fresh, very airy mix and drainage holes.
- Wait a week before watering lightly and place in bright, indirect light.
If the stem is rotten
Cut off healthy stem pieces with 1 or 2 leaves and root them in perlite. Often you can save the plant as a new cutting.
How to avoid it in future
- Water only when the top third of soil is dry.
- Use a pot just slightly larger than the root ball.
- Mix in perlite or bark for drainage.
- Water less in winter when growth slows.
Find healthy plants in our Peperomia collection.