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So I have a peperomia raindrop plant. Months ago the tips of almost… | Anything about plants | Planta community

Rhona

So I have a peperomia raindrop plant. Months ago the tips of almost all the leaves had been turning brown, then black and then shriveling up each leaf. I emailed Planta the help site, they told me that I needed to flush it with water cause it might have air pockets so it might not be getting enough water and it’s burning. About two months ago. I actually changed out the soil to half of the plant. It is still in a terra-cotta plant. I honestly think I was overwatering it. And now I am being extremely cautious about the watering. I know the leaves won’t fix themselves. The new growth looks slightly healthy with not so much brown tips. Should I cut off some of these bad leaves? Should I try to propagate? Or what do I do? I don’t even know if I’ve been doing the right thing.

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7 comments

  1. Anna

    I always propagate when a plant is looking rough just in case. Good thing is these propagate super easily. And since those browned leaves aren’t going to get better you might just chop it all the way back after propagating the healthier leaves. I know it’s a bit drastic but I think it’s the only way to truly refresh the plant. If you cut just above the first leaf it should grow back.

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    • Rhona

      Thank you Anna. So you’re saying cut it at the base of the plant but above the first leaf? I actually did take some top propagations a couple of days ago because I was scared overall with this plant. I just think I don’t like to look at it because it looks just so sad.

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    • Anna

      Yeah so on the stem I can see I would cut where I put the orange mark. I’m not sure it’s necessary to have a “node” with this type of plants but I’d err on the side of having one. Then hopefully it will start growing again out of the cut. Also, it might be a good idea to check for root rot. If it were me I’d completely unpot it, rinse off the roots, and check for rot. Then I’d repot it and chop it. Good luck!

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    • Rhona

      Awesome. I totally appreciate it! I did about a month ago take all the soil out of the pot and I took off as much soil as I could from the root ball. I didn’t see any root rot and it didn’t smell funny. So I put some Fresh dirt with pearlite and vermiculite and some orchid bark in it. I know I won’t see change in the damage leaves, but I’m hoping to see change in new growth. But I think you’re right I think I will cut it. Rather have some secured cuttings then it look awful and not know what’s gonna happen. It is in a south facing window. And it has done great for over a year and a half. I just don’t know why all of a sudden it changed.

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  2. Anna

    Glad it’s not root rot! I hope it recovers well for you. You should post an update when you’ve got it figured out.

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    • Rhona

      Great idea. I never think about doing that. This little cutting is from the top of the original that I have the picture from. I’ve had it in pearlite and moss for a couple of weeks I think.

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    • Anna

      Oh perfect! And it’s got new growth!

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