Peperomia Ruby Cascade [pep-er-ROH-mee-uh] is a dark leaf trailing plant and part of the peperomia plant genus.
Most peperomias come from tropical and subtropical parts of Central America and South America.
The name “peperomia” comes from the Greek words for pepper (peperi) and resembling (homoios). In fact, the plants are closely related.
Peperomias belong to the Piperaceae (pepper) family.
Ruby Cascade has more of a trailing vine compared to common peperomias, and it produces reddish conical flowers.
Besides Peperomia Ruby Cascade, some nurseries label it as Ruby Peperomia.
Peperomia Ruby Cascade Care
Size and Growth
The small peperomia ruby cascade produces reddish vine-like stems with rounded succulent leaves.
It’s a trailing plant with stems slowly extending over the edges of a pot or hanging basket.
It’s not very big, reaching a few inches in height, but the vine-like stems may reach several feet if allowed to grow without grooming.
Flowering and Fragrance
Peperomia ruby cascade produces small, round pink flowers in the spring. Unfortunately, the flowers are insignificant and may not always appear.
Light and Temperature
It’s native to tropical and subtropical regions and can’t survive freezing temperatures.
In the US, it can grow outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b.
If temperatures drop below 50° degrees Fahrenheit (10° C) in the winter, grow it indoors or bring it inside for the winter.
Luckily, Peperomia ruby cascade is a small plant growing well in 3” – 5” inch pots, making it easy to place just about anywhere indoors. Just ensure it receives enough sunlight.
Ruby Cascade needs bright, indirect sunlight, no matter if it’s grown indoors or outdoors.
Watering and Feeding
It needs very little water and overwatering increases the risk of root rot.
However, they still require more water compared to other succulents.
While Peperomia ruby cascade has succulent leaves, it isn’t a true succulent. It needs higher humidity and additional watering.
Avoid letting the soil remain completely dry for too long.
Check the soil frequently, allowing it to dry out between each watering, but don’t let it stay dry for a prolonged period.
In the winter, the Peperomia ruby cascade doesn’t need as much water. Keep the soil moist, but not overly soggy.
Fertilize the plant using a diluted liquid fertilizer every other week during the spring and summer growing seasons. Don’t fertilizer in the fall or winter.
Soil and Transplanting
Ruby cascade peperomia grows best in peat-based compost instead of using regular potting soil.
Frequent repotting may harm the plant. As it’s a slower grower, replanting shouldn’t be needed for several years.
Transplant mature plants in the spring, before new growth begins.
Grooming
Grooming isn’t needed unless the trailing vines grow too long.
Cut back the growth on this house plant at the end of the fall season, before the plant goes mostly dormant for the winter.
Avoid heavy pruning. Excessive pruning may inhibit growth and damage the plant permanently.
Use pruning to control growth and size, removing damaged foliage and large stems. This is also a good time to collect stems for propagation.
How to Propagate Peperomia Ruby Cascade
Propagate peperomia ruby cascade using cuttings or through division.
- Divide plants when transplanting late in the fall season.
- Carefully remove the plant and pull it into smaller pieces.
- Ensure each piece still has a few roots attached.
- To take cuttings, cut a vine measuring at least 5” inches.
- Remove the lower leaves and cut just below the bottom joint.
- Lay the cutting on a bench and allow it to dry for an hour or two.
- This allows the cut to form a callus.
- Plant the cuttings or divided plants in well-drained soil or peat-based compost.
- Keep the young plants at temperatures between 70° – 75° degrees Fahrenheit (21° – 24° C).
- Replant cuttings after the roots formed, using three-inch pots for the young plants.
TIP: For best results, place the propagated plants over a heat source, such as a radiator.
Ruby Peperomia Pest or Disease Problems
Peperomia ruby cascade isn’t particularly susceptible to pest or disease problems, except for mealybugs.
- Mealybugs appear as cottony growths on the undersides of the leaves or stems.
- Pick the growth away with tweezers or wipe them away with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
- Spraying the plant may also help remove the mealybugs, but this doesn’t always work.
- If the infestation becomes severe, consider propagating the plant using a healthy stem cutting.
- If the leaves start to drop, the plant may be suffering from temperature changes.
- Extreme cold temperatures or extreme heat may keep the plant from getting the nutrition it needs.
- To attempt to save the plant, move it indoors where it can receive consistent temperature.
Suggested Peperomia Ruby Cascade Uses
Ruby peperomia doesn’t need much counter or garden space, but its vines can grow quite long.
Choose a spot for this easy-to-grow plant where the trailing vines remain free to spread, such as in hanging baskets on a patio or sun porch.
