Light
Bright, indirect light suits it best, and an east- or south-facing window works well. Keep it out of harsh direct sun, which scorches the small leaves. It copes with lower light, but the turtle-shell pattern fades.
Water
Water when the top of the soil has dried, then let the pot drain fully. It likes a little more moisture than a desert succulent, but it's sensitive to overwatering and rots in soggy soil. Water less in winter. Leaves dropping off a plant in wet soil is the classic sign of too much.
Soil & pots
A light, well-drained houseplant or cactus mix in a pot with a drainage hole. Keep the pot small. It does well slightly pot-bound and doesn't need repotting every year. Hanging baskets show off the trailing stems, and it also grows well in terrariums.
Temperature
It likes steady warmth, around 68–75°F (20–24°C), and more humidity than most succulents. Keep it away from cold drafts. If it summers outdoors, wait until nights stay above 60°F (16°C) and keep it in shade.
Is string of turtles safe for pets?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists it, as trailing peperomia, as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Propagation
String of turtles roots from short stem cuttings, and from single leaves. Take cuttings in spring or summer, while it's growing.
- Snip a strand a few inches long and strip the leaves from the bottom of it.
- Lay it on moist, well-drained mix, or push the bare end in, so the bare nodes touch the soil.
- Cover the pot loosely with clear plastic to hold in humidity, and keep it out of direct sun.
- Once new leaves appear, take the cover off and care for it like the parent plant.
Common problems
FAQ
Is string of turtles toxic to cats?
No. The ASPCA lists Peperomia prostrata, under the name trailing peperomia, as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Is string of turtles a succulent?
Sort of. Its small, thick leaves are succulent, but it's a Peperomia from the wet tropics of Ecuador, where it grows on other plants. Treat it like a tropical houseplant that hates soggy soil, not like a desert succulent.
Why is my string of turtles dropping leaves?
Usually too much water. Peperomias drop leaves when they're overwatered, and wet soil leads to root rot. Let the top of the soil dry before you water again, and make sure the pot drains.
Why is my string of turtles growing so slowly?
It's a naturally slow grower, so don't expect long strands quickly. If the leaf pattern is also fading, it needs more light.
Sources
- Trailing Peperomia: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants
- Peperomia prostrata B.S.Williams ex Mast. & T.Moore: Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Peperomia prostrata: North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Peperomia: Indoor Plant Care and Growing Guide: Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC
- Peperomia prostrata (string of turtles): RHS