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Plant Profiles / String of turtles
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
String of turtles
Peperomia prostrata · Turtle vine
Tiny round leaves patterned like turtle shells on fine trailing stems. A dainty hanging plant for small spaces.
Bright indirect lightLight
WeeklyWater
ModerateCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Bright indirect light
ShadeFull sun
No direct afternoon sun.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Water when the top 2 cm is dry.
Humidity
Average to high
LowHigh
Likes humidity.
Temperature
15–28°C (59–82°F)
CoolWarm
Keep above 12°C.
Growth
Slow, trailing
SlowFast
Trails to 30 cm.
Soil
Chunky, airy mix
LeanRich
Potting mix with perlite and bark.
Fertiliser
Monthly in summer
RarelyOften
Diluted fertiliser.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic to pets.
About this plant
From Ecuador's rainforests, string of turtles likes humidity and bright indirect light. Its semi-succulent leaves store some water.
Best spots
Small hanging pots, shelves and terrariums.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Peperomia prostrata |
| Family | Piperaceae |
| Origin | Ecuador |
| Plant type | Trailing semi-succulent |
| Mature size | Trails 30 cm |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Flowers | Insignificant |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Repot
Propagate
Fertilise
Water less
RepotPropagateFertiliseWater less
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Shrivelled leaves | Too dry or low humidity. |
| Fading pattern | More light. |
| Mushy stems | Overwatering. |
| Sparse growth | Pin cuttings back in. |
Common questions
Is it a succulent?
Semi-succulent.
Is it pet safe?
Yes.
Does it like humidity?
Yes.
Is it fast?
No, slow.
