String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata)

String of Turtles

Peperomia prostrata

Tiny round leaves look like turtle shells, a charming trailing succulent. Evergreen trailing foliage plant.

Partial sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright indirect light; avoid direct midday sun which can scorch delicate leaves; tolerates low indoor light for short periods
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Watering Water only when the top 2 cm of soil is completely dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Thrives at 18–24°C; protect from temperatures below 10°C to avoid leaf discoloration and damage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Small, rounded succulent leaves with turtle-shell-like vein patterns; glossy deep green
  • Stem: Slender, trailing reddish-brown stems that root easily at nodes
  • Inflorescence: Slender spikes of tiny, non-showy white flowers
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil slightly moist; allow the top 1–2 cm to dry between waterings

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can cause leaf browning; use half-strength diluted feed

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestations
Pruning
  • Trim leggy stems to encourage bushier, compact growth
  • Remove yellow or damaged leaves to maintain plant health and airflow
  • Pinch back stem tips in early spring to promote branching
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic; safe for cats with no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental hanging plant for indoor shelves, windowsills, and hanging planters