Peperomia incana, commonly known as the Felted Pepperface, is a wonderfully tactile houseplant with thick, heart-shaped leaves covered in a layer of soft, silvery-white hairs. Its fuzzy foliage gives the plant a distinctive felted appearance while its compact, bushy growth makes it a great choice for shelves, desks and smaller spaces.
Scientific Name
Peperomia incana
Common Name(s)
Felted Pepperface, Felted Peperomia, Amazon Fuzz
Origin
Native to Brazil, where it grows in warm tropical and subtropical environments.
Light
Prefers bright, indirect light and can tolerate some gentle morning or evening sunlight. Avoid prolonged strong midday sun, which can scorch the foliage. It will tolerate slightly lower light levels, although growth may become less compact.
Water
Allow the top few centimetres of soil to dry between waterings, then water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain away. Its thick leaves store some moisture, so it is more tolerant of being slightly too dry than consistently too wet. Reduce watering during autumn and winter.
Humidity
Average household humidity is generally suitable. The fine hairs covering the leaves mean it is best to avoid regularly misting the foliage or allowing water to remain on the leaves.
Soil
Use a loose, well-draining houseplant mix. Adding plenty of perlite and some fine orchid bark will improve drainage and airflow around the roots.
Food
Feed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser diluted to half strength. Reduce feeding during autumn and winter when growth slows.
Temperature
Prefers temperatures between 18–27°C. Protect from cold draughts and avoid prolonged temperatures below 15°C.
Pet-safe
Yes, Peperomias are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Sprouts Top Tips
Avoid overwatering your Felted Pepperface. Its fleshy leaves store moisture, so allow part of the soil to dry before watering again. Try to keep the fuzzy foliage dry when watering to help prevent marking or rot.
Extras
Peperomia incana naturally develops a compact, branching habit and can be pinched or lightly pruned to encourage bushier growth. Mature plants may also produce the slender flower spikes characteristic of Peperomias.
Did You Know?
The soft hairs covering the leaves are known as trichomes. They give Peperomia incana its characteristic felted appearance and may help protect the leaves by reducing moisture loss and shielding them from intense sunlight.
