String of Turtles displayed in vintage tea cup.

“Water off a duck’s… or in this case turtle’s back”

String of Turtles
Peperomia Prostrata

Heart-shaped bullet

Stunning leaf design
Easy to care for

Originates

This semi-succulent is originally from Brazil.

Overview

It takes its name from its leaves which appear to resemble a turtle’s shell. A small but perfectly formed house plant that has trailing vines.

Position

This plant is slow-growing but lives happily in a pot on a shelf, window-sill or added to a fairy garden. It enjoys warm bright light but should not be placed in direct sunlight as could damage its leaves. Try to keep away from radiators.

Watering

Requires regular watering in Spring and Summer months, but less across Winter months in the UK. Always allow the soil to dry fully between waterings as roots are susceptible to rot. As with other succulents String of Turtles thrive with less watering.

How to make plant fuller

The String of Turtles is considered difficult to grow from cuttings but with patience propagation can help to make your plant appear fuller. Cut one or more turtle-shaped leaves and place it in water to encourage new roots to grow. Once roots appear these can be placed back into the soil in your master plant.

Repotting

Unlike the other string varieties on this site, this plant should not be planted in a peat-free cactus or succulent mix, instead it will prefer a soil richer in peat.