String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata) Care Guide
String of Turtles is a small, trailing succulent-like foliage plant named for its unique leaves, which resemble tiny turtle shells. It belongs to the Peperomia genus and is native to the tropical rainforests of South America. Unlike typical succulents, it prefers a more humid environment rather than dry conditions.
Indoor Care Guide for Toronto
In Toronto’s indoor environment, winter dryness and limited daylight require special attention to humidity and light management.
1. Light
Requires bright, indirect light. Place it near an east- or west-facing window to avoid excessive direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
A full-spectrum grow light can help supplement light, especially in winter.
2. Watering
Water when the topsoil feels slightly dry, typically once a week.
If using tap water, let it sit overnight before watering.
Avoid waterlogging:
Ensure the pot has drainage holes and use a well-draining mix (such as peat + perlite + coconut coir).
Do not allow water to sit on the leaves for long periods, as this can lead to rot.
3. Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity (50%-70%). Since Toronto’s indoor air is dry in winter, use a humidifier or place a tray of wet pebbles near the plant.
If leaf edges become dry or wrinkled, humidity may be too low.
Avoid frequent misting, as spraying the leaves directly can encourage bacterial or fungal infections, especially in cooler temperatures.
4. Temperature
Ideal temperature range: 18-26°C (65-79°F).
Avoid cold temperatures and drafts:
If temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F) in winter, growth may slow, and leaves may fall off.
Keep it away from heaters, air vents, and direct cold drafts.
5. Soil
Use a light, well-draining mix.
Recommended soil ratio:
Peat moss / Coconut coir (moisture retention) – 50%
Perlite / Pumice (aeration) – 30%
Pine bark / Charcoal (antibacterial properties) – 20%
6. Fertilization
Feed once a month with a diluted liquid fertilizer or use a slow-release fertilizer.
Reduce fertilization in winter when growth slows.
7. Pruning & Propagation
Pruning: Trim leggy or yellowing stems to encourage compact growth.
Propagation (Stem Cuttings):
Cut a healthy stem with 2-3 leaves, and insert it into moist soil (peat + perlite).
Keep warm and humid; roots should form in 2-4 weeks.
8. Common Problems & Solutions
Wrinkled, shriveled leaves: Air too dry or underwatering, Increase humidity, water adequately
Yellowing or dropping leaves: Overwatering, root rot, Allow soil to dry completely before watering, check roots
Leggy growth, faded color: Insufficient light, Increase light exposure or use a grow light
Stem and leaf rot: Overwatering or excessive humidity, Improve airflow, reduce watering, remove affected parts.
By providing proper light, humidity, and watering, String of Turtles can thrive indoors in Toronto’s environment.
乌龟串椒草的养护方法
乌龟串椒草（英文俗名：String of Turtles，学名：Peperomia prostrata） 是一种小型、匍匐生长的多肉型观叶植物，叶片形状和纹路酷似小乌龟壳。它属于椒草属（Peperomia），原产于南美洲热带雨林地区，生长习性与一般的多肉植物略有不同，更喜欢湿润而非干燥的环境。
多伦多室内养护指南
在多伦多的室内环境中，冬季干燥、光照时间短，因此需要特别注意湿度和光照的管理。
1. 光照
需要明亮的散射光，可放在朝东或朝西的窗台附近，避免长时间阳光直射，否则叶片容易晒伤。
可以使用全光谱植物生长灯补光，特别是冬季。
2. 浇水
表土摸起来微干时再浇透，通常每周1次。
使用自来水需要晾过夜再浇水。
避免根部积水
盆底一定要有排水孔，使用排水性好的介质（如泥炭土+珍珠岩+椰糠混合）。
不要让水长期积在叶子上，否则容易烂叶。
3. 空气湿度
喜欢中高湿度环境（50%-70%），多伦多冬天室内湿度较低，可用加湿器或在盆栽附近放铺有湿石子的托盘增加空气湿度。
如果叶片边缘干枯或皱缩，说明湿度可能过低。
不要频繁喷水，直接往叶子喷水容易导致细菌或真菌感染，特别是在低温环境下。
4. 温度
适温范围：18-26℃
喜欢温暖环境，适合室温生长。
避免低温和冷风
冬季低于10℃容易引起生长停滞或叶片掉落。
避免冷风直吹，不要放在暖气口或空调风口附近。
5. 土壤
疏松透气、排水良好的混合土
推荐土壤配比：
泥炭土 / 椰糠（保水） 50%
珍珠岩 / 轻石（透气） 30%
松树皮 / 炭屑（抗菌） 20%
6. 施肥
每月施一次稀释后的液体肥，或使用缓释肥。冬季可以减少施肥
7. 修剪与繁殖
适时剪掉徒长、枯黄的枝条，促进更紧凑的生长。
繁殖
扦插法：剪取健康茎段（带2-3片叶子），直接插入潮湿的介质中（如泥炭+珍珠岩），保持温暖湿润，2-4周可生根。
8. 常见问题及解决方案
叶片变皱、干瘪：空气太干或缺水，提高湿度，适量浇水
叶子发黄或掉落：浇水过多、根部积水，等土壤完全干透再浇水，检查根系是否腐烂
叶片徒长、颜色变淡：光照不足，增加光照或使用植物生长灯
茎叶腐烂：浇水过多或湿度过高，提高通风，减少浇水，去除腐烂部分
Source from chat.openai. Organized by Qiuye. Not for reprint. 不得转载！