String of Turtles
Peperomia prostrata

String of Turtles

Bright indirectModeratePet-safe
6580°FComfort range
AverageHumidity
Background

String of turtles is a tiny, slow-growing trailer whose round leaves are marked like a turtle's shell. It's a semi-succulent peperomia, so the fleshy leaves hold water and the usual houseplant instinct to keep things moist will rot it.

Let the pot dry down well before watering, give it bright indirect light to keep the pattern sharp, and be patient — it grows slowly and looks best as a full, dense mat rather than a few long strands. Trim and lay the cuttings back on the soil to thicken it up.

Bright indirect light keeps the leaf patterning crisp; direct sun scorches the tiny leaves.

Care at a glance
LightBright indirect
WaterEvery 7–10 days; let the top half of the pot dry
Soil mixLight, airy mix — coir or peat with perlite and a little bark
HumidityAverage
Temperature65–80°F
DifficultyModerate
HabitTrailing
Mature sizeTrails to 12 in
PropagationStem cuttings laid on damp soil
Watering & safety
How to water

Water at the base; the fleshy leaves store moisture, so err dry

Drought tolerance

Tolerant — forgives a missed watering and prefers to dry out.

Pet & child safety

Non-toxic and pet-safe.

The routine

Let the top half of the pot dry, then water

every 7–10 days

Feed with a dilute balanced fertiliser

monthlyGrowing season

Pinch and lay cuttings back on the soil to thicken the mat

Watch for shrivelled leaves (too dry) or mushy stems (too wet)

Watch for
Fungus GnatsMealybugs