String of Turtles Care
Peperomia prostrata
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Bright indirect. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | When the soil is mostly dry. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Airy: Tropical mix with extra perlite. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 16β27Β°C. |
| π¨ Humidity | Average to high. |
| πΎ Pets | Pet safe Non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| π± Care level | Easy Pet safe Small spaces |
| π Grows to | Trails 30β45 cm. |
String of turtles has tiny round leaves patterned like a turtle's shell, on delicate trailing stems. It's a small, pet-safe peperomia that looks lovely spilling over a shelf edge or in a little hanging pot.
Light + placement
Bright, indirect light keeps the leaf pattern crisp and the vines full. Low light makes the stems thin and bare. Avoid strong direct sun, which can bleach the small leaves.
Watering
Water when the soil is mostly dry; the leaves store some water. Overwatering is the most common problem and causes mushy stems at the base. Water from below or carefully around the edge so the fine stems don't stay wet.
Soil + repotting
A light, airy mix like our Tropical Potting Mix with extra perlite, in a small, shallow pot with drainage. It rarely needs repotting.
Feeding + upkeep
Feeding: We feed with Kelpy, a gentle plant food made from BC kelp. Mix 1 teaspoon into 1 litre of water and use it every other time you water. Kelpy is gentle enough to use year-round. Our rule of thumb: if your plant is putting out new growth, even in winter, keep feeding. If it's resting, you'll be watering less, so it gets fed less too.
For a slow, natural boost, top-dress the pot with a thin layer of worm castings every few months, or mix some in when you repot. Prefer a granular food? BIOS Natural Plant Food mixes into the top layer of soil (about 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot) once a month while your plant is growing. A little white fuzz on the soil afterwards is normal; it's the helpful fungi at work.
Trim straggly strands and tuck the cuttings back into the pot.
Propagation
Lay a strand on moist soil with the nodes touching the surface, or root short cuttings in moss. See Propagation 101. It's a peperomia, so our Peperomia Care guide applies too.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mushy stems at the base | Overwatering | Let it dry more; take healthy cuttings if needed. |
| Shrivelled, curling leaves | Thirsty | Water thoroughly. |
| Thin, bare strands | Low light | Move to brighter indirect light. |
| Faded pattern | Too much sun or too little light | Bright, indirect light is best. |
| Leaves dropping in winter | Cold, wet soil | Water less; keep away from cold glass. |
Varieties we carry
We carry string of turtles in small pots and hanging baskets. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Frequently asked questions
Is string of turtles safe for pets?
Yes. It's a peperomia and non-toxic to cats and dogs.
How often should I water it?
When the soil is mostly dry, usually every 1β2 weeks in summer.
Why is my string of turtles getting bare?
Usually low light. Move it brighter and tuck cuttings back in.
Does it need a big pot?
No. It has tiny roots and does best in a small, shallow pot.
String of Turtles care kit
- Tropical Potting Mix: Our all-round Soil Bar mix for leafy tropicals.
- Perlite: Lightens any mix so roots get more air.
- Squeezy Watering Bottle: Precise watering for small pots and terrariums.
- Kelpy Plant Growth Booster: Gentle BC kelp plant food you can use year-round.
- Worm Castings: A slow, natural boost from our Soil Bar. Top-dress every few months.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
Maidenhair Fern Β· Philodendron Birkin Β· Bird's Nest Fern Β· String of Hearts Β· Spider Plant Β· Jade Plant Β· Lucky Bamboo Β· Rabbit's Foot Fern Β· All plant care β