It’s pretty bothersome to see your precious peperomia plant leaves are turning black. But hey, being all tensed up is not gonna help you save the plant. Instead, you’ve to go to the root of the problem.
So, why exactly are your peperomia leaves turning black?
For starters, overwatering can result in black leaves. Incorrect lighting and temperature conditions are big reasons behind this too. Also, over-fertilizing can turn the green leaves of the plant black. Next can be insects or pests. Lastly, for black spots, leaf spot diseases are to be blamed.
Now, this much info isn’t enough. And not having proper knowledge can worsen the situation. That’s why we’ve explained the reasons along with the solutions.
Therefore, if you want to help your plant, please keep reading along!
Contents
4 Reasons Behind Peperomia Leaves Turning Black
Yes, peperomia leaves can turn black. And this takes place only if you don’t take care of the plant properly.
Even if the plant isn’t demanding, it still needs basic care to stay well. So, let’s see where you messed up. And how you can fix it.
Overwatering
We all know water is important for every plant. But you’ve to provide the necessary amount of water to your plant.
Otherwise, the poor plant will get sick. For example, mint leaves turning purple or peperomia leaves getting black.
Peperomia actually doesn’t need that much water. Because this plant can hold moisture. Therefore, if you water a bit too much, you’ll encounter the overwatering issue.
And what happens if you overwater a plant?
Well, first of all, you’ll see mushy stems, droopy leaves, and moldy soil. All these will lead to diseases such as root rot.
This disease will cause the plant to have black leaves. Plus if you don’t start treating the problem as soon as possible-
Then your peperomia leaves will start falling. And the plant will eventually die.
Sounds pretty serious, right?
Yup, it definitely is. Thus, let’s check out how to solve the issue.
Solution
Now, firstly, you’ve to make sure your drainage system is not poor. Because if the water stays in the pot for too long-
It’ll get really hard to solve the problem. However, you can still fix it!
Start by changing the pot. This time-
Go with one that has 3-4 drainage holes that are ¼ inch in diameter. Also, use a potting mix that doesn’t hold water.
Lift your peperomia and plant it again. Wait till the water drains and the top part of the soil gets dry. Once the water has drained, quickly remove the plate under your pot (If there’s any). Touch the soil to see if it’s dry.
If it’s not anymore, you can start watering the plant. You should do this until the water comes out of the drainage holes.
So from now on, water your peperomia plant 1-2 times a week in summer and spring. And during winter, use water that matches the room temperature. Thus, do check the temperature of the water before watering.
Therefore, get yourself a thermometer. And make sure to water the plant properly from now on!
Incorrect Lighting & Temperature
Providing the right amount of light and temperature is really important. Otherwise, your plants will most certainly suffer.
For example- their leaves can turn black.
Now, too much or too little light and temperature, which is the reason?
To be honest, both conditions are problematic. That’s why you’ve to maintain the proper amount.
So, what is the right amount?
Well, a peperomia plant does well in bright places. But away from direct sunlight. Its leaves will burn and become black if you provide too much light.
Moreover, a peperomia plant can’t produce enough chlorophyll in low-light conditions. This will gradually make them unable to make food for themselves. With time, the leaves will turn black.
Plus we all know-
Lighting and temperature are related to one another. So, if you aren’t maintaining the proper lighting. You won’t be able to maintain the proper temperature range-
Which is 65-77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Now, how can you fix this situation?
Solution
First of all, you need to change the location of your plant. Whether the plant is under direct sunlight or in low light conditions-
Move your plant to a better spot immediately.
We suggest placing them on your window. However, make sure that the window is facing the south. But if you’re unable to do that-
Just place the plant 2-3’ away from a direct light source.
Over-fertilizing
Too much of anything isn’t good. Whether it be overwatering or using too much fertilizer.
Your peperomia or even azalea leaves can turn black due to over-fertilizing.
How?
Well, if you didn’t know-
Peperomia plants will thrive if you use a 20-20-20 fertilizer once a week. However, the fertilizer should be mixed with water.
So that its strength reduces to half. For this, mix 3 teaspoons of NPK 20-20-20 fertilizer with 5 liters of water.
Remember to apply 1 cup of this mixture per week to your peperomia. You can use the leftover fertilizer for other plants.
But if you want to fertilize once a month, choose a regular indoor plant.
Now, if you didn’t follow these rules while fertilizing-
You might’ve over-fertilized the plant. That’s why you’re seeing the black leaves on your peperomia.
Solution
The solution is quite simple!
Let your plant rest. And water the plant thoroughly to get rid of excess fertilizer.
After that, keep your plant away from fertilizers for at least 3 months. This way you’ll see the black leaves are disappearing!
Insects or Pests
Pests are the reason behind every gardener’s headache. No matter how much time and effort you give to protect your plant-
You’ll come across these pesky creatures at least once while gardening.
These wicked ones suck the juice of your peperomia plant. Which leads that poor plant to have black leaves.
But which insects are sucking your plant’s juice?
Well, they’re mostly aphids, whiteflies, thrips, scale bugs.
So, how to get rid of them?
Solution
No matter how scary the matter is, there’s a solution.
Now, before removing the bugs from your plants-
You’ve to cut the discolored and affected leaves. Then apply rubbing alcohol to your plant. Especially the places where the insects are. You can also use insecticide sprays for these common indoor plant insects. But make sure to use the good ones. Otherwise, things will get worse.
Peperomia Leaves Turning Black But They're Black Spots
Yup, it’s also common to find black spots on your peperomia leaves. This issue takes place due to one reason.
That is leaf spot disease. Mostly two leaf spot diseases turn the leaves of peperomia black.
Now, the pattern of the black area of the leaves is different for every disease. So, you can easily identify which disease it is and treat your plant accordingly.
Cercospora Leaf Spot Disease
The fungus Cercospora is the reason behind this disease. If your plant is infected by this disease-
You’ll see black areas at the bottom of your plant’s leaves. Also, the black area will be raised.
Solution
You’ve to use fungicides that have myclobutanil, chlorothalonil, or thiophanate-methyl in them. After getting the insecticide-
Spray the undersides of the black/infected areas with them.
Phyllosticta Leaf Spot Disease
This disease is caused by the fungus- Phyllosticta sojicola.
And if this is the disease your plant is suffering from-
You’ll come across dry and black spots on the peperomia leaves. These spots are often found on the margins of the leaf. And they spread across the leaf.
This is a common reason why watermelon peperomia leaves turn black.
Solution
Well, for this disease, repeated application of thiophanate-methyl based fungicide might help. However, it’s best to prune the infected leaves.
Once you’re done with pruning, destroy those leaves by burning them. Don’t forget to bury the ashes afterward!
FAQs
Question: Why are my peperomia leaves turning brown?
Answer: The reason behind brown leaves can be the disease named root rot. And overwatering peperomia can cause this disease.
Question: What to do if peperomia leaves turn yellow?
Answer: Well, you’ve to change the existing pot. For that, replant your peperomia in another pot with enough drainage holes. After that, you’ve to make sure the soil is 50-70% dry. And water the plant once a week.
Question: Can I place peperomia under sunlight?
Answer: You can’t place the plant under direct sunlight. Instead, you’ve to pick a place where there’s bright and indirect sunlight/light.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you’ve got everything you needed on peperomia leaves turning black. If you didn’t know, not using well-draining soil can also cause black leaves.
So, what caused the black leaves in your case?
Share your answers in the comment section with us. Best of luck treating your peperomia!
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