Peperomia Prostrata 'String of Turtles' Live Plant
String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata) is a tiny Brazilian trailing succulent whose little round leaves are patterned like miniature turtle shells, strung along delicate vines. Slow-growing and adorable — its markings mellow with age.
Peperomia Prostrata 'String of Turtles' trails with tiny, patterned leaves that really do look like little turtle shells. It's a treasure for collectors and looks enchanting cascading from a hanging basket or the edge of a high shelf.
✓ Carefully packed live plant · ✓ Ships across the continental U.S. · ✓ 48-hour live-arrival guarantee
Natural variation expected with live plants
Botanical Label
- Common name: Peperomia Prostrata 'String of Turtles'
- Botanical name: Peperomia prostrata
- Pot size: 2", 3", 4" or 6" nursery pot (choose at checkout)
- Light: Bright, indirect; tolerates medium light; no harsh direct sun
- Water: when the top inch or two of soil is dry — it likes to dry out a bit between waterings.
- Difficulty: Beginner-friendly.
- Growth style: Compact, bushy (some types trail).
- Mature size: Stays small and compact — mature size can vary by growing conditions.
- Lifespan: Can live for many years with regular care — varies by growing conditions.
- Pet safety: Pet-friendly — considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA). As with any plant, discourage pets from nibbling.
- Best for: Desks, shelves, windowsills, and small spaces.
- Vibe/personality: Compact, cute, and easygoing.
Curator's Note: Peperomia Prostrata 'String of Turtles' brings compact, cute, and easygoing to a space — a rewarding plant to live with and watch grow.
Why It Belongs in Your Collection
- Compact size that fits shelves, desks, and sills
- Thick, often textured or patterned leaves
- Easygoing, beginner-friendly care
- Easy to propagate from cuttings
- A cheerful little plant for small spaces
Care Notes from the Greenhouse
- Light: Bright, indirect light keeps Peperomia Prostrata 'String of Turtles' looking its best. It tolerates medium light, but avoid harsh direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
- Watering: Water when the top inch or two of soil is dry — peperomias have thick, semi-succulent leaves that store water, so they prefer to dry out a bit and dislike soggy soil. Water less in winter.
- Humidity: Fine in normal household humidity; it appreciates a little extra but doesn't need it.
- Temperature: Typical room temperatures (about 65–80°F); keep it away from cold drafts.
- Soil: A light, well-draining potting mix in a pot with a drainage hole.
- Fertilizer: Feed lightly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer; pause in winter.
- Pruning: Pinch back to keep it bushy; it propagates easily from leaf or stem cuttings.
- Care tip: Limp or dropping leaves usually mean overwatering — let it dry out more between drinks.
Best Display Spots
- Desk or tabletop: compact and tidy.
- Shelf or windowsill: bright, indirect light is ideal.
- Bathroom or kitchen (bright): enjoys a little extra humidity.
- Grouped with other small plants: a cute shelf garden.
- Office with good indirect light: low-fuss greenery.
Best For / Think Twice If
Best for:
- Small spaces — desks, shelves, sills
- Beginners who want easy, compact greenery
- Collectors who love varied foliage
Think twice if:
- Spots with no bright light
- People who tend to overwater — it dislikes soggy soil
- Anyone wanting a large statement plant
- Cold, drafty spots
Botanical Exhibit Notes
- Peperomia is a huge genus — well over a thousand species — so leaf shapes, colors, and textures vary enormously.
- Their thick, semi-succulent leaves store water, which is why they tolerate a missed watering better than many houseplants.
- They're considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), making them a popular pet-friendly choice.
- Most stay small and compact, perfect for tight spaces and shelf gardens.
- Many bloom with slender, "rat-tail" flower spikes and propagate easily from a single leaf.
From Our Greenhouse to Your Home
Florida Plant ships across the continental U.S. Your plant ships from Florida and California, USA, carefully packed in its nursery pot with soil unless noted. Orders dispatch within 1–4 business days, early in the week so plants don't sit over a weekend in transit.
During cold weather, orders to colder areas are sent with a heat pack, and we may hold delivery to very cold areas until it's safe to ship. Every plant is backed by our 48-hour live-arrival guarantee — contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos if there's an issue.
Because this is a live plant, each one is unique — size, fullness, color, and shape vary naturally, and minor cosmetic imperfections can happen. Give your plant a little time to settle in after it arrives.
Plant Questions, Answered
How often should I water Peperomia Prostrata 'String of Turtles'?
Water when the top inch or two of soil is dry — it likes to dry out a bit between waterings. It prefers to dry out a little between waterings rather than stay soggy.
What kind of light does Peperomia Prostrata 'String of Turtles' need?
Bright, indirect light keeps Peperomia Prostrata 'String of Turtles' looking its best. It tolerates medium light, but avoid harsh direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
Is Peperomia Prostrata 'String of Turtles' pet safe?
Yes — peperomias are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), so Peperomia Prostrata 'String of Turtles' is a popular pet-friendly choice. As with any plant, it's best to discourage pets from chewing the leaves.
Why are my Peperomia Prostrata 'String of Turtles' leaves dropping or going limp?
Usually overwatering — those semi-succulent leaves rot in soggy soil. Let the top inch or two dry out between waterings and make sure the pot drains well.
Plant care at a glance
- Light
- Bright light, some direct sun
- Care level
- Easy