The plant had previous root rot this is what is left of it. The leafs are turning yellow and falling off. I have been watering it with water mixed with liquid fertilizer when the soil gets dry. The soil is a miracle grow potting mix. I’m in Toronto the climate varies from dry to somewhat humid. The plant is by a south west facing window. Please help me
Thank-you for contacting Toronto Master Gardeners with your question about your Pincushion peperomia (Peperomia ferreyrae), also known as Happy Bean peperomia.
It sounds like your plant has already been struggling with root rot and may still be a victim of this serious fungal disease. Root rot is generally caused by over-watering and/or leaving plants sitting in saucers with water.
When you began dealing with the problem, did you repot the plant? It might benefit from fresh, clean soil. The best choice for a semi-succulent plant, such as this peperomia, is a fast draining soil, with plenty of sand, perlite or vermiculite such as a cactus soil.
Many commercially obtained potting soils are quite rich, with fertilizers and water retaining additives mixed in. These can be useful for other types of moisture-loving houseplants, but they may hold too much moisture for semi-succulent plants that thrive in drier conditions.
Your plant could also be getting too much food, fertilizer from the potting soil as well as the food you are giving it. Peperomias do not require much fertilizer, even when they are healthy and growing well. Your plant is already struggling and the fertilizer may be causing difficulty instead of benefits.
In summary, repotting your plant into an easy draining potting soil, cutting away any rotted tissue, stopping the additional fertilizing routine and taking care not to over-water your peperomia should give you the best chance of rescuing your plant. Do not start to fertilize again until the plant has recovered and is actively growing, and then fertilize very lightly. Keep watering to a minimum, understanding that the plant is a semi-succulent and retains water in its leaves.
General information about caring for the Happy Bean peperomia can be found in various popular online resources, including Gardenia.com and Succulent City.
All the best on bringing your peperomia back to health.