Peperomia prostrata, commonly known as the String of Turtles, is one of the most distinctive trailing plants you can grow indoors. Each small, round leaf is patterned with a network of dark green lines against a lighter background, closely resembling a turtle's shell. Plants trail naturally, making them ideal for ahanging planter, a high shelf, or the edge of a desk. Compact, slow-growing, and straightforward to care for. It is also non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a practical option for pet-friendly households.
Please be aware that some foliage loss is natural during transit. Plants may lose up to 20% of their foliage as they adjust to their journey. This is a normal part of the process and should not affect the plant's ability to thrive with the right care.
Live Arrival Guarantee
All plants are covered by our 7-day live arrival guarantee. We pack every order in protective, sustainable packaging designed to keep your plants safe in transit, and every plant is checked before it ships. On the rare occasion something is not right on arrival, we will make it good, provided the plant is still in its original nursery pot.
Your quick reference for choosing the right plant size. We group our plants by the diameter of their nursery pots which gives you a consistent way to understand scale.
5–8cm
Mini
Small but full of charm. These compact plants are perfect for desks, windowsills, and small shelves, or for building out a collection over time. Ideal if you enjoy watching your plants grow from the beginning. Approx. height: 10–20cm
9–11cm
Small
A step up in presence, great for side tables, shelves, or styling in clusters. Easy to move around and perfect for adding greenery without taking up too much space. Approx. height: 25–35cm
12–14cm
Medium
Our most versatile size. Works beautifully on shelves, desks, and plant stands, offering a fuller look without dominating a space. A great balance between impact and flexibility. Approx. height: 25–50cm
15–18cm
Large
More established plants with fuller foliage and stronger structure. Ideal for creating soft focal points in a room. Great for corners, beside furniture, or as standalone features. Approx. height: 40–70cm
19+cm
Extra Large
Big, impactful plants designed for floors and open spaces. These are your statement pieces and are perfect for anchoring a room or transforming a corner with instant greenery. Approx. height: 60cm–1.3m
Pots that fit this plant
We recommend
How to care for String of Turtles
Keep me in bright, gentle light away from harsh sun and water me once my top few centimetres feel dry.
In their words
What our customers say
EP
Emily P.
Arrived just like the photos - maybe even fuller. Healthy, well-acclimated, and straight into my collection with no issues.
JR
James R.
Flawless leaves, stunning variegation, and clearly cared for by experts. It’s already a talking point in my home office.
SL
Sophie L.
Hard to find rare plants that are pet-safe. Ours arrived in perfect condition and looks amazing without any worry.
Get to know me
About String of Turtles
Peperomia Prostrata is an easy-care houseplant. It needs bright indirect light, watering once the top 2 to 3cm of compost has dried out, a little extra humidity and a minimum temperature of 12°C. It is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
This plant grows best in bright, indirect light or dappled shade. Keep it away from direct sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves. For healthy growth and vibrant foliage, place it near a north-facing or east-facing window where it will receive plenty of filtered light.Read moreShow less
This plant grows best in bright, indirect light or dappled shade. Keep it away from direct sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves. For healthy growth and vibrant foliage, place it near a north-facing or east-facing window where it will receive plenty of filtered light.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant when the top 1/3 to 1/2 of the soil feels slightly dry, and always ensure the pot has good drainage. Avoid soggy soil or standing water, and do not let the plant dry out completely, as steady moisture is essential for healthy growth.Read moreShow less
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant when the top 1/3 to 1/2 of the soil feels slightly dry, and always ensure the pot has good drainage. Avoid soggy soil or standing water, and do not let the plant dry out completely, as steady moisture is essential for healthy growth.
Humidity
Average homeHigh humidity
Prefers a little extra humidity
This plant will tolerate normal household humidity, but performs best with slightly higher levels. Like all tropical plants, good humidity levels help support healthy growth and keep the foliage healthy. If you have a particularly dry home, grouping plants together can help to increase humidity.Read moreShow less
This plant will tolerate normal household humidity, but performs best with slightly higher levels. Like all tropical plants, good humidity levels help support healthy growth and keep the foliage healthy. If you have a particularly dry home, grouping plants together can help to increase humidity.
Keep above 12°C · Happy at normal room temperature
This plant grows best in warm temperatures between 18°C and 26°C. Keep it away from cold draughts and avoid temperatures below 15°C, as cooler conditions can stress the plant and affect healthy growth.Read moreShow less
This plant grows best in warm temperatures between 18°C and 26°C. Keep it away from cold draughts and avoid temperatures below 15°C, as cooler conditions can stress the plant and affect healthy growth.
Feeding
Feed monthly with a balanced fertiliser from spring to autumn, and let it rest over winter.
Soil & Substrate
Peperomia prostrata has a small, shallow root system and is susceptible to root rot if kept too wet. Our Simply Houseplant Tropical Potting Mix suits it well. This mix contains coco coir, bark, and perlite in a balanced peat-free mix that retains just enough moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Plants still are not food, so a determined chewer may get an upset stomach.
Origins
Native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, Peperomia prostrata grows as a creeping epiphyte along the forest floor and over rocks in humid, shaded conditions.
Yes. This plant is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs, so it's a good choice for homes with pets. Even so, plants aren't food, so a keen chewer could still get an upset stomach. If you're worried, speak to your vet.
We aim to avoid using pesticides where possible, but we can't control the whole supply chain.
If the plant is going into a vivarium, terrarium or aquarium with live animals, rinse the leaves and roots well, remove any soil and let the plant dry out before adding it. We'd also suggest keeping it away from animals for a month first.
Can I see a photo of the exact plant I'll receive?
We're not able to send photos of individual plants or let you choose a specific one, as plants are selected by our team when your order is packed. Our photos show the variety and the kind of plant you can expect, and yours may vary a little in height, shape or fullness.
If a size has a code next to it, such as 9cm / B2, you're buying the exact plant pictured.
Does my plant come with a pot?
Your plant will arrive in its nursery grow pot — the plastic pot it's been growing in. We don't include a decorative pot as standard, and there's a good reason for that: it means you get to choose one that fits your space and style, rather than being stuck with something that doesn't suit your home.
It also means you're not paying extra for a pot you might not want. The nursery pot is perfectly fine to keep your plant in for a while, just pop it inside a decorative cover pot or cache pot and you're good to go. When you're ready to repot (usually after a growing season or when roots start poking out the bottom), you can move it into something more permanent with fresh soil.
If you're not sure what size cover pot to go for, check the pot selector tool listed above, you'll want a decorative pot that's a centimetre or two wider than that to give it a comfortable fit.
How big will my plant be when it arrives?
Every plant on our site includes the pot size (e.g. 12cm) and, where possible, an approximate height. That's the most reliable way to set your expectations, photos can sometimes make a plant look larger or smaller than it really is.
If you're thinking "that sounds quite small for the price," here's something worth knowing: younger, smaller plants almost always adapt better to your home than larger ones. They adjust faster to your light and humidity, put out new growth more quickly, and tend to establish stronger root systems long-term. A plant that grows into your space will usually outperform one that was already big when it arrived.
That said, every plant is an individual. The one you receive may vary slightly in height, shape, or fullness compared to the photo, that's the nature of living things, not a quality issue. We select healthy, well-established specimens, and if you ever feel your plant doesn't match what you were expecting, just get in touch and we'll take a look.
What makes your plants different from the supermarket or garden centre?
There's a big difference between a plant that's been sitting under on a retail shelf and one that's been looked after and cared for by people who specialise in exactly this.
Our plants are grown in house or sourced from specialist nurseries, many of them varieties you simply won't find at your local garden centre or supermarket. Before anything leaves us, it's checked over by our horticultural team to make sure it's healthy, well-rooted, and ready to thrive in your home. We're not shifting volume off a pallet, we're choosing plants we'd want to keep ourselves.
When you buy from a supermarket, you get a plant and a generic care label. When you buy from us, you get the knowledge that comes with it, detailed care guidance, a team you can actually contact if something isn't going right, and the confidence that what's arriving has been looked after properly from the moment it was grown to the moment it reaches your door.
We're a specialist nursery first, not a retailer that happens to sell plants. That's the difference, and you'll see it the moment you open the box.
What should I do when my plant arrives?
First things first, unbox it as soon as you can. Plants don't love being in dark boxes any more than you would, and the sooner yours is out and breathing, the better.
Remove all the packaging carefully, give the soil a check with your finger, and water lightly if it feels dry. Then find it a spot with appropriate light, but avoid putting it straight into harsh direct sun or next to a radiator. Think of it like arriving somewhere new after a long journey: it needs a moment to adjust.
It's completely normal for your plant to look a little tired or droopy after transit. This is called transit stress, and most plants bounce back within a week or two. You might see a yellow leaf or some drooping, don't panic, and resist the urge to overwater or start repotting straight away.
Our advice for the first couple of weeks: leave it in its nursery pot, water it only when the top layer of soil feels dry, and let it acclimatise to your home's light, temperature, and humidity. Once it's settled in and showing signs of new growth, you can think about repotting or moving it to its permanent spot.
Every plant we sell comes with a care guide on the product page so you'll know exactly what it needs going forward. And if anything doesn't look right, get in touch with our team, we're always happy to help.
Will my plant survive being shipped?
Yes! and we go to serious lengths to make sure of it. Every plant is hand-packed by our team with protective wrapping and secure, custom-designed boxes to keep it stable and safe in transit. We've shipped hundreds of thousands of plants across the UK and our packaging methods have been refined over years to handle the bumps and jolts of delivery.
During colder months, we monitor weather forecasts and offer heat packs where needed to protect against frost. In extreme conditions, we may hold your order for a day or two rather than risk sending it out, we'd rather you wait an extra day than receive a stressed plant.
That said, plants are living things, and the occasional transit wobble can happen. If your plant arrives damaged or isn't in the condition you'd expect, just get in touch within 7 days with a photo, and we'll make it right, whether that's a replacement or a full refund. No fuss.
The short version: we treat every box like it's going to someone who really cares about what's inside, because it is.
Peperomia is one of the most versatile and rewarding houseplant genera, loved for its compact growth, sculptural leaves, and forgiving nature. This guide covers everything you need to know to grow healthy, long-lasting Peperomia plants at home.
Peperomia ...
Every order is hand-packed in eco-friendly, protective packaging - refined through thousands of deliveries to ensure your plant arrives healthy, hydrated, and looking its best.
Backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Perfect for Gifting
From rare collector’s pieces to easy-care favourites, our plants arrive fully potted and ready to enjoy. Add a personalised note at checkout for a thoughtful finishing touch.
Delivered fresh, beautiful, and gift-ready.
Sustainability at Heart
All plants are ethically sourced from trusted growers, never wild-collected. Every order ships carbon-neutral in minimal-waste packaging.
Good for your home - and the planet.
Verified reviews
Rated by real customers
Customers praised this trailing plant for its "beautiful" turtle-patterned leaves and healthy condition. Most noted "excellent packaging" and full, lush growth. However, some experienced leaf loss during shipping or after arrival. A few found leaves "very delicate" and fragile. Overall, shoppers appreciated the quality and value.
So surprised at the quality! Very healthy and so much growth. Excellent care.
Ordered two 8cm pots planning to combine. There was no need. One was plenty, full and lush.
Plant arrived in perfect condition, really know how to take good care. Excellent value.
5 stars: 103 (85%)
4 stars: 6 (5%)
3 stars: 6 (5%)
2 stars: 2 (2%)
1 star: 4 (3%)
A
Anonymous (United Kingdom)
6cm
Beautiful plant in a perfect condition
S
Serena (United Kingdom)
8cm
Ordered two 8cm pots, planning to combine them into one big one. There was no need. One was plenty, full and lush.
M
Moni (United Kingdom)
8cm
Love it
Excellent plant
G
Georgia (United Kingdom)
8cm
So surprised at the quality of my plant! Very healthy and so much growth on the crown. Lots of new growth can tell the plant has received excellent care.
J
Joanne S.
Beautiful
Great quality, well packaged and lovely healthy plant.
L
Leoni A.
I’ve had to be so
I’ve had to be so careful with this plant because more ‘turtles’ fall off at the slightest nudge! It’s a lovely plant and I can’t wait to get it to it’s hanging pot, so that it can get on with growing bigger :relaxed:️
L
Lucy
My little turtle!
Love love love her so much! :heart_eyes: Her patterns are so cute, but she is delicate so be careful. She arrived quickly and safely, and looks amazing on my desk. Looking forward to adding to my small collection of plant babies soon!
G
Giedre K.
Beautiful plant
Great condition beautiful plant
G
Georganne B.
New plants and soil mixes
Amazing new plants and soil mixes thank you grow tropicals
K
Kirsty B.
Absolutely love it, she's settling
Absolutely love it, she's settling in
J
Jessica G.
Really nice
Love it. Called him Donatello
E
Erik W.
Perfect!
Beautiful quality plants shipped quickly and efficiently with excellent customer service - couldn't ask for more really!
A
Anita S.
String of turtles
Lovely plant. Great quality. Did not expect those little turtles to be so fragile.
L
Leanne M.
String of Turtles- pretty
I'm in awe of how pretty this plant actually is, arrived well packaged and now enjoying its life in the house!
This plant is a must have!
M
Miss C.
Turtle-y great!
I ordered a string of turtles plant, it's very cute!
Also a nice sturdy ceramic pot which looks fab!
It was delivered very safely, well packaged and included a bag of soil for potting up immediately.
I'm loving him already!
D
Dee D.
Some casualties in transit, but
Some casualties in transit, but to be expected. Healthy plant & well packaged
A
Anonymous (United Kingdom)
The plant looked beautiful when it arrived, but unfortunately, it hasn’t lasted. All the leaves have now fallen off, leaving nothing but the soil in the pot. Very disappointing,
S
Suzanne C (United Kingdom)
6cm
Very well packaged lovely plant.
A
Anonymous (United Kingdom)
8cm
Full pot of plants and growing well ,looks great!
However it should come with a hanging pot but it is not !
T
Tommy
Absolutely love this one!
I did lose a lot of turtles during movement and potting etc. But luckily it's very well established so anything lost will certainly come back. Very happy with this plant and the colours are beautiful.
G
Gwenno Griffiths (United Kingdom)
6cm
Only chose the smallest pot option but so surprised by how full and big it was! Also packaged so well. A very healthy and happy plant. Very impressed!
M
Marta (United Kingdom)
6cm
Fabulous plant, unlucky despite very good packaging it lost A LOT of leaves
M
Maria Fountain
Unfortunately arrived very dry and died off. British weather not help am sure
