Peperomia
Compact, thick-leaved and pet-safe. Peperomia stays small, likes to dry out, and comes in dozens of leaf shapes and variegations.
Our desk plant. It has lived next to a monitor for two years on an east window and has never asked for anything. The thick, fleshy leaves store water, so it forgives a missed week, and it stays small enough for a shelf or a bedside table.
The obtusifolia types are the easy ones. Watermelon peperomia and the ripple-leaved caperata are cousins with the same care and more dramatic leaves.
Light
Medium to bright indirect light. An east window is ideal. It copes with a bright north window, growing more slowly. Variegated forms want the brighter end. Direct sun scorches the leaves.
Water
Let the top two inches dry out, then water thoroughly. About every nine days in summer and every two weeks or more in winter. The leaves go slightly less firm when it is thirsty, which is a better signal than the calendar. Overwatering is the main risk; the stems rot at the base.
Soil and potting
A light, airy mix: potting soil with plenty of perlite or a little orchid bark. It has a small root system and likes a small pot. Repot every couple of years, going up only an inch.
Feeding
A quarter-strength feed every six weeks in spring and summer. It is a light feeder.
Propagation
Leaf cuttings and stem cuttings both work. Press a leaf with a short stalk into damp soil, or root a stem tip in water. Warm months are best; it is slow but very reliable.
In a hot, dry home
Comfortable indoors here as long as it is not directly under a vent. The thick leaves handle dry air well. It appreciates being grouped with other plants in high summer, and it must be kept out of direct sun through glass.
Peperomia varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Marble
Baby rubber plant with cream and green marbled leaves. The most common form.
- Thailand
A compact green baby rubber plant with red stems.
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Peperomia clusiifolia: cream, green and pink with a red edge. Has its own profile.
Full profile -
Puckered leaves in many colours. Has its own profile.
Full profile -
Round striped leaves. Has its own profile.
Full profile -
Round succulent leaves in whorls on trailing stems. Has its own profile.
Full profile -
Small striped trailing leaves. Has its own profile.
Full profile -
Peperomia prostrata: tiny patterned round leaves on threads. Has its own profile.
Full profile - Raindrop
Peperomia polybotrya: glossy, teardrop-shaped leaves on an upright plant. Same care as obtusifolia.
- Green Bean
Peperomia ferreyrae: narrow, bean-shaped succulent leaves on upright stems. Treat as a succulent.
- Rana Verde
A compact hybrid with rippled, glossy green leaves. Same care as ripple peperomia.
- Metallica
Peperomia metallica: small dark leaves with a metallic sheen and red undersides.
- Red Stemmed
Green obtusifolia leaves on red stems.
- Rugosa
Peperomia rugosa: deeply textured, pointed green leaves.
- San Marino
A hybrid with rippled, pointed leaves in green and silver.
Problems and fixes
Soft, blackening stems at the base
Likely cause: Overwatering
Fix: Let it dry out fully. Take healthy cuttings if the base is lost.
Leaves dropping
Likely cause: Overwatering, or a cold draft
Fix: Water less and move it away from vents and doors.
Faded variegation
Likely cause: Not enough light
Fix: Move to a brighter spot, still out of direct sun.
Peperomia questions
Is peperomia safe for cats and dogs?
Yes. Peperomia is non-toxic to pets and people.
How often should I water a peperomia?
About every nine days in summer and every two weeks in winter, once the top two inches are dry. Squeeze a leaf; if it has lost its firmness, it is time.
Why are my peperomia leaves falling off?
Usually overwatering. Let the pot dry out, and check the stems are firm at the base.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Chinese Money Plant
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect
- Water
- Weekly
- Pets
- Safe
