Peperomia plants are tiny tropical plants with decorative leaves and fleshy leaves. Peperomia is a diverse genus of plants that includes over 1,500 species. Thick, succulent-like oval leaves characterize certain small peperomia cultivars. The leaves of larger varieties of peperomia are rippled or striped and have a heart shape. Perfect for hanging baskets are Peperomias with long trailing stems and little leaves.
There is a peperomia houseplant that suits every modern interior, thanks to its wide range of varieties. Some varieties, for example, are variegated cultivars of the Peperomia obtusifolia (baby rubber plant). Its thick, glossy rounded leaves are thick. Heart-shaped leaves similar to watermelon rind adorn the Peperomia argyreia. The long dangling stems of the Peperomia tetraphylla make it a hanging basket peperomia.
The many varieties of peperomia plants are discussed in this article. To enhance your décor, descriptions and pictures of the most common peperomias may be useful.
What Are Peperomia Plants?
The Piperaceae family contains the tropical perennial plant genus Peperomia. The roots of peperomia plants absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and water, making them epiphytes. Peperomias are ideal houseplants because of their compact size and low upkeep requirements. They are generally simple to care for and need little food.
Peperomias are not succulents, despite having thick, meaty leaves. Peperomias prefer high humidity and need more water than succulents or cactus plants, unlike succulents.
The several forms of peperomia leaves exhibit a wide range of characteristics. Heart- or lance-shaped leaves are found on certain species, while oval leaves are found on others. Peperomia leaves might have marbled, blotchy, or striped patterns and can be smooth, rippled, or puckered.
Radiator plants are the collective name for peperomias species. Peperomias prefer warm conditions and bright light, therefore this is the name they have been given.
How to Care for Radiator Plants (Peperomia)
In well-draining potting soil and bright indirect light, grow peperomia plants. To promote humidity, regularly water peperomias, and mist the leaves on a regular basis to avoid the top layer of soil drying. The typical room temperature of 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 26°C) is ideal for radiator plants. In the spring and summer, prune peperomia leaves and fertilize them on a regular basis.
Types of Peperomia (With Pictures and Common Names)
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of peperomia indoors. Peperomias that are suitable for living rooms, bathrooms, workplaces, and other indoor spaces may be found in this list.
Peperomia obtusifolia – American Baby Rubber Plant
Upright stems and thick oval, dark green succulent-like leaves characterize Peperomia obtusifolia (baby rubber plant). This little bushy plant grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and has the appearance of an indoor peperomia. To maintain the leaves’ vibrant hue, they require excellent lighting.
Pepper face peperomia, American rubber plant, and peperomia green are all names for Peperomia obtusifolia. Peperomia frost and the blunt-leaved peperomia.
The peperomia obtusifolia (baby rubber plant) has tiny spiked blooms, as do most varieties of peperomia. While it does occur under optimum conditions, this peperomia is unusual for blooming indoors. Its lustrous decorative leaves, on the other hand, make up for its lack of blooming.
Many fascinating variegated cultivars of Peperomia obtusifolia exist. Dark green leaves with ivory, creamy-white, or golden yellow variegation are seen on certain variegated rubber plants. Marbling patterns or vividly colored margins may be seen on the variegated peperomia leaves.
Peperomia prostrata – String of Turtles Peperomia Plant
A hanging peperomia plant with cascading foliage of oval leaves is Peperomia prostrata (string of turtles peperomia). Light-green veins run through the delicate peperomia leaves, giving them the appearance of a turtle’s shell. A small variety of peperomia with vining stems that may grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long is known as string of turtles plants.
Although Peperomia prostrata is a great plant for hanging baskets, its spreading nature makes it ideal for desktop, shelf, or dish gardens as well. The trailing stems are kept under control by light pruning.
The string of turtles may be difficult to cultivate due to its delicate leaves and stems. Temperature fluctuations may cause leaf drop in the vining peperomia prostrata. Because the stems of Peperomia prostrata break easily, it’s difficult to repot them. This radiator plant, on the other hand, seldom requires repotting since it is slow-growing.
Trailing Jade Peperomia (Peperomia rotundifolia)
Another kind of trailing peperomia plant with lovely round, glossy green leaves is Peperomia rotundifolia. Trailing jade peperomias have thick, succulent leaves that are button-like in appearance. The peperomia develops a bushy appearance as the dangling stems get intertwined.
Epiphytes such as trailing jade peperomias prefer shady, moist settings. Maintain the soil on this peperomia’s leaves by misting it regularly and make sure it never gets waterlogged in a hanging basket. It’s also important to keep the temperature between 64°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C) at all times.
Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia)
The leaves of watermelon peperomias are oval, with silvery streaks that look like a watermelon rind. Watermelon peperomia leaves are unusually big when compared to other varieties. The plant’s appealing characteristics are further enhanced by the fleshy leaves that are affixed to maroon-red stems.
The eye-catching leaves of Peperomia argyreia are the most appealing feature. This peperomia cultivvarie is also known as the watermelon begonia due to its leaf shape and patterns. This plant, of course, has nothing to do with watermelons or begonias. Peperomia sandersii was the previous scientific name for the plant.
In USDA zones 10 and 11, watermelon peperomias grow outside. These beautiful plants should be grown as perennial evergreen houseplants in temperate regions. When the soil dries, but not more often, water the potted peperomia in bright indirect light. The “watermelon variety” is a drought-tolerant plant, similar to other peperomia species.
Peperomia Hope (Peperomia tetraphylla ‘Hope’)
Grow in hanging baskets with Peperomia’ hope’. Little, thick fleshy leaves in groups of three or four grow on the peperomias’ long, trailing stems. Peperomia tetraphylla is ideal for small rooms or tight spaces because of its compact growth. Peperomia hope is a slow-growing desktop plant that is also great.
Acorn peperomia and four-leaved peperomia are two other names for this species. Tetraphylla is a Latin name that means “four leaves.” Peperomia deppeana and Peperomia quadrifolia are two different types of peperomia, and Peperomia hope is a hybrid of the two.
Peperomia ‘Hope’ may be mistaken with trailing jade because of its tiny oval leaves and trailing stems. The leaves of the ‘hope’ species are thicker than those of other peperomia types.
Parallel Peperomia (Peperomia puteolata)
Dark-green lance-shaped leaves with silvery streaks or veins characterize parallel peperomia plants. The watermelon peperomia resembles this fast-growing peperomia variety, however with blunt leaves rather than rounded. The crimson upright stems with a trailing character produce the attractive foliage. It can grow up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall.
It’s simple to maintain Peperomia puteolata indoors. To keep the silver and green leaves vibrant, all you need is a lot of bright indirect light. Only water the potted plant when the soil is somewhat dry, as with all types of peperomia.
Upright growth is common in small peperomia plants. The tall stems start to droop and trail across the lip of the pot as the peperomia increases in size. In bright interiors, the cascading foliage with its silver and green striped leaves looks stunning.
Peperomia ‘Rosso’ (Peperomia caperata ‘Rosso’)
The dark-green leaves of Peperomia ‘Rosso’ are exceptionally deep in color. The deep ribs on the long, pointed leaves give them a rippled appearance. The crimson and green leaves of Peperomia ‘Rosso’ make it a compact, bushy plant with a bushy growth habit. The lance-shaped leaves are up to 1.5 inches (4 cm) long.
This peperomia variety is suited for shaded rooms with little natural light, as the dark leaf color suggests. The peperomia, however, requires at least 11 hours of exposure to bloom. On the ends of long upright stems, the plant produces a number of pale green flower spikes.
The peperomia ‘Rosso,’ like other peperomia species, thrives in well-drained, aerated soil with medium to bright light. If the soil is dry, only water, and maintain indoor humidity levels between 40 and 50%.
Emerald Ripple Peperomia (Peperomia caperata ‘Emerald’)
Green oval leaves with a wrinkle appearance are characteristic of emerald ripple peperomia plants. The peperomia variety with deeply puckered glossy leaves has a stunning appearance that is reflected in the light. The color of the leaves ranges from green to silver-gray, with occasional red blushing, depending on the variety of Peperomia caperata.
For tables and desks, ripple peperomia is an ideal compact potted plant. The foliage does not exceed 18 inches (45 cm) in height. Nonetheless, getting the growing conditions suitable is critical for its development. Indirect bright light, occasional watering, and misting are all required for the plant.
Ruby Glow Peperomia (Peperomia graveolens)
Curled tongue-shaped, light-green leaves with a pink border characterize the peperomia plant known as Ruby Glow. The succulent-like V-shaped leaves have pinkish-red undersides. Several succulents species have peperomia leaves that look similar.
In average room temperatures, Peperomia graveolens thrives in partial sun and shade. As a result, the compact peperomia is ideal for indoor growth in modest-light settings such as bedrooms.
Ruby Glow peperomias don’t grow taller than 10” (25 cm) tall.
The pink blushing on the fleshy leaf margins gives this peperomia type its popular name. Graveolens is a botanical name that means “rotten-smelling,” and if you stick your nose close to it, you may get a whiff of rotting.
Teardrop Peperomia (Peperomia orba)
The small, attractive ovate-shaped leaves of teardrop peperomias make them radiator plants. The foliage of several teardrop peperomia cultivars is different. Variegated types with green leaves with yellow edges are especially attractive. The leaves of Other Peperomia orba plants are light green, virtually yellow. A white line runs down the center of the waxy leaf when the plant grows up.
Peperomia is a plant that thrives on minimal care and upkeep in most environments. When the soil gets dry, you simply need to water the plant and ensure it gets medium light.
The Pixie Lime cultivar, which is typically variegated with green leaves, is an attractive teardrop peperomia.
Ginny Peperomia or Peperomia Jelly (Peperomia clusiifolia)
The multicolored leaves of Peperomia clusiifolia (Peperomia Jelly) are a lovely houseplant. Green blotches in the center of variegated elongated oval leaves are surrounded by creamy-white patterns. The radiator plant’s striking appearance is then completed by red edges on the peperomia leaf margins.
Red edge peperomia, Ginny peperomia, Jellie peperomia, and peperomia tricolor are some of the popular names for the peperomia clusiifolia. This is one of the most colorful houseplants you can grow, with its pointed oval leaves and compact growth.
This peperomia cultivar requires a lot of bright sunlight because of its leaf variegation. To avoid scorching the leaves, however, it’s preferable if you keep it out of direct sunlight.
Beetle Peperomia (Peperomia angulata or Peperomia quadrangularis)
The succulent-like leaves and striped patterns of beetle peperomias are fleshy. The leaves of this bushy peperomia plant are wiry, trailing reddish stems with light-green and dark-green stripes. The small peperomia is ideal for hanging baskets because of its cascading foliage dangling over edges.
If you provide support for Peperomia quadrangularis creeping stems, they may be trained to grow upwards.
The botanical name for beetle peperomias is Peperomia angulata. Their vining stems grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long, as do those of other trailing peperomias. These peperomia plants may be cultivated in either bright or partial shade.
Piper Peperomia (Peperomia scandens)
Heart-shaped, thick fleshy leaves distinguish Peperomia scandens, a sturdy vining species of peperomia. You might mistake piper peperomia for a succulent if you look at photographs of it. Nevertheless, this epiphytic plant prefers humid conditions and indirect, bright light and grows best in these conditions.
The light-green heart-shaped leaves of Peperomia scandens are a popular feature. The piper peperomia is also known as Cupid peperomia because of its leaf form. It’s called Peperomia scandens ‘Green’ by some plant experts.
Piper peperomia’s easy-care status is one of its charms. Artificial lighting, moderate watering, and misting are ideal for this peperomia variety.
Raindrop Peperomia (Peperomia Polybotrya)
The leaves of raindrop peperomia plants are pointed and glossy green. This little variety of peperomia requires little care and has minimal expansion. The massive peperomia leaves expand up to 4″ (10 cm) broad, and the upright plant expansion reaches 12″ (30 cm). The foliage will stay vibrant and lush if you grow in bright light.
Peperomia polybotrya’s endearing characteristic is its “raindrop” shaped leaves. The plant is also known as coin-leaf peperomia, coin plant, and Chinese money plant because of the pointed, oval leaves. The lovely Pilea peperomioides, on the other hand, is not related to this kind of Chinese money plant.
Raindrop peperomias may develop leggy leaves if they are grown in low light. In the spring, cut off any weak branches if they appear. Move the little peperomia to a sunnier area if necessary.
Peperomia Ruby Cascade
The vine peperomia plant Peperomia Ruby Cascade has oval green and purple leaves. Ruby-red stems reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) long and support disc-like, thick waxy leaves. To allow the trailing vines enough room to develop, Ruby Cascade peperomias should be grown in hanging baskets. Since the plant only needs modest care, its semi-succulent leaves store moisture.
Slow-growing tropical houseplants with evergreen foliage, Peperomia Ruby Cascade plants are a good choice. The glossy green leaves are frequently variegated with yellow blotches around the leaf margins. The deep red or purple undersides of this peperomia species are what make it so appealing.
Ruby Cascade is treated the same as any other kind of trailing peperomia plant.