Picture Perfect Peperomia

Picture Perfect

Peperomia

The predictions for 2022 are in and they point to the Peperomia as tropical plant of the year. Peperomias are by no means new to the houseplant scene. However, their increasing availability has brought them into the spotlight. There are over 1500 reported species thus leaving much room for variation. With so many varieties to be had and their ease of care, Peperomias make a great plant for collectors and novice growers alike.

Grown for their varied and interesting foliage, Peperomias are a diverse genus belonging in the Piperaceae family. The same family as black pepper. Although, this genus is strictly ornamental, its inflorescence closely resembles that of the black pepper plant. These insignificant tail-like blooms are no match for the peperomia’s striking foliage.

Peperomia foliage comes in numerous colors such as red, green, pink, gray and white. Leaves even can exhibit multiple colors on the same leaf. A stunning example is Peperomia argyreia also called the Watermelon peperomia. This variety has rounded green leaves with gray stripes that resemble the rind of a watermelon. Foliage on peperomias can be different colors on the top and bottom as well. Peperomia ‘Rosso’ is green on the top side of the foliage but is a vivid scarlet red on the bottom.

There is a range of leaf texture too. Leaves can be smooth with a glossy finish or wrinkly in texture like the Peperomia caperata. Thickness of leaves also varies by variety. Some are very plump and succulent-like, while others have thinner flat leaves. Foliage is not the only thing making this plant so unique. Growth habit plays a huge roll in their diversity.

Peperomias exhibit differing growth habits amongst varieties. Mounding varieties have a bushy appearance and can grow to be 1218” tall when kept indoors. Others present a prostrate habit. Peperomia rotundifolia or creeping buttons has a trailing habit and makes it a great plant for hanging baskets. Another fabulous trailer is Peperomia prostrata or more commonly known as the very popular string of turtles. Their smaller stature makes Peperomias the perfect container plant.

When raising plants in containers it’s important to take their natural environment into consideration. The closer you can mimic it the better plant you will produce. Peperomias come from a tropical environment. They can be found growing in the understory of the rain forests in the Amazon region of South America. Many thrive by growing on living and non-living things, such as the nook of a fallen tree. Planting them in well-draining soil will help replicate this natural environment. To keep your peperomias happy place them in a spot where they will receive bright but filtered light from an east or north facing window. When watering peperomias take into account how fleshy the leaves are. The thicker the leaf, the longer they can go without water. Generally, let the soil dry completely on the top half of the container then water thoroughly. During winter when growth is slow water sparingly. In addition, maintain the plant at an average room temperature of 65 to 75 degrees and no lower than 50 degrees in the winter. This is easily accomplished indoors without any extra effort.

Ultimately, the Peperomia is not only beautiful but also easy to grow. With so many types to choose from they are sure to impress any firsttime plant parent or longtime house plant collector.

P. caperata ‘Frost’

JESSICA SHARP Tropicals Enthusiast

Jessica Sharp is the Tropical Department manager at Suburban Lawn and Garden, on Roe Avenue in Overland Park, Kansas. You may reach her at jessicas@suburbanlg.ddns.net.

P. rotundifolia ‘Hope’

P. argyreia ‘Watermelon’

Above: P. prostrata ‘String of Turtles’ Below: P. caperata ‘Schumi Red’ P. albovittata ‘Piccolo Banda’

Above: P. albovittata ‘Rana Verde’; Below: P. caperata ‘Rosso’