A Guide to Growing Peperomia Plants

Size: Trails up to 12 inches

Peperomia Care

Family: Piperaceae
Common Name: Pepper Face, Baby Rubber Plant, String of Turtles, Parallel Plant
Botanical Name: Peperomia spp.

If you have a brightly lit space and are a little forgetful when caring for your houseplants, you might have met the perfect genus! Mostly all of the peperomias are considered easy care indoor plants because they do not require a lot of water. They thirst, instead, for brightly lit rooms where they can grab all of the indirect sunlight they need to grow. Most of the thicker-leaved varieties can be treated like succulents as they retain water in their waxy leaves. It’s no wonder that this plant genus is in the pepper family. There are so many spicy varieties to collect and grow: from some with leaves shaped like cute little buttons (Peperomia prostrata) to others resembling a watermelon rind (Peperomia argyreia). With a bit of pruning, you can keep these plants compact and free from needing stakes. If you prefer to let them gain height, try staking them up to help them reach new heights. When you think it’s time to up-size the pot for your peperomia, go up only one pot size (the diameter measures pots). Peperomias have shallow root systems and can thrive by being in smaller containers.

Light

Peperomias prefer medium to bright indirect light. For this type of light, it is best to place them near a south- or west-facing window or very close to a north- or east-facing window. Be sure the foliage is protected from the harsh afternoon direct rays of the sun, as direct sunlight will cause leaf scorch or discolor the leaves. They can tolerate medium light but become weaker and leggy and produce fewer leaves in low light. Learn more about light requirements for indoor plants.

Water

Peperomia with waxy leaves like to have the soil dry out between watering; ones with softer, thinner leaves need to be watered more often. A moisture meter can help determine when it’s time to water your plants, but sometimes your finger is a better gauge!

Soil

Peperomias love good drainage and a soil mixture containing pumice, perlite, or wood chips to provide the drainage they need! Most bagged potting soils will be adequate for transplanting any type of peperomia. Consider mixing in cactus potting soil to help with drainage. If you decide to transplant them (we do not recommend transplanting your new plants for at least 3-6 months after receiving them), make sure you do not damage the roots as they are shallow and sensitive to being disturbed.

Temperature

Temperatures between 60-80℉ are ideal, and they can withstand temps as low as 55℉. However, these tropical houseplants love warmer conditions, so the warmer, the better! Keep your peperomias away from cold drafts and frequently used doors in the winter time to avoid shocking them.

Humidity

As with most tropical indoor plants, peperomias benefit from higher humidity levels, but will do fine in average household air.

Fertilizer

Peperomias are not heavy feeders, so you can fertilize them once a month during the growing season with a complete liquid fertilizer at 1/4 the recommended strength, or you can top dress the soil with worm castings, or a rich compost once in the early summer. Remember to water your plants after applying granular fertilizer and water them before adding liquid fertilizer!

Growth Rate

Peperomias are medium growers and depending on the species (and care) they can produce 4-12″ of growth in one growing season!

Pet Friend or Foe

Peperomias are non-toxic. Friend!

Pro Tips

1. When re-potting your peperomia, use a soil that has good drainage to discourage water-logged soil and do not disturb the roots!
2. Peperomias do flower, but the blooms are small. Feel free to cut them off to encourage more foliage development.
3. Leach the soil once a season to flush out salt build up. Fertilize with a complete liquid fertilizer or top dressing of worm castings after leaching the soil.
4. If you find your peperomia is not growing or dropping leaves, consider moving it to a brighter setting and monitor the soil for dryness.
5. It is always better to lean toward dry soil if you are unsure whether or not to water your Baby Rubber Plant!

A Guide to Growing Peperomia Plants

If variety is the spice of life, then Peperomia is the perfect houseplant to add zest to your indoor (or outdoor) container arrangements. Few plants offer so many options in foliage color, shape, size, and texture, from the glossy succulent-like leaves of baby rubber plant (P. obtusifolia) to the deeply fissured heart-shaped foliage of ‘Red Ripple’ (P. caperata).

You can choose from a wide range of growth habits too, from small, mounding types that tuck neatly into terrariums to trailing plants ideal for hanging baskets. Can’t decide on a favorite? Then splurge and bring home several. These compact houseplants are great for mixing and matching, allowing you to create a showy display by combining peperomias in an assortment of colors, textures, and forms.

On this page:

PEPEROMIA BASICS

Botanical name:

Common names:

Peperomia, baby rubber plant, radiator plant

Origin:

Subtropical and tropical regions of Central and South America

Growth rate:

Size:

Under 6 inches up to a foot, depending on the variety

Foliage:

Usually thick, waxy and succulent-like, with textures ranging from smooth and flat to deeply rippled. Leaf shape can vary as well, and may be oval, round, pointy, or heart-shaped. Foliage colors range from solid green to variegated or striped patterns sporting silver, white, pale yellow or deep red markings.

Flowers:

Under ideal growing conditions, peperomia will sometimes produce long, spiky, mouse tail-like blooms, usually green or creamy white in color. It’s a special treat when they do, and the blooms will often last for several weeks.

Special attributes:

• Improves indoor air quality by filtering out airborne toxins
• Easy to propagate from stem or leaf cuttings
• Can be grown outdoors in summer months, or year-round in warmer climates (Zones 10-12)
• Pet friendly

GROWING PEPEROMIA

‘Frost’ peperomia. Photo by: Stephanie Frey / Shutterstock

Light:

For the best leaf color, grow under bright, indirect light, such as from an east- or west-facing window. Can also be grown under fluorescent lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves.

Temperature:

Peperomias are also called radiator plants because they crave warm growing conditions. Indoors, grow at room temperatures of 65°F to as high as 80°F. If you put your plant outdoors during the summer, be sure to bring it back inside before temperatures fall below 50°F.

Humidity:

Because peperomias are native to tropical regions, they prefer moderate to high humidity and thrive in places like terrariums and brightly lit bathrooms. In drier areas of the home, you can keep your plants hydrated by misting the leaves or setting them on a tray filled with pebbles and water.

Soil type:

Use a well-draining potting mix, preferably one containing coco fiber and perlite to keep the soil loose and aerated.

Pot requirements:

As with most houseplants, be sure to use a pot with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil and root rot. Peperomia don’t mind being a bit cramped in their homes, so choose a container that is only slightly larger than your plant’s root ball.

PEPEROMIA PLANT CARE

Watering:

Because of its succulent-like qualities, peperomia stores water in its thick leaves and stems and doesn’t require frequent watering. Aim for giving it a drink every seven to ten days, or when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater, which can lead to root rot.

Fertilizing:

Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer once every month or so from early spring through late summer. Do not fertilize in winter.

Pruning and shaping:

If you want to give your Peperomia a bushier appearance or prevent it from becoming too leggy, pinch it back just above a leaf node to encourage new growth and branching. You can use the clippings to propagate more plants.

Leaf care:

Peperomias with large leaves, such as ‘Ginny’ (P. clusiifolia), benefit from an occasional cleaning with a damp cloth to keep the foliage nice and shiny. For species with grooves or ripples in their leaves, the best cleaning method is to mist the leaves occasionally with room-temperature water to remove dust buildup in the crevices.

Repotting:

Because of its slow growth rate, peperomia can go for years before it needs repotting and actually prefers being a bit rootbound. When you do repot, move your plant to a container that is only slightly larger.

Propagation:

Place stem or leaf cuttings (best taken in spring or early summer) in a glass of water or into some moist potting soil and give them bright, indirect light. New roots should develop within a few weeks. To speed up the rooting process, you can dip the bottom of the stem in some rooting powder before planting.

Pests:

Peperomias are usually pest-free, but be on the lookout for mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites. (See more on common houseplant pests.)

PEPEROMIA VARIETIES

Photo by: phM2019 / Shutterstock.

BABY RUBBER PLANT
Peperomia obtusifolia

Size: 6 to 12 inches tall and wide

Named for its resemblance to the full-sized rubber plant (Ficus elastica), this compact copycat has a beautiful shrub-like form and lush, glossy green leaves that are sometimes variegated with splashes of creamy white, yellow, or gold.

Photo by: sharohyip / Shutterstock

Ginny peperomia
Peperomia clusiifolia

Size: 6 to 12 inches tall and wide

Also called jelly peperomia or tricolor peperomia, this striking cultivar features highly variegated foliage accented by pink or red margins. The large, upright leaves also have slightly curled edges, which adds to this plant’s unique look.

Photo by: Maritxu / Shutterstock

String of Turtles
Peperomia prostrata

Size: Trails up to 12 inches

As the name suggests, the dainty oval leaves of this trailing peperomia feature light green veins in a pattern that resembles a turtle’s shell. The tiny turtles look charming cascading from hanging baskets or over the edge of a table or shelf. New plants are easy to propagate from stem cuttings.

Photo by: Skyprayer2005 / Shutterstock

‘Red Ripple’
Peperomia caperata ‘Red Ripple’

Size: Up to 8 inches tall and wide

If you need a change of pace from green foliage, you’ll love these deep red and purple heart-shaped leaves with their beautiful crinkled texture and silvery sheen. The foliage is set off by slender spikes of white flowers in summer.

Photo by: Anne Balogh

Peacock Peperomia
Peperomia ‘Piccolo Banda’

Size: Up to 12 inches tall when in bloom

A gorgeous cultivar with silvery green leaves accented by deep purple veining. Especially impressive when in bloom, sending up wispy spikes of pale green flowers perched atop long red stalks.

Photo by: Ladydoubt / Shutterstock

Watermelon Peperomia
Peperomia argyreia

Size: 6 to 8 inches tall

Exotic-looking green leaves with silver striping resemble mini watermelons, held aloft by fleshy red stems. The leaves are larger than those of most peperomia, making the pattern even more striking.

Photo by: Jus_Ol / Shutterstock

‘Hope’
Peperomia tetraphylla ‘Hope’

Size: Trails up to 12 inches

Also called four-leaved peperomia, this plant’s thick, rounded leaves grow in whorls of three or four every few inches along trailing stems, like a chain of lucky clovers. Looks fabulous spilling from a hanging basket or macrame plant hanger.

Photo by: Stephanie Frey / Shutterstock

‘Frost’
Peperomia caperata ‘Frost’

Size: 6 to 8 inches tall and wide

Similar in pattern to watermelon peperomia, but with iridescent silvery-white leaves etched by dark green veining. The frosty foliage contrasts beautifully with darker-colored peperomia varieties and is a real standout in terrarium gardens.

Photo by: Nahhana / Shutterstock

Ruby Glow Peperomia
Peperomia graveolens

Size: Up to 10 inches tall and 24 inches wide

Often mistaken for a succulent, this fascinating plant has thick ruby-colored stems and long, fleshy, semi-translucent lime-green leaves that curl upward to reveal red undersides. It maintains a nice, shrubby growth habit, with new branches shooting out from the main stem.

COMMON PROBLEMS WITH PEPEROMIA

Peperomias are usually fuss-free and easygoing, but like most houseplants, their health can suffer when grown under less-than-optimal conditions. Here are some of the common warning signs to look for:

• Leaves falling off: It’s normal for a peperomia plant to lose some of its lower, older leaves, but a continual shedding of foliage is cause for concern. Typically a loss of leaves is due to stress caused by sudden temperature fluctuations, overfeeding, or overwatering. Also check for signs of pests and diseases.
• Washed-out color: Peperomias with variegated patterns may lose some of their vibrancy if they don’t get enough light. Try moving your plants closer to a window or grow them under fluorescent lighting or LED grow lights.
• Leggy growth: Most likely the leaves of your peperomia are stretching towards the light. Move the plant closer to the light source and rotate it regularly to give the leaves even light exposure.
• Yellowing leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering, especially if the stems are turning brown and mushy. Prune off the damage and wait until your plant dries out before watering again. You may also need to change the soil and repot your plant to prevent root rot.
• Brown or crispy leaves: Probably due to low humidity or exposure to bright sunlight. Move your plant to a location that receives indirect light, and if the air is dry, mist the leaves occasionally. If the soil feels dry, you may be under watering.