Peperomias are popular additions to dish gardens, terrariums, and any small space a colorful and interesting plant is desired. They are slow growers and come in trailing, bushy, and upright types. Their foliage is even more varied, with succulent, quilted, variegated and even hairy types available. Peperomias enjoy bright light but not direct sunlight, and will even thrive under florescent lights, making them an ideal office plant. They should be allowed to dry out some between waterings, but never let them wilt or they will drop their leaves. Since they are native to the rainforests of North America, mist them occasionally and they will appreciate the added bit of humidity. Don’t worry about the general humidity level in the room they are in, as Peperomias do just fine in heated rooms as long as they aren’t allowed to dry out completely. Keep them out of drafts and away from cold windowsills or the foliage will turn brown. Here’s a look at the most popular varieties of Peperomias:
Cupid Peperomia (P. scandens variegata): This is a trailing variety with 2 inch long waxy leaves and pink stems. The leaves are variegated with green and cream. The stems grow to about 4 feet long and can trained to grow up a support or allowed to trail from a pot or hanging basket.
Creeping Peperomia (P. prostrata): This trailing variety has tiny leaves (1/3 inch) with silver or bronze markings and red stems. Like the Cupid Peperomia, it can be trained to climb up a support or left to trail from a pot or hanging basket.
Watermelon Peperomia (P. argyreia): This bushy variety is perhaps the most coveted of all the Peperomias. It has large fleshy leaves with deep stripes and red stems. If conditions are right it will produce long rat tail like flowers.
Baby Rubber Plant (P. clusiifolia): This upright variety resembles a compact version of its namesake, sporting deep green fleshy leaves with purple edges. This variety, along with the Desert Privet, is the succulent varieties of Peperomias.
Desert Privet (P. magnoliaefolia variegata): This upright variety is the one most commonly found in stores and garden centers. It has large succulent leaves with a deep green and gold variegation.
Common Problems: Peperomias are generally easy to care for and problem free, but there are a few issues an indoor gardener may face:
Succulent varieties losing leaves: The cause here is underwatering. Never let them dry out completely and/or wilt.
Loss of leaves from any variety in the winter: This is caused by temps that are too cool. Peperomias need temps of 50F and above to survive.
Brown tips/edges on leaves: As discussed above, this happens when the plant is left in a drafty area or cold windowsill.
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