Quick Guide: Growing Peperomia IndoorsPlant Type: Indoor foliage
Sunlight: Bright indirect light
Watering: Let the soil dry out between waterings
Best Soil: Well-drained potting soil mix
Care Tips: Be careful not to overwater
Blooming: Blooms are insignificant
Peperomia Plant Overview, Origin, and Natural Habitat
Watermelon peperomia (Peperomia argyraea) features silvery striped foliage and reddish stems.
Millie W. Davenport, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Peperomias (Peperomia spp.) are popular houseplants known for their colorful foliage. These low-maintenance plants are available in compact, bushy, or trailing forms. Plant them in containers, terrariums, or hanging baskets.
There are over 1,000 species of peperomia, and they can be found in a wide range of leaf colors and forms.
Peperomia are native to Central and South America. In their native habitat, they live in the forest’s understory.
Many are epiphytes, meaning they grow on another plant for support, similar to bromeliads, orchids, and Spanish moss. They do not harm the host plant. Peperomia are part of the black pepper family, Piperaceae.
Growth and Characteristics of Peperomia Plants
- Mature Height/Spread: Peperomia typically grows 8 to 15 inches tall and wide.
- Growth Rate: Most species grow at a moderate rate.
Ornamental Features of Peperomia
Leaf Characteristics:
Peperomias (Peperomia spp.) are available in a wide range of leaf colors and forms. Many peperomia have thick, fleshy leaves similar to succulents. Some have leaves that are rippled or smooth and shiny in a variety of sizes and colors.
Peperomia Flowers:
The flower spikes are produced when the plants are actively growing in the spring and summer. They are considered unattractive and are said to resemble a rat’s tail. Removing them enables the plant to focus its energy on leaf production.
How to Grow and Care for Peperomia Plants
Best Soil for Peperomia
Plant peperomia in a well-drained houseplant or cactus potting mix. Since it does not need to be repotted every year, it can remain in the same pot for several years.
Peperomia should be planted in a slightly larger pot than the grower’s pot.
For more information on potting soil, see HGIC 1456, Indoor Plants-Soil Mixes.
Light Needs for Peperomia
Place peperomia where it will receive indirect light from east or south-facing windows. It can even tolerate somewhat low light near a large north-facing window.
If it gets direct sun, the leaves may scorch.
Watering Peperomia Plants
Peperomia prefers to dry out between waterings. If it is overwatered, it will drop its leaves.
It is best to water and let it drain before placing it back in the saucer. It will benefit from a humidifier in the winter.
Pruning Tips for Peperomia
Trim off old leaves when needed. To make plants look fuller, prune a stem above a leaf node so the plant will branch.
Fertilizing Peperomia
Fertilize peperomia only when it is actively growing in the spring and summer.
A low-strength liquid fertilizer can be used occasionally during the growing season. Another option is to use a slow-release granular fertilizer once per year.
For more information on houseplant fertilization and care, see HGIC 1450, Indoor Plants-Cleaning, Fertilizing, Containers, and Light Requirements.
Peperomia Cold Tolerance and Protection Tips
Plants can be taken outdoors for the summer after temperatures are consistently 60°F or higher at night, typically in May. Plants should be placed in deep shade to acclimate.
Leave them in a bright, but shady spot for the summer, where they do not receive direct sunlight.
For more information on moving plants outdoors in spring, see HGIC 1454, Moving Houseplants Indoors and Outdoors.
Common Peperomia Species and Cultivars
Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyraea)
Watermelon peperomia is easily distinguished by its striped foliage resembling a watermelon rind. It is a small, bushy plant that grows to a height of 8 inches.
Due to its compact size, it is an ideal plant for an office or a small space.
Ripple Plant (Peperomia caperata)
Ripple plant gets its name from the leaves that have a rippled or wrinkled texture. Cultivars can be found with burgundy-red foliage or green with silver variegation.
These bushy plants will grow to 10 inches in height and width.
Jelly or Red-Edged Peperomia (Peperomia clusiifolia)
Jelly or red-edged peperomia grows up to 12 inches tall. The dark green variety has leaves edged in red.
There is also a tricolor variegated cultivar, named ‘Ginny’. Its leaves are green and cream, with a pink edge. It is slow-growing.
Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
The baby rubber plant has rounded, thick, succulent-like leaves that are either variegated or solid green. It has low water needs, and it is very easy to grow.
With its variegated heart-shaped leaves, the ripple peperomia (Peperomia caperata) makes a great office window plant.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
The foliage of jelly peperomia (Peperomia clusiifolia) is colorful and stands out from solid green plants.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
The baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) is available in dark green and variegated forms.
Ginger E. Long, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Raindrop Plant (Peperomia polybotrya)
The raindrop plant has shiny, green leaves that are shaped like teardrops. Overall, the plant grows to 12 inches tall and wide.
It is often mistaken for the Chinese money plant (Pilea pepermioides), but it is easier to grow.
String of Turtles Peperomia (Peperomia prostrata)
String of turtles peperomia has very small, round leaves with variegation that resembles a turtle’s shell. It is a very low-growing and trailing plant.
It is sensitive to being overwatered.
Beetle Peperomia (Peperomia quadrangularis)
Beetle peperomia is a trailing plant with fleshy, striped leaves. It is slow-growing.
This plant was formerly known as Peperomia angulata.
Creeping Buttons or Yorba Linda (Peperomia rotundifolia)
Creeping buttons peperomia is similar to the string of turtles. Its leaves are larger, less marbled, and closely spaced on the stem.
It can be found in solid green or variegated forms.
Cupid peperomia (Peperomia serpens) can be grown on a plant stand or in a hanging basket, allowing the stems to trail.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Cupid or Vining Peperomia (Peperomia serpens, formerly scandens)
Cupid or vining peperomia has heart-shaped leaves and closely resembles a philodendron. The leaves are mid-green and glossy.
There is a variegated form. Plant in a hanging basket or pot where it can trail down.
Belly Button Peperomia (Peperomia verticillata)
Belly button peperomia grows upright. Leaves are green on top and red underneath. The stems are also red.
How to Propagate Peperomia Plants
Peperomia are easy to propagate. For more information, see Making More: Propagation by Cuttings.
- Stem Cuttings:
a. Cut a three-to-five-inch piece of the stem from the parent plant.
b. Remove the leaves on the lower third of the cutting.
c. Dip the stem in rooting hormone, then insert it into potting soil or a rooting medium.
d. Cover with clear plastic and place it in a location out of direct sunlight. - Leaf Cuttings:
a. Remove a leaf with at least an inch of the petiole (leaf stem).
b. Insert the leaf into a rooting medium.
c. New plants will form at the base of the petiole.
d. They can then be removed and potted.
e. For more information on leaf cuttings, see - Water Propagation: Some species, such as the baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia), are easily propagated in water.
a. Take cuttings that are 4 to 6 inches long and remove the lower leaves.
b. Cut just below a leaf node.
c. Place the cutting in a small container where it will receive bright, indirect light.
d. After roots and new leaves form, it can be potted.
Common Problems with Peperomia
Peperomia Insect Pests
Insects can occasionally be found on peperomias. The most frequently encountered pests are:
- Mealybugs
- Spider mites
- Fungus gnats
- Scale
- Whiteflies
For more information on insect pests of houseplants and controlling them, see HGIC 2252, Common Houseplant Insects & Related Pests.
Peperomia Disease Issues
- Root Rot: This is caused by overwatering and is the most common disease of peperomia. After watering, drain the water from the pot before placing the pot back in its saucer. Allow plants to dry out between waterings.
- Fungal Leaf Spots: Can be prevented by ensuring the leaves stay dry when the plant is watered.
For more information on diseases, see HGIC 2251 Houseplant Diseases & Disorders.
Peperomia Pet Safety
Most peperomia are considered safe for pets. Consult the ASPCA Poisonous Plants site for more information.
References
- Crawford, B. (2020, December 1). Peperomia: Foliage for the Holidays. Morning Ag Clips.
- Gilman, E. F., Klein, R. W., & Hansen, G. (2024, January 16). Peperomia, Baby Rubber Plant. Askifas IFAS Extension University of Florida.
- Klingaman, G. (2012, November 30). Plant of the Week: Peperomia. U of A Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service.
- NC State Extension. (n.d.). Peperomia. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.
- Steinkopf, L. E. (n.d.). Year of the Peperomia. National Garden Bureau.
Originally published 01/26
