Peperomias (Peperomia spp.) are popular houseplants known for their colorful foliage. These low-maintenance plants are available in compact, bushy, or trailing forms. They can be used in containers, terrariums, or hanging baskets. There are over 1000 species of peperomia, and they can be found in a multitude of leaf colors and forms. Most are native to Central and South America.
Popular Types of Peperomia
The watermelon plant (Peperomia argyraea) is easily distinguished by its striped foliage resembling a watermelon rind. It is a small, bushy plant, reaching up to 8 inches tall. Because of its compact size, it is a good plant for an office or small space.
Watermelon peperomia has silvery striped foliage and reddish stems.
Millie W. Davenport, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension.
The raindrop plant (Peperomia polybotrya) has shiny green leaves that are teardrop-shaped. Overall, the plant grows to 12 inches tall and wide. It is often mistaken for the Chinese money or friendship plant (Pilea pepermioides) and is easier to grow.
The string of turtles peperomia (Peperomia prostrata) has very small round leaves with variegation resembling a turtle’s shell. It is a very low-growing and trailing plant. It is sensitive to being overwatered.
The baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) has rounded, thick, succulent-like leaves that are variegated or solid green. It is easy to grow.
The baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) is available in dark green and variegated forms.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension.
The ripple plant (Peperomia caperata) 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 are bushy plants growing to 10 inches tall and wide.
With its variegated heart-shaped leaves, the ripple peperomia (Peperomia caperata) makes a great office window plant.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Peperomia typically grow 8 to 15 inches tall and wide. Many have thick, fleshy leaves like a succulent. Some have leaves that are rippled or smooth and shiny in a variety of sizes and colors.
The flowers are considered unattractive and are said to resemble a rat’s tail. They can be cut off, so the plants put their energy into the leaves.
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.
This trailing peperomia has been in Barbara Smith’s family for over 50 years. It thrives in a large northeast-facing window.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Peperomia prefers to dry out between waterings. If it is overwatered, it will drop its leaves. If your house has low humidity in the winter, it will benefit from a humidifier.
Plant peperomia in a well-drained houseplant potting mix. If you tend to overwater, add perlite to your soil mix for better drainage. Peperomia should be planted in a slightly larger pot than the grower’s pot. Since it does not need to be repotted every year, it can be left in the same pot for several years. For more information on potting soil, see HGIC 1456, Indoor Plants-Soil Mixes.
Fertilize peperomia only when it is actively growing in the spring and summer. Use a slow-release granular fertilizer once per year. You can also use a low-strength liquid fertilizer occasionally during the growing season. For more information on houseplant fertilization and care, see HGIC 1450, Indoor Plants-Cleaning, Fertilizing, Containers, and Light Requirements.
Plants can be taken outdoors for the summer after temperatures at night are consistently 60 F° or higher, usually in May. Plants should be placed in deep shade to acclimate. Leave them in a bright, 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.
Peperomia is widely available at retailers who sell houseplants. Check your local greenhouses and nurseries for them.
