Peperomia

( pep - uh - ROH - mee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Radiator Plants, this large genus of compact perennial shrubs and vines is mainly native to Central and South America. Species vary considerably in appearance, and many are kept as ornamental houseplants. Peperomia plants love heat and humidity, and are wonderful in bright light conditions, but can also tolerate low-light conditions if necessary. In areas where these plants can be grown outdoors, they are typically used in containers, hanging baskets, or as a heavy shade groundcover.

Peperomia Species and Varietals

The genus Peperomia includes over 1,000 species, and is a member of the plant family Piperaceae. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 10-12, and are otherwise kept indoors as houseplants, terrarium foliage or greenhouse specimens. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Peperomia acuminata (Baby Rubber Plant, American Rubber Plant, Pointed Pepper Plant, Radiator Plant)
This species is native to South America, Central America and the West Indies, and produces fleshy, green leaves. There are varieties with variegated foliage, as well, including Peperomia acuminata variegata. Individual plants typically reach up to 6 to 12 inches tall and just as wide as an indoor houseplant and has a slight trailing or vining habit.

Peperomia alata (Winged Peperomia)
Native to the tropical and subtropical Americas, these plants can have either an upright or spreading habit and produce shiny green leaves. Spreads by rhizomes. This species produces plants that reach up to 6 to 12 inches tall and wide at maturity. Individual leaves can reach up to 5 inches long.

Peperomia albovittata (Piccolo Banda, Peacock Peperomia)
These plants produce rounded leaves that are commonly silvery green and striped with dark maroon to purple. This species is native to Ecuador, and is commonly cultivated as a houseplant or greenhouse specimen. At maturity, these plants can reach up to 6 to 12 inches tall with an equal spread.

Peperomia argyreia (Watermelon Peperomia, Watermelon Begonia)
Native to northern South America, this species reaches about 8 inches tall at maturity and produces green leaves with lighter markings reminiscent of the skin of a watermelon. Tiny green flower spikes appear in summertime. These plants prefer bright light and cannot tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants reach up to 6 to 12 inches tall and wide at maturity.

Peperomia blanda (Arid-Land Peperomia, Slender Peperomia, Large Wild Peperomia, Polynesian Peperomia)
Native to Asia, Africa, Australasia, Polynesia and the Americas, this somewhat succulent herbaceous plant has prostrate and creeping forms. In their natural habitat, these plants are seen growing in rock crevices and along steep stream banks. They can reach up to 6 to 12 inches tall and wide when mature. Leaves are green and have lighter markings.

Peperomia boivinii (Jade Peperomia)
Native to the Comoro Islands off the coast of southeastern Africa, this species produces a plant with succulent olive green leaves. These plants are sometimes confused or mislabeled as the hybrid Peperomia 'Hope'. Jade Peperomia reaches up to just 3 to 4 inches tall and is perfect for terrariums and smaller spaces.

Peperomia bracteata (Radiator Plant)
This geophytic plant has an underground storage tuber, and is native to Mexico and Guatemala. During dry periods, these plants will wither and die back to the ground, reappearing from the underground storage tuber when wetter weather comes around. When sprouted, above-ground plant parts can reach up to 6 to 12 inches tall and just as wide. Leaves are rounded with a dimple at their center.

Peperomia camptoricha (Bent-Hair Peperomia)
Endemic to Mexico, this species produces succulent grey-green leaves that have a lime green tint when new. It takes a more upright habit than other species of Peperomia, and has somewhat fuzzy foliage thanks to fuzzy curved hairs. These plants reach up to 6 to 12 inches tall when mature.

Peperomia caperata (Emerald Ripple Peperomia, Ripple Peperomia, Emerald Ripple Pepper)
This Brazilian native species reaches just 8 inches tall and wide, and has corrugated, heart-shaped leaves. In summertime, white flower spikes rise from the foliage and bloom. These plants are popularly cultivated as greenhouse specimens or indoor plants. Popular cultivars include 'Luna Red', 'Frost', and 'Emerald Ripple'.

Peperomia clusiifolia (Red-Edge Peperomia, Ginny Peperomia, Rainbow Peperomia, Tricolor Peperomia)
This interesting species of Peperomia produces light green flower spikes and succulent, cupped leaves, usually edged in red or maroon. This species is popularly cultivated as a houseplant, and many varieties have been developed for sale, including 'Variegata', 'Jellie', 'Tricolor', 'Rainbow', 'Ginny', and 'Red Margin'.

Peperomia columella (Columnar Peperomia, Radiator Plant, Pearly Peperomia)
Endemic to Peru, this rare species produces a plant that forms columns of succulent leaves layered on top of each other. Foliage is green, and these plants are commonly kept as indoor houseplants. Columnar Peperomia can reach up to 8 to 12 inches tall and 4 to 6 inches wide at maturity.

Peperomia cookiana (Weakstem Peperomia, Wet-Forest Peperomia, 'Ala'ala Wai Nui, 'Ala'ala Wai Nue Kuahiwi)
This epiphytic species grows in wet tropical biomes and is native to the Hawaiian Islands. Reaching just a foot tall at maturity, these plants produce spikes of green flowers in January through December. Leaves are green.

Peperomia dolabriformis (Prayer Pepper, Prayer Peperomia, Ax Plant)
This species is commonly cultivated as a houseplant, and is native to Ecuador and Peru. Leaves are light green with a central darker stripe. Foliage is folded into the shape of a taco or hatchet. Individual plants reach up to 12 to 24 inches tall and 10 inches wide at maturity.

Peperomia eburnea (Marble Peperomia, False Philodendron)
Native to Colombia and Ecuador, this species has a creeping or trailing habit and grows naturally in wet, tropical biomes. Foliage is velvety green to dark bluish-green, and often has a single white stripe and red spots on the undersides of leaves. Marble Peperomia plants reach up to 6 to 12 inches tall and wide with trailing stems.

Peperomia enervis
This species grows naturally on tree trunks and moss-covered rocks in its native range in northern Queensland, Australia. These plants were first described by botanists Ferdinand von Mueller and Casimir de Candolle, who published the species in 1891. The specific epithet enervis refers to the seemingly vein-less leaves. Flowers bloom January to May and are followed by dark brown berries.

Peperomia ferreyrae (Peperomia Green Bean, Happy Bean Plant, Bean Plant Peperomia)
This species is native to Peru and reaches about 8 inches tall at maturity. These plants look a bit different from most other forms of the genus, producing succulent, lanceolate leaves that are bright green to chartreuse in color, depending on the variety grown. Leaves resemble green bean pods, hence the common name Happy Bean Plant.

Peperomia fraseri (Flowering Pepper, Flowering Peperomia, Ivy-Leaf Pepper)
Native to Colombia and Peru, this species of Peperomia forms a small shrub with heart shaped glossy, green, semi-succulent leaves. These plants produce a more noticeable floral inflorescence than other species in the genus. Pure white blooms form on a bottlebrush-like spike and are subtly fragrant. Individual plants reach 6 to 12 inches tall and wide.

Peperomia galioides (Needle-Leaf Wax Plant, Pine Peperomia)
These plants are native to Central and South America, and form herbaceous semi-succulent perennials. They are primarily epiphytic plants, and contain essential oil compounds that are used in traditional medicine. When crushed, foliage has a lemony scent to it.

Peperomia graveolens (Ruby Glow, Ruby Glow Peperomia)
This species of Peperomia is native to Ecuador, and produces a stout plant with red stems and leaf undersides, and green foliage above. Flowers produce an offensive smell similar to mouse urine. Ruby Glow Peperomia can reach up to 10 inches tall when mature, and is perfect for indoor growing and terrariums.

Peperomia griseoargentea (Ivy Peperomia, Ivy-Leaf Peperomia, Silver Leaf Peperomia, Platinum Peperomia, Frost Peperomia)
Native to Brazil, these plants form basal rosettes of silver and dark grey-green. with heavy curved veining. Commonly cultivated as a houseplant. Minimum temperature these plants will tolerate is 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Ivy Peperomia reaches 20 inches tall and is just as wide at maturity.

Peperomia guttulata (Baby's Tears, Baby Tears)
Native to Ecuador, this species produces a plant with glossy green semi-succulent leaves and small white flowers on short spikes. Stems are reddish and wiry, and these plants are upright when very young, taking on a trailing, matting habit as they age. This species is great for use in terrariums, and reaches up to a few inches tall.

Peperomia hirta (Mouse Ears Peperomia, Mouse Ears, Hairy Peperomia)
Native from Mexico down through Panama, this species of Peperomia produces muted light greenish-blue leaves that have a downy covering. These compact epiphytic plants prefer to grow in wet, tropical biomes and are fantastic terrarium specimens. They have a trailing habit and produce stems that can reach up to 5-7 inches long.

Peperomia hoffmannii (Hoffmann's Peperomia, Succulent Radiator Plant)
This dainty, trailing plant loves to spill over the sides of its container, and has light green foliage and small thick leaves held in clusters of three along stems. They are native from Mexico down through Panama and reach up to 1 to 4 inches tall and 6 to 12 inches across, with overlapping stems.

Peperomia incana (Felted Pepperface, Felted Peperomia)
This species, native to Brazil, produces thick, dark grey-green cordate leaves that covered with a fuzzy, felt-like down. These plants are known for their compact, trailing habit and prefer bright, indirect light. Felted Peperomia is commonly cultivated as a houseplant, and prefers a temperature of between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Peperomia kimnachii (Trailing Jade, Myron's Radiator Plant)
This trailing plant produces succulent leaves in whorled groups at nodes along stems, which can reach up to 3 feet long. Roots may form at nodes where they touch soil and form new plants. Foliage is light bluish-green. and stems are greenish tan to red-flushed. Creamy-white flowers bloom infrequently on slender elongated spikes that resemble rat tails.

Peperomia leptostachya (Slender Peperomia, Hairy Peperomia, 'Ala'ala Wai Nui Kāne, Arid-Land Peperomia)
This species is native to Africa, Asia, Australia, and much of the Western Pacific. It has fuzzy green succulent leaves that have light green undersides, and forms a very handsome, compact, semi-trailing plant to about 6 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 24 inches wide at maturity.

Peperomia maculosa (Spotted-Stalked Peperomia, Spotted Peperomia)
This species is native to Mexico down through South America, and produces a vining small shrub with glossy dark green leaves veined with white. Leaf undersides are light green. Flower spikes are purple to brown in color. To 6 to 12 inches tall and wide at maturity.

Peperomia marmorata (Silver Ripple Peperomia, Radiator Plant)
Native to Brazil, this species forms a rosette of green foliage with reddish stems and leaf bases. Leaves are heart-shaped with pointed tips. Flower spikes are white and rise above the foliage. Popularly kept as a houseplant or greenhouse specimen. To 6 to 12 inches tall and just as wide when mature.

Peperomia metallica (Metallic Peperomia)
Leaves in this species are chocolate brown and have silver striping along the veins and margins. Metallic Peperomia is native to Peru, and produces small spikes of creamy yellow blooms in late summer and fall. Stems begin upright, and once they reach 8-10 inches tall, they begin to cascade. The plant itself typically stays between 6 and 12 inches tall and wide.

Peperomia nitida (Cupid Peperomia, Radiator Plant, False Philodendron)
Oftentimes mislabeled as Peperomia scandens or Peperomia serpens, this species forms a trailing plant with green stems and leaves. Foliage is glossy and simple. Mature plants reach to 4 to 6 inches tall and produce vining stems that trail to 12 to 24 inches long, making them perfect for hanging baskets.

Peperomia nivalis (Snow Peperomia, Taco Leaf Peperomia, Frozen Peperomia)
Found growing in the Andes in Peru, this species is compact and erect, forming a cluster of upright stems with light green succulent leaves with clear 'windows' on the top. Leaves take on reddish hues in dry summer weather. These plants are popular ornamental houseplants. To 3 to 6 inches tall and wide

Peperomia obtusifolia (Baby Rubberplant, American Rubber Plant, Pepper Face Plant)
In this species, plants produce stout green succulent leaves. This is considered an easy-care houseplant, requiring high humidity and bright indirect light. Plants reach up to between 8 and 20 inches tall when mature and produce many trailing stems.

Peperomia pellucida (Man to Man, Shining Bush Plant, Pepper Elder, Clear Weed, Rat Ear, Crab Claw Herb)
These plants reach between 6 and 15 inches tall at maturity, and have fleshy green heart-shaped leaves that have a Mustard-like smell to them when crushed. Flower infloresences are small, green to white, and rise above the foliage. This species is native to Mexico, Central and South America and the West Indies.

Peperomia polybotrya (Raindrop Peperomia, Raindrop Plant, Coin Plant, Coin Leaf Peperomia)
This species of Peperomia is native to Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia, and reaches between 12 and 16 inches tall, with large, succulent teardrop-shaped leaves. Flowers appear on slender spikes above the foliage and are greenish white.

Peperomia prostrata (String of Turtles, Trailing Peperomia, Turtle Vine, Magic Marbles, String of Coins, String of Nickels)
This species is endemic to Ecuador, and is considered to be somewhat rare in houseplant cultivation. It is a delicate, vining plant with round, commonly variegated leaves that resemble very small turtle shells. White to reddish flower spikes form in spring and summertime. Plants produce trailing stems to 12 to 24 inches long.

Peperomia quadrangularis (Beetle Peperomia, String of Beetles, Beetle Radiator Plant)
These plants are native to South and Central America as well as the West Indies, where they are commonly found growing on trees and rocks. Stems are square, and leaves are small and green, marked with lighter green lines. Adventitious roots will sometimes grow at nodes instead of leaves. Plants reach up to 3 to 6 inches tall, and trailing vines extend to 30 inches.

Peperomia rotundifolia (Jade Necklace, Creeping Buttons, Round Leaf Peperomia, Trailing Jade)
This species produces small, trailing shoots with rounded, button-like green leaves. Vines will twine and weave together, and spill over the sides of containers. These plants are wonderful for indoor hanging baskets. There are a few notable forms of this species, including ovata, pilosior, subelliptica, subglabrilimba, and obcordata.

Peperomia serpens (Vining Peperomia, Cupid Peperomia, Trailing Jade, Radiator Plant)
This species is native to the New World Tropics, and is commonly kept as a small, trailing houseplant with succulent green leaves. Flower stalks rise above the foliage in spring or summertime, and are yellow-green to whitish. This species is commonly confused with (and erroneously sold under the name of) a few other species, including Peperomia nitida, Peperomia dimota, and Peperomia subrotundifolia.

Peperomia tetragona (Peperomia puteolata) (Parallel Peperomia, Stilt Peperomia)
This species is native to South America, and sports parallel venation on foliage, giving it the look of a watermelon rind (not to be confused with Peperomia argyria, or Watermelon Peperomia). This species is commonly grown as a houseplant and can reach up to 11 to 18 inches tall with stems that trail to 2-3 feet long. Individual striped leaves can reach 2 inches long.

Peperomia tetraphylla (Acorn Peperomia, Four Leaved Peperomia, Peperomia Hope)
This plant grows in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is a low-grower that sometimes forms mats of foliage, and commonly is seen growing in wet highlands and evergreen forested areas. To 8-12 inches tall with 12 to 32 inch-long vining stems that emerge erect. Cultivar 'Hope' is valued for its thick, coin-shaped leaves that cluster along reddish stems.

Caring for Peperomia

These vines prefer to be planted in bright, indirect light or partial shade outdoors. They should never be exposed to direct sunlight, which will quickly scorch leaves. An east-facing area with heavy shade is ideal. Choose a space in the garden that has some protection from strong winds, which can damage foliage and blooms. Peperomia plants prefer soil that is light, well-draining, and has plenty of bark. They are commonly kept in containers outdoors, and can also be grown in crevices in trees or in between rocks in water features. Water young plants regularly as they establish a strong root system. At maturity, these plants still like to have some moisture in the soil around their roots, but like to have the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out completely between waterings. Peperomia plants store moisture in their fleshy stems and leaves, and act somewhat like succulents, requiring less frequent watering than standard tropical plants. To prune Peperomia, remove any dead, yellowing or damaged leaves from the base of the plant at any time during the growing season. In spring before growth pushes out, cut a few main stems back to just above a leaf node to encourage branching and create a bushier shape.

Caring for Peperomia in Containers
Container cultivation of Peperomia plants allows for them to be brought inside during the cooler months of the year. They can be grown on their own in a container or used as a spiller at the base of a larger plant. Choose a container that has adequate drainage holes and that is at least two inches larger in diameter than the nursery pot. Use well-draining potting soil to fill in the bottom, and then place the plant in the container and fill in more soil around the outside of the root ball, being careful to not pack it down too much. Peperomia plants prefer soil that is light, well-draining, and has plenty of bark. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system. At maturity, these plants still like to have some moisture in the soil around their roots, but like to have the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out completely between waterings. Water young plants regularly as they establish a strong root system. At maturity, these plants still like to have some moisture in the soil around their roots, but like to have the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out completely between waterings. Peperomia plants store moisture in their fleshy stems and leaves, and act somewhat like succulents, requiring less frequent watering than standard tropical plants. To prune Peperomia, remove any dead, yellowing or damaged leaves from the base of the plant at any time during the growing season. In spring before growth pushes out, cut a few main stems back to just above a leaf node to encourage branching and create a bushier shape. Every few years in springtime, check to see if the plant is outgrowing its pot. Choose a new pot that is about two inches larger with sufficient drainage holes, and repot. In cool zones, bring the container indoors or into a greenhouse during the winter, and place it back into the garden again when temperatures remain above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Caring for Peperomia Indoors
Peperomia are commonly available at many plant nurseries and other retailers. Because they are native to tropical and subtropical areas, they are commonly grown indoors as houseplants or in greenhouses around the globe. Choose a container that has adequate drainage holes, and place it in an area that receives medium to bright indirect light. They prefer temperatures remain between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and are sensitive to sudden changes in climate. They thrive in 40%-50% humidity Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system. At maturity, At maturity, these plants still like to have some moisture in the soil around their roots, but like to have the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out completely between waterings. Peperomia plants store moisture in their fleshy stems and leaves, and act somewhat like succulents, requiring less frequent watering than standard tropical plants. To prune Peperomia, remove any dead, yellowing or damaged leaves from the base of the plant at any time during the growing season. In spring before growth pushes out, cut a few main stems back to just above a leaf node to encourage branching and create a bushier shape. Every few years in springtime, check to see if the plant is outgrowing its pot. Choose a new pot that is about two inches larger with sufficient drainage holes, and repot. Peperomia plants typically live for between 5 to 10 years or more before needing to be replaced.

Propagation

Peperomia, or Radiator Plants, are most easily propagated through taking cuttings from existing plants and rooting them.

Propagating Peperomia by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In late summer or early fall, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that the plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances the cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6-8 inch softwood or semi-hardwood portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Plant the cutting and fill in soil around it to support it, but do not pack the soil down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. It should be kept in warm, sunny conditions in a protected area. Water whenever the soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, the cutting should be rooted. New growth indicates the formation of roots.
Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when the seedling can be hardened off and then planted outdoors.