Peperomia are one of the most popular houseplants due to their immense diversity in foliage and easy care requirements. With over 1000 species peperomia come in all shapes sizes, colors and leaf shapes. From rippled leaves to succulent-like foliage, peperomia have some of the most interesting leaves in the houseplant world.
In this article, we’ll look at 20+ popular types of peperomia with pictures and care tips to help you identify your peperomia.
An Overview of Peperomia
Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, peperomia are epiphytic plants that are accustomed to low light and high humidity. This makes them excellent houseplants that are low maintenance and easy to care for.
Some key things to know about peperomia in general
-
Come in a wide variety of foliage colors, shapes and growth habits Leaves can be rounded, pointed, textured, smooth, solid or variegated
-
Many peperomia have compact growth and stay under 12” tall. However, some can grow taller depending on the variety.
-
Prefer bright, indirect light. Can tolerate lower light but may become leggy.
-
Require little watering. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering leads to root rot.
-
Enjoy warm temps between 65-80°F. Avoid cold drafts.
-
Increase humidity by misting leaves regularly or using a pebble tray.
Now that we’ve covered some basics, let’s look at some popular types of peperomia every plant lover should know.
1. Peperomia Obtusifolia (Baby Rubber Plant)
The baby rubber plant is one of the most popular peperomia houseplants. It has fleshy, glossy green leaves that are oval with pointed tips. The foliage emerges from the soil on reddish-purple stems.
Easy to grow, this peperomia can reach up to 12 inches tall and wide. It thrives in medium to bright, indirect light. Water when the top few inches of soil become dry.
Fun fact: It’s named “baby rubber plant” for its thick leaves that resemble a rubber plant, but it is not related.
2. Peperomia Prostrata (String of Turtles)
String of turtles is a vining peperomia with small, rounded green leaves marked in silver that resemble turtle shells. This plant has a trailing habit and looks great in hanging baskets.
Provide bright, indirect light. Water when partially dry. The string of turtles grows up to 12 inches long. It does best when slightly pot bound.
3. Peperomia Caperata (Emerald Ripple/Ripple Pepper)
The ripple peperomia is one of the most distinct peperomia due to its puckered heart-shaped leaves. It has deep rippled leaves that can be green or reddish-purple. Grows up to 8 inches tall.
Prefers medium to bright indirect light. Allow soil to dry between waterings. The rippling can fade in low light. Humidity encourages larger leaves.
4. Peperomia Metallica (Colombian Peperomia)
This eye-catching peperomia has leaves that are a deep blackish-green with metallic undertones. It has an upright growth habit and can grow up to 8 inches tall.
Provide bright indirect sunlight, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. The leaves can scorch in direct sun. High humidity encourages larger leaves.
5. Peperomia Clusiifolia (Jelly Peperomia)
The jelly peperomia has distinctive spoon-shaped, succulent-like leaves. The leaves are green with dark green striping on top and a reddish-purple underside. Grows up to 8 inches tall.
Jelly peperomia thrive in medium to bright indirect light. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Provide humidity to encourage larger leaves.
6. Peperomia Orba (Pixie Lime Peperomia)
Pixie lime peperomia has lime green coin-shaped leaves that are somewhat succulent. This compact peperomia reaches 6 to 12 inches tall and wide.
Grow in medium to bright indirect sunlight, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Avoid direct sun which can scorch the leaves. Tolerates low light.
7. Peperomia Polybotrya (Raindrop Peperomia)
The raindrop peperomia has fleshy, heart-shaped leaves. It looks similar to the Chinese money plant but has leaves that are more elongated at the ends like raindrops. Grows up to 12 inches tall.
Provide bright indirect sunlight, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Keep away from cold drafts.
8. Peperomia Rosso (Peperomia Caperata Rosso)
Peperomia Rosso is a cultivar of P. caperata notable for its burgundy red undersides. The top side of the leaves are dark green and deeply ridged. It has an upright growth habit.
Grow in medium to bright indirect sunlight. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. The red undersides will fade in low light.
9. Peperomia Graveolens (Ruby Glow Peperomia)
Ruby glow is a succulent-like peperomia with thick, pointed green leaves. The undersides of the leaves are a deep ruby red color. It has a low growth habit and grows up to 8 inches tall.
Provide bright, indirect sunlight and allow soil to dry between waterings. Avoid overwatering which leads to rot.
10. Peperomia Verschaffeltii (Dwarf Watermelon Peperomia)
As its name implies, this peperomia variety has leaves marked like a miniature watermelon. The striping is more subtle compared to the regular watermelon peperomia. Grows up to 8 inches tall.
Give medium to bright, indirect light. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Avoid direct sun which causes leaf scorching.
11. Peperomia Incana (Felted Pepperface Peperomia)
The felted pepperface peperomia has velvety heart-shaped leaves with pink edges when young. The foliage is covered in fine white hairs. Grows up to 8 inches tall and can trail.
Grow in medium to bright indirect sunlight. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Increase humidity to encourage larger leaves.
12. Peperomia Puteolata (Parallel Peperomia)
This trailing peperomia has elongated heart-shaped leaves marked in parallel stripes. The fleshy leaves have dark green and lime green horizontal striping.
Provide medium to bright indirect light. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Great for hanging baskets. Grows up to 12 inches long.
13. Peperomia Ferreyrae (Pincushion Peperomia)
The happy bean peperomia has thick, succulent-like leaves shaped like green beans. The leaves emerge from the soil on thin, red stems. Grows up to 8 inches tall.
Give medium to bright, indirect light. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Avoid overwatering which leads to rot.
14. Peperomia Maculosa
One of the few peperomia that develops large leaves, P. maculosa has solid green, oval leaves that can reach up to 8 inches long. Pink stems hold up the foliage.
Provide medium to bright indirect sunlight. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Ideal for tropical-inspired gardens.
15. Peperomia Quadrangularis (Beetle Peperomia)
Beetle peperomia is a trailing plant with lush green, oval leaves marked in light green veins resembling a beetle’s shell. This plant can reach up to 2 feet long.
Grow in a hanging basket in medium to bright indirect light. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Mist leaves occasionally for humidity.
16. Peperomia Rotundifolia (Trailing Jade)
With round, succulent-like leaves, trailing jade makes a great hanging plant. The leaves are solid green and slightly puckered. Grows up to 1 foot long.
Provide bright to medium, indirect light. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Mist occasionally to increase humidity.
17. Peperomia Glabella (Privet Peperomia)
Privet peperomia is an evergreen vining plant with heart-shaped leaves along the reddish stem. The leaves are a lush dark green color and deeply veined.
Grow in partial sun to shade. Keep soil moderately moist but not wet. Great for hanging baskets and terrariums. Grows up to 1 foot long.
18. Peperomia Perciliata (Puerto Rico Peperomia)
This rare peperomia has fleshy stems holding up round, glossy green leaves with reddish undersides. The leaves are deeply cupped lengthwise. Grows up to 8 inches wide.
Provide bright indirect light and evenly moist soil. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Increase humidity for larger leaves.
19. Peperomia Angulata (Teardrop Peperomia)
The teardrop peperomia has pointed oval leaves marked with light green veins shaped like teardrops. The leaves are slightly folded lengthwise along the veins.
Grow in partial sun to shade in average room temperatures. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Increase humidity for larger leaves.
20. Peperomia Serpens (Vining Peperomia)
This popular peperomia has heart-shaped leaves and trailing stems. It is widely available in solid green or variegated forms. Grows up to 18 inches long.
Provide medium to bright indirect sunlight. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Great for hanging baskets and shelves.
21. Peperomia Albolineata (White Striped Peperomia)
White striped peperomia has elongated, pointed oval leaves marked in white parallel stripes along the veins. The leaves emerge on red stems.
Grow in partial sun to shade. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Increase humidity for larger leaves. Great for containers and terrariums.
Finding the Perfect Peperomia for You
With so many species and varieties, peperomia offer something for everyone. Whether you want trailing vines, upright rosettes or succulent-like leaves, there’s a peperomia houseplant waiting to be added to your home.
Most are easy to care for and stay compact, making them excellent plants for beginners or small spaces. Provide the proper growing conditions, and your peperomia will reward you for years to come!
An overview of peperomia varieties
Pepper plants come in many different species and varieties. Many of them can also be kept as houseplants. Caring for peperomias is quite simple. When you choose your peperomias, keep in mind that plants with lighter leaves need more light than plants with darker leaves.
Tip: Many gardening guides lump all peperomia species together. But as diverse as the genus is, their needs can be just as different. Peperomias are very forgiving, which is why it is often assumed that they can cope with any conditions. However, if you care for each species of peperomia the way it was meant to be cared for, you will have healthier plants that you can enjoy for many years.
Raindrop peperomia (Peperomia polybotrya)
The large, heart-shaped leaves of Peperomia polybotrya immediately reveal where the species got its name. The pointed leaf tip, in particular, gives the foliage the appearance of thick raindrops. It an absolute eye-catcher in the home with its large, dark-green, glossy leaves.
- Peperomia polybotrya ‘Variegata’: variegated leaves in light and dark green.
How to care for Peperomia polybotrya:
This peperoma type prefers a loose, structurally stable substrate, such as our Plantura Organic All Purpose Compost. Our compost is peat-free and made of natural ingredients. Place your raindrop peperomia in a partly shaded area that gets morning or evening sun, and water it often so the soil doesn’t get too dry or too wet.
41 Stunning Peperomia Varieties You Will Love //Best Peperomia Types //Peperomia Varieties & Names
FAQ
How to identify Peperomia?
Which Peperomia is best?
How many varieties of Peperomia are there?
What is the rarest Peperomia?