Peperomia plants are an ideal choice for any indoor garden. These charming houseplants belong to the Piperaceae family, also known as the pepper family. They will brighten up your living space and are famous for their easy care requirements.
These lovely plants come in various sizes, shapes and colours that can suit any home or office decor. But before deciding on a cultivar, how can you tell if it’s actually a peperomia plant?
How to Identify Peperomia Plants
All types of peperomia plants have a distinctive appearance that can help identify them. Here are some characteristics to look for:
- Leaf Shape: Most peperomias have small, thick, and fleshy leaves that are often round or oval-shaped. However, there are some varieties with heart-shaped or elongated leaves.
- Leaf Texture: Peperomia leaves can have a smooth or slightly textured surface. Some varieties have leaves with raised veins, while others have leaves with a bumpy or waxy surface.
- Leaf Colour: Peperomia leaves come in a variety of colours, including green, variegated shades of green and cream, silver, and red. Some varieties also have leaves with stripes or other patterns.
- Stem Structure: Peperomia plants have thick stems that can be upright or trailing.
- Flower Structure: Peperomia plants produce small, inconspicuous flowers on long, slender spikes.
- Growth Habit: Peperomia plants grow slowly and usually reach a height of 20cm to 30cm. They are generally low-maintenance and grown indoors.
- Care Requirements: Most peperomia varieties prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch.
List of Peperomia Varieties
- Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
- Red Edge Peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia ‘Red Edge’)
- Emerald Ripple Peperomia (Peperomia caperata)
- Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia)
- Peperomia Rosso (Peperomia caperata ‘Rosso’)
Raindrop Peperomia (Peperomia polybotrya) - Ruby Glow Peperomia (Peperomia graveolens)
- Peperomia Ginny (Peperomia clusiifolia)
- Radiator Plant (Peperomia quadrifolia)
- Shining Bush Plant (Peperomia deppeana)
- Peperomia ‘Hope’
- Beetle Peperomia (Peperomia quadrangularis)
- Teardrop Peperomia (Peperomia orba)
- Peperomia ‘Metallica’
- Pincushion Peperomia (Peperomia ferreyrae)
- Tricolor Radiator Plant (Peperomia rossii)
- Parallel Peperomia (Peperomia puteolata)
- Prayer Pepper (Peperomia dolabriformis)
- String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata)
- Cupid Peperomia (Peperomia scandens ‘variegata’)
- Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia)
- Piccolo Banda or Ivy Leaf Peperomia (Peperomia albovittata)
- Peperomia ‘Axillaris’
- Peperomia Frost (Peperomia Caperata ‘Frost’)
Indoor Peperomia Varieties
Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
The Baby Rubber Plant is a bushy, upright plant that grows to about 25cm tall. It has thick, fleshy leaves that are a glossy dark green colour and are oval or heart-shaped. Its leaves are typically about 5cm to 10cm long and have a slightly waxy texture.
One of the great things about the Baby Rubber Plant is that it is relatively easy to care for. It prefers bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Red Edge Peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia ‘Red Edge’)
Red Edge Peperomia is a tropical houseplant native to Central and South America. It is characterised by its thick, fleshy leaves that are vibrant green with a slight red edge.
Its leaves are typically oval-shaped and grow in a compact, bushy pattern. The Red Edge peperomia plant can grow up to 30cm tall and is well-suited for hanging baskets or as a tabletop plant.
Emerald Ripple Peperomia (Peperomia caperata)
The Emerald Ripple Peperomia has crinkled, heart-shaped leaves in green, red and silver shades. Its leaves also have a rippled or wavy appearance, giving the plant its common name.
The Peperomia caperata is typically 20cm to 30cm in height. Like most peperomia varieties, it prefers bright, indirect light and thrives indoors.
Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia)
Watermelon Peperomia gets its common name from its distinctive appearance — the leaves have a watermelon-like pattern of green stripes on a silver-grey background.
The Watermelon Peperomia is a small, compact plant that typically grows from about 15cm to 20cm. It has thick, succulent leaves that are oval and have a slightly wavy edge. The leaves grow in a rosette pattern and are held on short stems.
Peperomia Rosso (Peperomia caperata ‘Rosso’)
Peperomia caperata ‘Rosso’, also known as the Peperomia Rosso, is a small, compact plant that typically grows 15 cm to 20 cm tall and has a rosette-like growth habit.
It is known for its beautiful, dark red leaves with a crinkled, textured, and velvety feel. The Peperomia Rosso’s leaves are heart-shaped and have a dark green colour on the undersides.
Ruby Glow Peperomia (Peperomia graveolens)
Peperomia graveolens, also known as the Ruby Glow Peperomia, is a striking and unique houseplant native to Ecuador. It is a small, compact plant that typically grows to a height of about 15cm to 20cm and has a trailing growth habit.
The Ruby Glow Peperomia is known for its beautiful, deep red or burgundy-coloured leaves with a slightly transparent appearance. The leaves are thick and succulent and have a heart-shaped or elliptical shape.
Peperomia Ginny (Peperomia clusiifolia)
The Peperomia Ginny is known for its beautiful, variegated foliage, which is dark green and marked with creamy white or yellow stripes. The leaves are thick and succulent and have an oval or heart-shaped appearance.
It is a small, compact plant that typically grows to a height of about 20cm to 30cm and has a bushy growth habit. The Peperomia Ginny is also a slow-growing plant that does not require frequent pruning or repotting.
Radiator Plant (Peperomia quadrifolia)
Peperomia quadrifolia, also known as the radiator plant or the creeping peperomia, is a small, low-growing plant native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.
It has small, succulent leaves that are round or oval in shape and grow to about 2cm long. The radiator plant’s leaves are dark green and glossy and have a slightly waxy texture. The plant typically grows to about 15cm to 20cm and has a trailing growth habit.
Shining Bush Plant (Peperomia deppeana)
Peperomia deppeana has glossy green leaves that are thick and fleshy, with a slightly pointed oval shape. The leaves grow to about 8cm long and are arranged in an alternating pattern on the stem. This plant typically grows to about 20m to 30cm and has a bushy growth habit.
It is also known as the shining bush plant. This peperomia is a small, slow-growing houseplant that is native to Mexico and Central America.
Peperomia ‘Hope’
The Peperomia ‘Hope’ is a hybrid cultivar of Peperomia quadrifolia and Peperomia deppeana. It is a compact and bushy plant that typically grows to a height of about 15cm to 30cm and has a trailing growth habit.
This variety has variegated leaves in shades of green and cream.
Beetle Peperomia (Peperomia quadrangularis)
The Beetle Peperomia gets its name from the unique shape of its leaves, which are small and beetle-like, with a rounded body and tapered head. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, with a slightly succulent texture.
The plant grows to a height of about 15cm to 20cm, making it an excellent choice for small spaces or terrariums. The Beetle Peperomia also prefers a well-draining soil mix and can benefit from occasional fertilisation during the growing season.
Teardrop Peperomia (Peperomia orba)
Peperomia orba, also known as Pixie Peperomia or Teardrop Peperomia, is a small, compact houseplant that belongs to the family Piperaceae. This variety has small, round leaves that grow in clusters and are bright green.
The Teardrop Peperomia’s leaves are typically about 1cm to 2cm in diameter, with a slightly succulent texture. The plant grows to a height of about 15cm to 20cm and has a bushy, spreading growth habit.
Peperomia ‘Metallica’
Peperomia ‘Metallica’ is a popular cultivar of the Peperomia genus known for its attractive metallic green leaves with reddish-brown undersides. It is a small, slow-growing plant that is native to tropical regions of South America and is commonly grown as a houseplant.
The leaves of Peperomia ‘Metallica’ are thick, waxy, and have a metallic sheen, which gives the plant its name. The leaves grow in a rosette pattern and are oval-shaped with pointed tips.
Rare Peperomia Varieties
These rare Peperomia varieties can be difficult to find, but collectors and enthusiasts highly prize them for their unique and beautiful foliage.
Raindrop Peperomia (Peperomia polybotrya)
Peperomia polybotrya, commonly known as Raindrop Peperomia or Coin Leaf Peperomia, is a small, slow-growing plant. It is a rare, highly desirable variety because of its attractive, variegated light and dark green leaves.
The Raindrop peperomia gets its common name from the shape of its leaves, which are thick and fleshy, resembling raindrops or coins. The leaves grow in a rosette pattern and are typically deep green with a glossy sheen. They can grow up to 10cm long and 5cm wide.
Pincushion Peperomia (Peperomia ferreyrae)
Peperomia ferreyrae is commonly known as the Pincushion Peperomia or Happy Bean. This variety has thin, pointed leaves that grow upright and are a bright green colour.
It is a rare and sought-after Peperomia because of its appearance. The Pincushion Peperomia has cylindrical leaves that look like small green beans or pins. The leaves also grow in bright green clusters with a slightly translucent quality.
Tricolor Radiator Plant (Peperomia rossii)
The Tricolor Radiator Plant or Peperomia rossii is a rare and unusual Peperomia that is highly sought after by collectors.
The Tricolor Radiator Plant has heart-shaped leaves, a vibrant mix of green, cream and pink. The pink colouration on the leaves can vary from pale pink to a deeper, almost burgundy colour. The leaves are also slightly wavy and have a glossy texture.
Parallel Peperomia (Peperomia puteolata)
Peperomia puteolata, commonly known as the Parallel Peperomia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Piperaceae. It has leaves that grow in a parallel pattern and are dark green with silvery-white veins.
The plant has a bushy growth habit and can reach up to 20cm in height, making it a great choice for small spaces or as a part of a larger houseplant collection. It can also be propagated easily by stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.
Prayer Pepper (Peperomia dolabriformis)
Peperomia dolabriformis, also known as the Prayer Pepper, has leaves that resemble tiny green hearts and are held on thin stems. This beautiful variant is rare due to its unique, paddle-shaped leaves that resemble little green prayer beads.
The Prayer Pepper typically grows up to 15cm tall and has thick, succulent stems that can trail or hang down from a pot. The leaves are thick and fleshy, measuring up to 4cm long and glossy green. The stems and undersides of the leaves have a reddish tinge, adding to the plant’s appeal.
String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrate)
Peperomia prostrata, also known as the String of Turtles, is a popular trailing plant species native to South America. It is called String of Turtles because of its small, round leaves that resemble turtle shells.
This plant typically grows up to 15cm tall and can trail or hang down from a pot. Its leaves are thick and fleshy, measuring up to 1.3cm in diameter and are a deep green colour with a distinctive pattern of light green veins.
The String of Turtles’ leaves grow in pairs along the stems, giving the plant a unique, symmetrical appearance.
Cupid Peperomia (Peperomia scandens ‘variegata’)
The Peperomia scandens ‘variegata’ is known as the Cupid Peperomia because of its light green, heart-shaped leaves. It is a small, trailing plant that typically grows up to 20cm tall and can be grown in hanging baskets or trained to climb up support.
The white variegation gives the Cupid peperomia plant a unique and eye-catching appearance. The leaves grow in pairs along the stems, which are thin and delicate, giving the plant a graceful and elegant appearance.
Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia)
Peperomia rotundifolia, commonly known as the Trailing Jade, is a small trailing plant native to Central and South America. It is a popular choice for hanging baskets or trailing over the edge of containers, as its thin stems can grow up to 30cm long and are covered in small, round leaves.
The glossy green leaves of Trailing Jade are usually around 1cm to 2.5cm in diameter. Its stems are thin and can be easily trained to climb or trail in any direction.
Piccolo Banda or Ivy Leaf Peperomia (Peperomia albovittata)
Peperomia albovittata, also known as the Piccolo Banda or Ivy Leaf Peperomia, is a rare, new cultivar of the Peperomia family. It is a compact, bushy plant that grows up to 30cm tall and 30cm wide, with thick, dark green glossy leaves with distinctive white veins running through them.
The Piccolo Banda is native to the Netherlands and is a great indoor plant that can add a touch of green to any space. It is an easy-to-care-for plant that prefers bright indirect light and well-draining soil.
The Ivy Leaf Peperomia is also drought-tolerant and can survive for long periods without water.
Peperomia ‘Axillaris’
The Peperomia Axillaris can be identified by its leaves resembling mini tacos or pea pods. This is a rare, small peperomia because of its unique appearance.
Its leaves are small and round, with a glossy texture and a bright green colour. They are arranged in pairs along the plant stems, which can grow up to 20cm in length.
Peperomia Frost (Peperomia Caperata ‘Frost’)
Peperomia Frost, also known as Peperomia Caperata ‘Frost’, is a unique variety of peperomia plant known for its striking foliage.
The leaves of Peperomia Frost are a light green colour with a frosted appearance, hence the name. The frosted effect on the leaves is caused by small hairs on the surface of the leaves that reflect light.
It is a compact plant that can grow up to 15cm to 20cm in height and width. The Peperomia Frost is a great choice for small spaces, and its unique foliage adds a decorative touch to any room or garden.
Peperomia is Not a Pizza Topping
From the popular Peperomia Obtusifolia and Watermelon Peperomia to the rare and exotic Peperomia Polybotrya and Peperomia Ferreyrae, there is a peperomia variety for every plant enthusiast.
Peperomia plants are relatively easy to care for and are well-suited to indoor environments. Their unique foliage, growth habits, and care requirements make them an excellent choice for those looking to add variety to their houseplant collection.
Whether you are an expert gardener or just starting out, peperomia plants are a great choice for anyone looking for a low-maintenance, attractive, and unique houseplant.
