Peperomia, A Colorful Houseplant With Unique Foliage And Texture

Peperomia plants are popular houseplants that are easy to grow and maintain. They are a great starter plant for new plant enthusiasts as well as experienced growers who like to have variety in their houseplant collection. For the first time, the National Garden Bureau has designated a Houseplant Of The Year and they have selected the Peperomia. These plants are also great for people who live in apartments, as they do not need much space.

They are native to South America and Central America. The name Peperomia comes from the Greek word “peperi” which means pepper and “mion” which means small. This is because the leaves of this plant resemble those of black pepper. Peperomias have small, round leaves that come in a wide variety of colors including but not limited to such as green, purple, red, and yellow.

They can withstand a wide range of conditions and make great low-maintenance plants. It is important to know how to care for peperomia plants and what type of peperomia plant is best suited for your environment. Peperomia are durable and have many variations in terms of size and color.

Some of the most popular varieties of peperomia are found below:

Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) - One of the best things about peperomia varieties is that they come in so many different shapes. This variety is also known as peperomia frost and has rounded leaves with a pretty glossy sheen. The plant can be found with variegated foliage in a span of colors such as light green, dark green, silver, yellow or white on the edges. To maintain the variegated foliage the plant will need lots of bright, indirect sunlight.

String of Turtles Peperomia (Peperomia prostrata) - This variety is becoming more popular. The foliage is very tiny with the leaves no larger than your thumbnail and they have a spotted light and dark green pattern. These leaves grow on slender, trailing vines that resemble turtle shells. Grow this plant in a hanging basket or let it tumble off a shelf or table.

Red Ripple Peperomia (Peperomia caperata) – This colorful plant is great if you want to get away from green foliage. The heart-shaped leaves are deep-red. The leaves also have a rippled texture. With its dark color, this plant can thrive in low-light conditions making it perfect for a darker room in your home.

Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) – The foliage on this variety has slightly pointed leaves with dark-green and silvery light green stripes that resemble the rind of a watermelon.

Ruby Glow Peperomia (Peperomia graveolens) – This variety has thick succulent-like leaves that are slightly transparent green on the top and red wine color underneath. The stems are wine-colored and grow up to 10-inches. This bright appearance refers to its common identity as the Peperomia Ruby Glow.

Some basic tips on growing peperomia plants are:

  • The soil should be well-drained.
  • The plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time - it is best if they get filtered light or indirect sunlight.
  • The plant should receive moderate watering.

These plants will perform best in well-lit areas with plenty of indirect sunlight. Make sure you check the lighting conditions for the particular variety you have as they do vary. They should be watered moderately so that the soil does not get soggy or dry out. Fertilizing is not necessary but can be done every few months with diluted liquid fertilizer or compost tea. 

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