Peperomia is a genus of more than 1,000 species in the black pepper family (Piperaceae), according to NC State Extension. The ones grown as houseplants are small, usually 15–30 cm (6–12 in) high and wide. Many have fleshy, semi-succulent leaves that store water. NC State notes the common name “radiator plant” refers to their liking for warm conditions.
They divide into two groups that suit different spots:
- Upright and mounding peperomias for a desk, shelf or windowsill.
- Trailing peperomias for hanging pots and shelf edges.
15 peperomia varieties at a glance
Descriptions are from NC State Extension. Pet status is from the ASPCA.
| Peperomia | Habit | Leaves | Size | Cats and dogs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby rubber plant (P. obtusifolia) | Upright, bushy | Glossy, cupped, dark green; pink-tinged stems | Up to 60 cm (2 ft) | Non-toxic (ASPCA) |
| Emerald ripple (P. caperata) | Upright, bushy | Deeply ridged, heart-shaped, green to burgundy | Up to 20 cm (8 in) | Non-toxic (ASPCA) |
| Watermelon peperomia (P. argyreia) | Upright | Round, striped like a watermelon rind | Up to 20 cm (8 in); slow | Non-toxic (ASPCA) |
| Raindrop peperomia (P. polybotrya) | Upright, compact | Fleshy, bright green, teardrop-shaped | About 30 cm (1 ft) tall and wide | Not listed |
| Red-edged peperomia (P. clusiifolia) | Upright, mounding | Stiff, glossy, deep green with dark red margins | 15–30 cm (6–12 in); slow | Not listed |
| P. albovittata (‘Piccolo Banda’) | Bushy, mounding | Silvery green with dark veins; red stems | Compact | Not listed |
| P. griseoargentea | Upright | Heart-shaped, silvery grey-green; red stems | Small | Not listed |
| P. graveolens ‘Ruby Glow’ | Upright, succulent | V-shaped, green above, red below | Small | Not listed |
| P. ferreyrae | Upright, succulent | Slender, bean-like, bright green; drought tolerant | Small | Not listed |
| P. nivalis | Low | Oval leaves folded like taco shells | Small | Not listed |
| P. metallica | Low, creeping | Glossy chocolate brown with a silver midrib stripe | Small | Not listed |
| String of turtles (P. prostrata) | Trailing | Tiny, round, marbled like turtle shells | Stems to 30 cm (12 in); slow | Not listed |
| Round-leaf peperomia, trailing jade (P. rotundifolia; ‘Hope’) | Trailing, creeping | Small, round, plump, bright green | Slow | Not listed |
| Vining or cupid peperomia (P. serpens) | Trailing, climbing | Glossy, heart-shaped, pothos-like | Stems 30–60 cm (1–2 ft) | Not listed |
| P. tetraphylla | Trailing | Small, round, succulent-like | Small | Not listed |
Upright peperomias
Baby rubber plant (P. obtusifolia) is the most common peperomia and the largest, up to 60 cm (2 ft). NC State notes it tolerates low light for several months without stress, especially plain green forms. Cultivars include:
- ‘Variegata’: glossy green with cream variegation.
- ‘Gold Tip’: marbled leaves with gold at the tips.
- ‘Alba’: creamy young leaves that turn green with age.
- ‘Minima’: compact and dense.
Emerald ripple (P. caperata) has deeply grooved, heart-shaped leaves and stays under 20 cm. NC State lists many colour cultivars:
- Silver: ‘Frost’, ‘Silver’.
- Red to burgundy: ‘Red Ripple’, ‘Red Luna’, ‘Burgundy’, ‘Rosso’.
- Pink to orange: ‘Pink Lady’, ‘Abricos’, ‘Quito’.
- Grey: ‘Burbella’.
Watermelon peperomia (P. argyreia) has round, silver-striped leaves attached at the centre (peltate) and grows slowly. ‘Costa Rica’ has a maroon dimple at the leaf base; ‘Harmony’s Gold Dust’ is speckled gold.
Raindrop peperomia (P. polybotrya) has fleshy, teardrop-shaped leaves and reaches about 30 cm tall and wide. NC State notes it is often confused with Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides). ‘Verdant Flame’ is variegated creamy yellow and green.
Red-edged peperomia (P. clusiifolia) is native to Jamaica and has stiff, glossy leaves edged in red. Cultivars ‘Jelly’ and ‘Ginny’ add pink and cream edges.
Trailing peperomias
String of turtles (P. prostrata), from Ecuador, carries tiny round leaves marbled like turtle shells on stems reaching 30 cm (12 in). It grows slowly. NC State says it tolerates low light but loses leaf colour there. It prefers evenly moist soil but suffers if overwatered. ‘Silver Stripe’ is suggested for terrariums.
Round-leaf peperomia (P. rotundifolia, trailing jade) has small, plump round leaves on creeping stems. NC State calls it ideal for a home or office because of its compact size. It thrives in high humidity but tolerates normal household air. Curling leaves can mean low humidity or dry soil; yellow leaves mean overwatering.
Vining peperomia (P. serpens, sold as P. scandens or cupid peperomia) has glossy, heart-shaped leaves that resemble pothos on light pink stems. It trails 30–60 cm (1–2 ft) and may need a small trellis. ‘Variegata’ has cream-edged leaves.
Care that applies to every peperomia
From NC State Extension and University of Missouri Extension:
- Light: bright, indirect light; most tolerate low light. Missouri recommends medium light and notes peperomias can tolerate poor light for limited periods.
- Water: moist but well-drained. Overwatering is the main problem. It causes yellow leaves and root rot, and Missouri warns it can promote stem rot.
- Temperature: warm, away from cold drafts.
- Humidity: most home humidity is fine; use a humidifier in very dry homes.
- Propagation: leaf cuttings, stem cuttings or division.
- Pests: monitor for mealybugs, spider mites and whiteflies.
Peperomias are among the best small houseplants. See our small indoor plants guide for other compact options, or the peperomia plant hub for common problems.
References
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Peperomia (genus), P. obtusifolia, P. caperata, P. argyreia, P. polybotrya, P. clusiifolia, P. prostrata, P. rotundifolia, P. serpens
- University of Missouri Extension, D. H. Trinklein (rev. 2016): Lighting Indoor Houseplants, G6515
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Baby Rubber Plant, Emerald Ripple Peperomia, Watermelon Peperomia