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Peperomia caperata

Image of Peperomia caperata

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Piperaceae

Botanical Name

Peperomia caperata

Plant Common Name

Emerald Ripple

General Description

A compact Peperomia long grown as a houseplant, emerald ripple is native to the forests of South America, primarily Brazil. This appealing evergreen foliage plant is valued for its highly textured leaves and easy culture indoors or out.

Emerald ripple has a low-growing growth habit and produces dark green leaves that are heart or oval- shaped with deeply impressed veins giving them a quilted appearance. The foliage is supported by long reddish petioles (leaf stems). Several cultivars offer red, silvery or tri-colored foliage. Minute white flowers packed tightly on slender spikes are produced at the stem tips. Flowering occurs throughout the year on mature plants. Fruits are small and warty.

Peperomias are generally very easy to grow if provided low to moderate light and well-drained soil with some organic matter. Where not hardy, they are prized greenhouse or interiorscape plants. Allow the soil of potted specimens to become somewhat dry between watering. Outside, emerald ripple prefers shaded locations where it will perform as a tropical edging plant or massed as a groundcover. High humidity is required for best growth.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 10

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    11 - 15

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tender Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Shade, Full Shade

  • Height

    6"-8" / 15.2cm - 20.3cm

  • Width

    6"-8" / 15.2cm - 20.3cm

  • Native To

    South America, Brazil

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Cushion/Mound-forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    White

  • Fruit Color

    Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Dark Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Groundcover, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes