©Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Family
Piperaceae
Botanical Name
Peperomia
Plant Common Name
Peperomia
General Description
A very large genus, Peperomia is made up of more than 1000 species. They are herbaceous annuals or perennials and many are epiphytes, which means they grow on trees or logs. These interesting plants are naturally distributed across the subtropical and tropical regions of the world, particularly North and South America, with a few species found in Africa and southern Asia. They occur in a wide variety of climates from dry, nearly desert-like, conditions to cloud and rain forests. Peperomias are popular house plants due to their attractively patterned leaves and tolerance to low light levels. In frost-free zones they are favored as landscape ornamentals.
These generally succulent, tender plants tend to have fleshy leaves and stout stems. They may be climbing, spreading or pendulous and vary considerably in form and look. The leaves are arranged opposite each other or in a whorl around the stem. They are variously shaped and their surfaces are smooth, fuzzy or dotted with glands. Some species have deeply quilted leaves with prominent veins. Leaf color may be light or deep green with variegated markings of white, cream, yellow, pink or red. Leaf windows, which are translucent areas on leaf surfaces that allow light penetration, occur in some species.
Also known as radiator plants, the flowers of Peperomia are minute and packed tightly on slender or cone-shaped spikes. The spikes occur at the stem tips or from stems along the leaf joints. They are produced at a various times of the year. Fruits are small and often have a warty surface.
Culture and hardiness vary by species and variety, but overall peperomias are very easy to grow. They are cold sensitive and require well-drained soil with some organic matter. Where not hardy they are prized greenhouse and interiorscape specimens. Some are somewhat drought tolerant once established. Allow the soil of potted specimens to become somewhat dry between watering. Outside, most peperomias prefer partial or full shade and as interior specimens they need moderate to low light for good performance. High ambient humidity is required for most species.
Plant Peperomia in containers or interior landscapes. Epiphytes look great on plant poles or trees. Several species are grown as tropical groundcovers.
