Trott column: Cultivate peperomia, the house plant of the year

This article is provided by the National Garden Bureau, which named the peperomia plant its Houseplant of the Year. The National Garden Bureau is at ngb.org .

Peperomia are a diverse group of plants in the pepper family, piperaceae, but not the edible pepper family that gives us green and hot peppers. The peperomia come from the pepper family that provides the pepper spice that gives our food flavor.

It would seem then that peperomia might be edible, but they are not for human or pet consumption.

You can choose from many varieties including bushy types as well as trailing varieties. None of the peperomia get overly large, so they are a nice choice for small spaces. Here are a few varieties to consider.

1. The succulent species P. obtusifolia is easy to grow as it is not the high-light lover that most succulents are. It thrives in a medium light and is forgiving of drying out because of its succulence. Its adaptability makes this peperomia a winner all around and it comes in a variegated form as well.
2. Peperomia argyreia is also called the watermelon peperomia as its leaves resemble a watermelon’s rind.
3. Peperomia caperata or commonly called emerald ripple is also a popular form with its deeply quilted, crinkly leaves.
4. You might not guess that P. incana is a peperomia because it is a silver-leaved, fuzzy form that does prefer more sun and tolerates drying out more than the others.
5. Peperomia polybotrya or raindrop peperomia is often mixed up with the more well-known Pilea peperomioides (friendship plant). It is more succulent, more tolerant of drying out, and does not have perfectly round leaves as the pilea has.
6. Two trailing forms are P. puteolata or parallel peperomia and P. pereskiifolia. Both are easy to grow and make lovely hanging baskets.
7. A resemblance to miniature turtle shells makes the string of turtles or prostrata popular and it is easy to find.

Is it a peperomia?

If you aren’t sure if you are looking at a peperomia, their “rat-tail” inflorescence (group

or cluster of flowers) helps with recognition if they are blooming. The pale, thin, textured inflorescence does resemble a rat’s tail and if the plant is receiving enough light, you will witness its flowers. However, peperomias are not grown for the flowers, but for their amazing foliage.

Peperomia care tips

• The care of peperomias depends on the species or cultivar you choose to grow. All of them are a bit succulent, either in their stems or leaves. The truly succulent types, such as P. incana and P. obtusifolia need to be treated as such. Wait until the potting medium is almost completely dry before watering again.
• The less succulent types including P. argyreia, P. caperata, and P. polybotrya, tread a fine line of wanting to dry out but also not wanting to be kept too wet. Check your plant frequently, using your finger to test the moisture, and water when the medium is dry a couple of inches down into the container.
• A peperomia that is too wet will send you the message loud and clear by dropping its
  leaves because its stems have become mushy at the base. If yellow leaves appear that may be an indicator that you have kept it too moist. You may be able to save it by allowing it to dry out if you notice the yellow leaves soon enough.
• Clay pots will work better for the species of the peperomia as they allow water to escape through the porous pot sides. Some of these Central and South American natives grow as epiphytes which indicates they don’t have extensive root systems.
• Keep them in a snug pot in a fast-draining potting medium for best results. After purchasing a commercial potting medium, add a good amount of perlite and/or orchid bark to the mix. This will allow the water to drain quickly but it will retain enough moisture for the plant to thrive.
• Peperomia in general don’t need a high light situation, including the more succulent varieties. However, if you have a variegated form, the variegation will stay brighter in a higher light situation.
• If you watch the watering routine closely, keep your plant warm (above 50° F), and give it a medium to bright light, you should have a healthy, thriving peperomia in your plant collection.

Once you have one peperomia, the need to have more varieties will come naturally. It is a great group of plants! To learn more about the Year of the Peperomia, visit the National Garden Bureau at ngb.org/year-of-the-peperonia .
Until next time, happy gardening!
Robin Trott is a horticulture educator with University of Minnesota Extension. Contact her at 320-762-3890, or at trot0053@umn.edu.