ZOILO Z. AMA, JR.

Master of Science in Agriculture

Crop Science
• Peperomias have long been favorite indoor
houseplants due to their adaptability to the
atmosphere of the house as well as their attractive
foliage and compact growth habit.
• It is a perennial related to pepper plants, comes
from a large South American family.
• The name alone means “the plant related to the
pepper.”
• Their succulent, heart-shaped leaves distinguish
peperomia plants them from other small potted
table top houseplants.
 ripple Peperomia

parallel Peperomia Watermelon Peperomia

 Peperomia "Puteolata"

Peperomia"Watermelon"

Peperomia "Polybotrya"
Peperomia"Fraserii"

Peperomia "Graveolens"

Peperomia "Prostrata"
Size and Growth

Generally, any of the 1,000 – relatively slow growing –

peperomias along with many cultivars will only achieve an
overall maximum height of 10-12 inches high.
Some varieties of Peperomia make good hanging plant
specimens.

Flowering and Fragrance

The long flower spikes are covered closely with very tiny
flowers have no scent.
Light and Temperature

These plants are easy to grow in the house. They like

warmth, but do not need high humidity. They like bright
light, but do not need direct sunlight. In fact, peperomia
obtusifolia makes a good ground cover in shade.

Peperomias do not like deep shade or strong sunlight

Watering and Nutrition
Do not over-water these plants. Watering every 7 – 10
days should be enough, depending on time of year and
temperature.

Peperomias should be watered sparingly from below

using soft water, avoiding wetting the crown of the
plant. In warm climates Peperomias can be grown
outside as ground cover or as epiphytes on tree trunks,
but beware of slugs and snails that enjoy the succulent
foliage.
Soil and Transplanting
Generally, peperomias do not need repotting. In fact,
they do better under potted than over potted.

However, repot when the plant becomes too large for

its pot. When repotting, use a well-draining soil (50%
peat moss /50% perlite).

Grooming
At any time of the year, if the plant gets scraggly or out
of hand, it may require pruning.
Peperomia plant leaves, growth and foliage comes in
many forms that are:

• A single solid color

• Shiny
• Fleshy
• Variegated
• Smooth
• Crinkled
• Small pale green
• Reddish foliage and stems
• Oblong
• Round
• Corrugated
• Trailing
• Erect
Propagating Peperomia
• Peperomia propagation is as easy as taking a few tip, leaf or stem
cuttings. Using a very light rooting media and dipping the ends in
a rooting powder, tips and leaves root quickly.

• Learning to root peperomia cuttings will help keep plants in

shape. They can, become straggly and “wild” over time.

Soil For Rooting

• Soil plays an important role in rooting peperomia. Since most
peperomia plants have small root systems, making them excellent
candidates for dish gardens, use a well-drained soil that gets lots
of air.

• A soil mix like a 50/50 mix of peatmoss & perlite, is simple and
reliable for rooting and growing peperomias.
Peperomia Pest & Problems
• Peperomias belong to a unique group of plants which have few
pests or diseases attacking them. Their greatest enemy is
probably neglect.

• However, peperomias do have a few maladies.