A perfect plant for beginners...
The Peperomia plant is a real winner from every angle. It's a smart choice for beginner houseplant lovers, as well as being a collector plant for more advanced indoor gardeners. Not only are peperomia forgiving plants that tolerate a bit of neglect, you'll love them for their unusual foliage that varies in shape and texture. Choose from heart-shape to elongated teardrop-shape; deeply waffled to smooth and waxy textures and leaf colors from gray to green to purple-red. All peperomia varieties require approximately the same care: Low to medium light; normal room temperatures and to be kept slightly on the dry side to prevent root rot.
With special features like these, we can see why 2022 was declared the 'Year of the Peperomia' by the National Garden Bureau. Would you like to give one or two of these winners a try?
1. The Parallel Peperomia (Peperomia puteolata) has small oval leaves patterned in dark green and white stripes that look similar to the rind of a watermelon. The stems have a 'reddish' color. It's a low maintenance indoor plant...perfect for beginners. Native to South America, it thrives in bright light, humidity, warm temps and good drainage. Place on a windowsill or like other peperomias, this plant also grows well in a terrarium.
2. The Radiator Plant (Peperomia cubensis) is one of those easy-care plants that just always looks good! It's emerald green, plump foliage will trail over a container in no time. Low to medium light is best. Looks great in a hanging basket.
3. The 'Emerald' or 'Red Ripple' (pictured) Peperomia (Peperomia caperata) Also know as the Radiator Plant, the leaves are an oval green or silvery gray/red. The foliage is deeply puckered and reflect the light giving this peperomia variety an eye-catching appearance. With a mature height up to 18", it is a good plant for table tops and desktops. Thrives with indirect light, occasional watering and some misting.
4. The Variegated Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia 'Variegata') is a succulent-like variety of Peperomia, originally found in the rainforests of South America. This plant is cherished for its thick, upright stems and glossy leaves-- where it stores water. The succulent-like leaves of the Baby Rubber Plant are typically oval and dark green but the 'Variegata' has white or yellow marbling on the leaves (pictured).