Peperomia spp.
radiator plants
Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with the greatest diversity in Central and South America
Overview
Peperomia spp. is a genus of more than 1,500 species of small evergreen perennials in the pepper family (Piperaceae), the radiator plants, native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Most grow 4 to 12 in (10 to 30 cm) tall as compact, slow-growing plants with thick, semi-succulent leaves that store water and let many species tolerate dry indoor air. Leaf shape and color vary widely across the genus, from round and flat to heart-shaped, rippled, or near-spherical, in plain green, silver-striped, red-backed, or cream-variegated forms. In the wild many are epiphytes, rooting in bark and leaf litter rather than soil. The flowers are tiny and crowded onto slender greenish-white spikes 1 to 4 in (2.5 to 10 cm) long that rise like thin tails above the foliage, without petals or showy parts. Peperomia spp. is not frost-hardy and grows outdoors only in frost-free climates of USDA zones 10 to 12, but its small size and tolerance of low light have made it a widely kept houseplant. The genus is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Native Range
Peperomia spp. is native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, reaching its greatest diversity in Central and South America, with further species in Africa, southern Asia, and the Pacific. A few species are native to warm parts of North America, including Florida and Mexico.Suggested Uses
Peperomia spp. is grown as a small foliage houseplant for desks, shelves, terrariums, and dish gardens. The trailing species are planted in hanging pots, and the upright kinds suit small containers among other houseplants. In frost-free climates it is grown outdoors as a shaded groundcover or in epiphyte and bark plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Bloom Information
Thin greenish-white flower spikes appear mainly in spring and summer, though indoor plants in steady warmth can produce them at other times. Each spike is 1 to 4 in (2.5 to 10 cm) long and crowded with minute petalless flowers. The spikes last several weeks before drying.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
green, often with silver, red, or cream markingsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Peperomia spp. grows in bright, indirect light in a loose, free-draining potting mix at a pH of about 6.0 to 7.0. The semi-succulent leaves store water, so the mix is allowed to dry partway down between waterings, and soggy soil leads to root and stem rot. Warmth above 60 F (16 C) and moderate humidity suit the genus, while cold and wet conditions cause leaves to drop. Light feeding once or twice in spring and summer is enough for these slow growers. Direct sun bleaches and scorches the leaves, and very low light thins the growth and fades variegation. Few pests appear indoors, though mealybugs and fungus gnats can follow overwatering.Pruning
Peperomia spp. needs little pruning. Pinching the stem tips keeps trailing and upright forms bushy and removes legginess in low light. Spent flower spikes and any yellowed leaves can be removed at the base at any time.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons