Peperomia, Genus, caperata, Species, 'Rosso', Cultivar,
- Genus & species
- Cultivar
Rosso peperomia
Tropical Central and South America (species)
SunPart Shade
Waterlow
Overview
Peperomia caperata 'Rosso' is a corrugated peperomia with red undersides, growing 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) tall and 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) wide. Deeply corrugated (pleated/ridged) lance-shaped to ovate leaves 1.5–2.5 inches (4–6 cm) long arranged in a compact rosette. Upper leaf surfaces are dark green in the valleys between the corrugations with a metallic sheen on the ridges; undersides are deep red-burgundy — the two-toned effect is visible when the leaves curve or when viewed from the side. In the pepper family (Piperaceae), related to black pepper (Piper nigrum). Rat-tail flower spikes 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) — narrow, upright, pale green to reddish spikes that resemble a rat tail — produced sporadically. Non-toxic to cats and dogs. Native to tropical Central and South America (the species). Semi-succulent leaves store some moisture — more drought-tolerant than many tropical houseplants but will wilt if soil dries completely. Overwatering is the primary cause of death — the stems and crown rot rapidly in saturated soil. Allow the top half of the soil to dry between waterings. Bright indirect light (150–400 foot-candles). Well-draining peat-perlite mix. Humidity above 40%. Compact size suits desks, shelves, and terrariums. Mealybugs in leaf crevices are the primary pest. Growth rate is slow.
Native Range
Native to tropical Central and South America. The species P. caperata is found in Brazil. The cultivar 'Rosso' was selected for the contrasting red undersides.Suggested Uses
Grown in containers of 0.5–1 gallon (2–4 liters) on desks, shelves, and in terrariums. The compact size and non-toxic status suit small spaces and households with pets.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 10"
Width/Spread8" - 1'
Bloom Information
Narrow rat-tail flower spikes 2–3 inches (5–7 cm), pale green to reddish, produced sporadically throughout the year. The corrugated bicolor foliage persists year-round.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Green to reddish, rat-tail spikeFoliage Description
Dark green upper surface with deep corrugation; deep red-burgundy undersidesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Needs bright indirect light. Keep it out of direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
• Bright indirect light: a bright spot near a window, with no direct sun on the leaves
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Bright indirect light (150–400 foot-candles). Allow the top half of soil to dry between waterings — overwatering causes crown and stem rot (the primary cause of death). Well-draining peat-perlite mix. Humidity above 40%. Non-toxic to cats and dogs. Mealybugs in corrugated leaf crevices.Pruning
Remove spent flower spikes at the base. Remove damaged or rotted leaves at the petiole. No routine pruning needed — the compact rosette form is self-maintaining.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
