Peperomia

Though varying considerably in appearance (see gallery below), these species generally have thick, stout stems and fleshy leaves, sometimes with epidermal windows. Peperomia flowers typically come in yellow to brown conical spikes.

These tropical perennials are grown for their ornamental foliage. They are mostly natives of tropical America. They are compact and usually do not exceed 12 inches (30 cm) in height. They vary considerably in appearance. Some have threadlike, trailing stems and some have fleshy, stout stems. The leaves are smooth and fleshy and may be oval with the leafstalk at or near the center of the leaf blade, or they may be heart-shaped or lance-shaped; their size may vary from 1–4 inches (2.5–10.2 cm) long. They may be green or striped, marbled or bordered with pale green, red or gray, and the petioles of some kinds are red. The tiny flowers are unnoticeable and they grow in the form of cordlike spikes. The fruit is a berry that eventually dries out and shows the pepper-like seed.

Peperomias are grown for their ornamental foliage and sometimes for their attractive flowers (Peperomia fraseri). Except for the succulent species, they are generally easy to grow in a greenhouse. Different species (e.g. Peperomia caperata) and cultivars are found in the trade.

These plants are usually propagated by seeds. They are also commercially propagated by cuttings. Peperomia cuttings root easily.

Plants can be divided at potting time. They are removed and separated into smaller pieces, each with a few roots attached. Leaf or stem cuttings can also be taken in the spring or summer. The lower leaves of the shoots are removed and a cut is made below the bottom node (joint). They are then laid on a bench for an hour or two to allow a protective callus tissue to form over the cuts. They are then inserted in a propagating case with bottom heat of 70–75 degrees F. It is best not to seal the top completely, as the plants are semi-succulent in nature and excessive humidity is detrimental. When enough roots have formed, cuttings can be planted in 3-inch pots or in hanging baskets.

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  Peperomia argyreia, watermelon peperomia
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  Peperomia blanda
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  Peperomia camptotricha
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  Peperomia caperata
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  Peperomia caulibarbis
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  Peperomia claviformis
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  Peperomia clusiifolia "Jely"
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  Peperomia columella
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  Peperomia cookiana
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  Peperomia flexicaulis
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  Peperomia fraseri
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  Peperomia galioides
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  Peperomia glabella
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  Peperomia graveolens
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  Peperomia griseoargentea
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  Peperomia hirta
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  Peperomia hoffmannii
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  Peperomia hylophila
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  Peperomia incana, a large herb
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  Peperomia leptostachya
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  Peperomia macrostachya
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  Peperomia magnoliifolia
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  Peperomia meridana
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  Peperomia myrtifolia
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  Peperomia nitida "Variegata"
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  Peperomia nivalis ssp./var. crassa, a xerophyte
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  Peperomia obtusifolia
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  Peperomia obtusifolia
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  Peperomia obtusifolia
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  Peperomia orba "Variegata"
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  Peperomia pellucida
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  Peperomia perciliata
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  Peperomia pereskiifolia
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  Peperomia prostrata, a hanging or creeping succulent
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  Peperomia puteolata
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  Peperomia quadrangularis
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  Peperomia rotundifolia var. rotundifolia
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  Peperomia rubella
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  Peperomia sandersii
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  Peperomia serpens
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  Peperomia sincorana
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  Peperomia tetragona
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  Peperomia tetraphylla
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  Peperomia tetraphylla
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  Peperomia trifolia
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  Peperomia tuisana
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  Peperomia vinasiana
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  Peperomia weberbaueri

• List of Peperomia diseases

• www.peperomia.net
• Chilean Peperomias, by Chileflora

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