About
Peperomia caperata, the emerald ripple pepper, is an evergreen, mound-forming perennial to 20 cm with thick, puckered, heart-shaped, dark-green leaves to 5 cm across held on long, succulent stalks. From spring to autumn it produces upright, club-shaped spikes of tiny, greenish-white flowers. An ideal, easy-care plant for a terrarium or bottle garden.
About the genus
Peperomia are evergreen perennials with simple, often succulent leaves and very small, greenish-white flowers borne in slender spikes or panicles. One of the largest plant genera, with enormous diversity in leaf form, texture and colour � popular and easy-care houseplants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toBrazil
Care notes
CultivationGrow in houseplant compost in bright indirect light while in growth, moving into full light in winter. Water moderately in summer, sparingly in winter, preferably with tepid, soft water. From spring to summer mist daily to maintain moderate to high humidity; apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Pull off spent flowers. See Peperomia and houseplant cultivation for further information. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed at 19-24°C when ripe; take leaf stalk or leaf blade cuttings in spring and summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds