We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Peperomia?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,023
Share

Peperomia is a large genus of flowering epiphytic plants native to the global tropics and subtropics. Several species are cultivated ornamentally and make suitable houseplants. These plants are usually grown for their lush and sometimes colorful foliage, although a few produce distinctive and visually interesting flowers. Nurseries may carry Peperomia plants or seeds and it is also possible to propagate them with cuttings taken from mature plants.

Members of this genus, comprising over 1,000 known species, tend to be very compact in size. They are adapted for the filtered light found under the forest canopy in tropical and subtropical regions, and like other epiphytic plants, they grow in the canopy itself, rather than on the ground. The foliage varies, depending on the species, but tends to be fleshy. It can be ridged, smooth, variegated, or hairy, and flowers are produced in small spikes nestled into the foliage.

Once flowering is over, the foliage dies back and the plant stores energy in its tubers. After a period of dormancy, it will become active again and will start putting out new leaves and shoots. Peperomia is a perennial and should return year after year, unless conditions are poor and the plant fails to survive its dormant period. Thriving plants can be divided during dormancy and repotted. Divisions can also be traded or given away; gardening websites sometimes have an area for people to post information about wanted and available plants, allowing people to meet up with each other to exchange.

People interested in growing these plants will need a warm, humid area of the house with filtered to indirect light. A growth medium designed for epiphytic plants is recommended, as these plants need very light, well-drained soil conditions in order to thrive. When watering, it is important to avoid wetting the crown of the Peperomia plant, as it can be subject to rot, and the roots should not be allowed to sit in standing water or wet soil, as they will also rot if they are kept wet.

As ornamental houseplants, Peperomia species can be a colorful and visually interesting addition to the house, with a number of different species to choose from. They can also be grown in terrariums, greenhouses, atriums, and other spaces where conditions are humid and warm. People living in tropical and subtropical regions can cultivate these plants outdoors, selecting an area of the garden with conditions similar to those found in their native habitat.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-peperomia.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.