Peperomia Plants – Baskets or Pots

Large group of succulent-like tropical plants, many with long, branching stems that arch gracefully over the edge of pot, hanging basket, or planter garden. You may consider their miniature cattail flower spikes decorative or not. Peperomias are most often used as foliage plants, and should not be overlooked in the search for something different in table-top compositions.

These plants are easy to grow in the house. They like warmth, but do not need high humidity. They like light, but do not need sun. They resent overwatering and will rot off at the base. Let the soil dry completely between waterings.

Leaf cuttings either with or without a piece of stem attached will make small new plants. Stem cuttings root readily. And many creeping and trailing varieties will root wherever the stem touches soil.

This list does not include all available peperomias, by any means. There are some beauties of stiff, upright habit. These are the dangling and spreading varieties, with a wide variety of foliage design.

Peperomia cubensis (rotundifolia, ‘Yerba Linda’)–Branching, red-tinged stems with pointed-oval, gay green leaves divided by precise indented veins. The variegated form is dashingly splashed with creamy white.

Peperomia fosteri – Deep, dull-green pointed leaves with lighter veins; branches low and spreading.

Peperomia glabella – Glossy gray-green leaves tapering to a point, on lax, thin stems. The variegated version sports a white border.

Peperomia obtusifolia – pepper face – Popular florist and dish-garden plant with thick, cupped leaves. This plant evidently sports freely, because variegated, miniature, variegated miniature, albino, white-edged, and ‘Gold Tip’ varieties are available.

Peperomia prostrata – Tiniest trailer or creeper with threadlike stems stringing together perfect little blue button leaves, etched with a pattern of silver. This one may be reluctant to move about, takes a while to adjust to any new quarters.

Peperomia quadrangularis – Low creeper with dull bronze-green leaves indented with yellowish veins.

Peperomia scandens – Sturdy trailer with glossy green, heart-shaped leaves.

Peperomia trinervis – Creeper or trailer with small pointed leaves marked deeply with parallel veins.

Peperomia ‘Ginny”

Peperomia ‘Ginny’ also known as ‘Tricolor’ or ‘Rainbow,’ is a popular houseplant and a very tender perennial. It has a thick stem and leaves with green, cream & red color. ‘Ginny’ also has a slender spikes of tiny white flowers that occurs throughout the year on mature plants.

As with most Peperomias, ‘Ginny’, generally, is easy to grow and can add color to your garden. It is best in containers because of its large leaves and upright growth habit. Peperomia ‘Ginny’ can also be used as a groundcover with its ability to tolerate heat or shade.

Family: Piperaceae

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