Peperomia plants, also known as radiator plants, are beloved for their attractive foliage and easy care. Native to South America, these tropical plants come in various species and offer a wide range of leaf shapes, colors, and textures. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner, caring for peperomia plants is a rewarding experience. In this article, we’ll explore the essential steps and tips to help you grow stunning peperomia specimens in your home.
Have you seen these types of Peperomias?
Peperomia plants belong to the Peperomia genus, which encompasses a diverse collection of Peperomia species. Some popular Peperomia houseplants include:

Watermelon peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) with its striking silver and green striped leaves.

Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) known for its thick, fleshy succulent-like leaves.

Emerald ripple peperomia (Peperomia caperata) which has a ripple texture to its leaves.

Peperomia columella is a succulent-like variety with long thin stalks covered in tiny leaves.

Cupid peperomia (Peperomia scandens) has a cultivar with dark green leaves and another that is variegated. Both have heart-shaped leaves hence the name ‘Cupid’.

String of turtles (Peperomia prostrata) a popular indoor trailing plant. Yes, you guessed correctly, the leaves look like tiny turtle shells.

Peperomia graveolens has curved oval leaves that are pink underneath and green on top.

Peperomia ferreyrae is an unusual variety that has long thin succulent leaves.

Frost peperomia (Peperomia orba ‘Frost’) has glittery silver leaves that look like they’re dusted with a fine layer of frost.
Each species of peperomia has its own unique charm, making it a delightful addition to any indoor plant collection.
How to take care of a peperomia plant
Selecting the right environment
When it comes to peperomia care, providing the right environment is crucial for their well-being. These plants thrive in bright indirect light. If they are near an east-facing window some early morning direct sun will be ok as long as they get indirect sunlight for the rest of the day. However a west-facing window that gets a lot of afternoon sun could be too intense and scorch the leaves. If this is the case, move your plant further away from the window so that it doesn’t get as much direct sunlight. Peperomias can also tolerate low light conditions, which makes them suitable for small spaces or rooms with limited sunlight.
Indoor plants prefer room temperatures between 65 °F and 75 °F (18 °C-24 °C) during their growing season. While they can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures during the winter months, it’s best to keep them away from cold drafts to prevent damage.
High humidity levels are beneficial for most peperomia plants, so consider placing them near a humidifier or creating a pebble tray filled with water underneath the pot. Try to maintain a relative humidity level above 45% RH. If your peperomia has thick fleshy succulent leaves it can tolerate lower humidity. Flat thin leaves mean that it likes a humidity level a little higher, so aim for over 50% RH.
Potting and Soil
Selecting the right pot and soil is essential for the healthy growth of your peperomia plants. Peperomia plants prefer a chunky well-draining soil, so a mix of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark is a good option. This mixture allows excess water to drain away, preventing the roots from becoming waterlogged. Most other indoor-plant potting mixes that are available commercially will be perfectly fine as well. The succulent-like peperomias (P. ferreyrae, P. graveolens, and P. columella) are also suitable for a cactus or succulent potting mix.
Choose a pot with a drainage hole to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom and saturating the soil. Pots should be on the smallish side as most peperomia grow slowly and don’t mind being root bound. You don’t need to re-pot them very often, although they’ll appreciate new potting mix every 2-3 years.
Some varieties, such as Peperomia obtusifolia, are ideal for growing in vertical gardens. Research has shown that their growth is just as lush when grown this way and their small root ball and low growth rate make them perfect for this style of planting.



Watering Techniques
When it comes to watering peperomia plants, striking the right balance is key. Overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal diseases, while underwatering can result in dry, wilted leaves. If your peperomia is wilting and has leaf drop then its most likely getting too much water.
During the summer months, when peperomia plants are actively growing, they may require more frequent watering. However, in the winter, when their growth slows down, don’t water as often. This is to prevent waterlogging the soil which stops the roots getting access to air.
You can also be guided by how much light the plant is getting. The more light your peperomia gets, the more frequently it needs to be watered. If your plant only gets a little light it won’t need as much water as one that gets bright light because it isn’t producing as much energy.
As a general rule, allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Stick your finger into the soil to gauge its moisture level. If it feels dry, it’s time to water your peperomia. Remember, it’s always better to under water than to over water your peperomia plants.
Fertilization
Peperomia plants are not heavy feeders, but they still benefit from occasional fertilization. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength and apply it every two to three months during the growing season. Be cautious not to overfertilize, as it can cause leaf burn and other adverse effects. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for proper usage.
If you want to get technical, a liquid fertilizer with NPK ratio 5-2-4 that is applied until water runs drains from the plant has been shown to provide optimal growth for some Peperomia species grown for commercial production.
If you are growing peperomia hydroponically in a vertical garden then the optimal fertilizer blend is:
- calcium nitrate tetrahydrate Ca(NO3)2.4H2O 236.3 mg/L
- potassium nitrate KNO3 151.8 mg/L
- ammonium dihydrogen phosphate NH4H2PO4 28.8 mg/L and
- magnesium sulfate heptahydrate MgSO4.7H2O 123.3mg/L.
Pruning
Pruning your peperomia plants helps maintain their shape and encourages new growth. If you notice leggy stems or excessive growth, trim them back to promote bushier growth. Leggy growth can also be a sign that your plant isn’t getting enough light and is stretching out to try to find brighter light. Move it to a brighter location or supplement with a grow light.

Propagation
Peperomia plants can be easily propagated, allowing you to expand your collection or share plants with friends. The two common methods of propagation for peperomia plants are leaf cuttings and stem cuttings.
Leaf cuttings

Leaf cuttings are a popular way to propagate peperomias. Select a healthy leaf from the mother plant and gently remove it by making a clean cut near the leaf’s base. Ensure that the leaf has a portion of the stem attached to it.
Allow the cut end to callus over for a day or two to prevent rotting, then place the leaf cutting in a pot with a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil lightly moist and provide it with bright indirect light.
In a few months, new growth should emerge from the base of the leaf, indicating successful propagation.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are another effective method for propagating peperomia plants. Choose a healthy stem and cut it just below a leaf node, which is where the leaf meets the stem. Remove any leaves from the lower portion of the stem, leaving only a few at the top. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone, if desired, to encourage root development. Plant the cutting in a pot with a well-draining soil mix, burying the lower portion of the stem in the soil. Maintain moist soil and provide bright indirect light. Over time, the cutting will develop roots and start producing new growth.
Remember to be patient during the propagation process, as it can take several weeks or even months for the new plants to establish roots and grow into healthy specimens. Keep the soil lightly moist and provide them with a warm and humid environment to enhance their chances of success.
You can also propagate Peperomia by division. Watch a demonstration of how to do it below.
For detailed propagation instructions see our article on propagating raindrop peperomia. These techniques will work for all Peperomia species.
Peperomia pests
Spider mites are one of the common pests that can infest peperomia plants, causing yellowing leaves and webbing. If you notice signs of infestation, isolate the affected plant and treat it with an appropriate insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Aphids are another pest that you may find likes your Peperomia. Depending on the strength and size of your plant, you can squirt them away with a spray of water, crush them with your fingers (cover them with a tissue first if you are a bit squeamish), or use an insecticide.
Mealy bugs are tiny white fluffy wisps that appear mostly on the underside of leaves or in the crevices between leaves and stems. Remove these by wiping them with a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol or methylated spirits.
Peperomia plant diseases
Peperomia varieties are susceptible to the cucumber mosaic virus. Infected plants develop chlorotic (dark green) and necrotic (brown or black) ringspots, yellow leaves and stunted growth. The tomato spotted wilt virus causes leaf mottle and yellowing followed by vein clearing. Impatiens necrotic spot virus is another that may infect Peperomia leaves.
Viruses are transmitted by sap transmission, which is why it is critical that you disinfect your pruning shears after each plant you prune. The other transmission method is from insects, so regular inspection and prompt treatment of any aphids, mites, fungus gnats or other insects will help to protect your plants from viral infections.
If your plant has a leaf spot disease cut off all affected foliage and place it in the bin. Soak your pruning shears or scissors in a disinfectant solution straight away. Make sure that the infected plant is kept in a different room to all other plants in your home until it recovers. Be prepared that you may need to discard the plant and get a new one as it is very difficult to treat viral infections.
Fungal diseases, such as root rot and leaf spot, can occur if the plants are exposed to excess moisture or poor air circulation. To prevent these issues, ensure good drainage in the pots and avoid overwatering. If you notice brown spots or other signs of fungal disease, remove the affected leaves and adjust your watering practices. Fungicides may be necessary in severe cases, but it’s best to consult with a local gardening expert or conduct further research to determine the appropriate treatment. Potential causes of fungal infections in Peperomia are Pythium (stem and root rot), botrytis blight, Myrothecium roridum (leaf and stem rot), and Sclerotium rolfsii (basal stem rot).



Conclusion
Peperomia plants are delightful additions to any indoor plant collection, offering a wide range of leaf shapes, colors, and textures. With their easy-care nature and unique characteristics, they are an excellent choice for both experienced plant enthusiasts and beginners. By providing the right environment, proper watering, occasional fertilization, and timely pruning, you can enjoy the beauty of stunning peperomia specimens in your home.
Remember to consider the specific needs of different varieties of peperomia, as they may vary slightly in terms of light requirements, water preferences, and growth habits. As with any plant care advice, it’s always a good idea to research specific species and consult local experts for region-specific guidance.
So, go ahead and explore the fascinating world of peperomia plants. With their low-maintenance nature and unique characteristics, they are sure to bring joy and beauty to your indoor spaces for a long time to come. Happy gardening!

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References
Agueda Cúndom, M., Gutiérrez, S. A., & Cabrera, M. G. (2013). Occurrence of Sclerotium rolfsii causing collar rot to Peperomia glabella in Argentina. Summa Phytopathologica, 39, 142-142.
Elmhirst, J. (2022). Canadian plant disease survey 2022 volume 102: disease highlights 2021. Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology, 44(sup1), S1-S187.
El-Sayed, B. A., Shahin, S. M., & Abdel-Moniem, A. M. (2015). Response of Peperomia obtusifolia (L.) A. Dietr cv. variegata plant to some fertilization treatments. Scientific Journal of Flowers and Ornamental Plants, 2(1), 127-134.
Flasinski, S., Scott, S. W., Barnett, O. W., & Sun, C. (1995). Diseases of Peperomia, Impatiens, and Hibbertia caused by cucumber mosaic virus. Plant Disease, 79(8), 843-848.
Liu, H., Ma, J., Li, X., Zhang, X., & Zhao, L. (2012). Effects of different nutrient solution and concentration on Peperomia tetraphylla. Guizhou Agricultural Sciences, (12), 44-46.
Sastry, K. S., Mandal, B., Hammond, J., Scott, S. W., Briddon, R. W., Sastry, K. S., … & Briddon, R. W. (2019). Peperomia spp. Encyclopedia of Plant Viruses and Viroids, 1771-1773.
Shen, G. W. H., & Seeley, J. G. (1983). The effect of shading and nutrient supply on variegation and nutrient content of variegated cultivars of Peperomia obtusifolia. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, 108(3), 429-433.
Sukcharoen, P., Pichakum, N., & Menakanit, A. (2014). Growth of 5 ground covers for vertical garden. In 52. Kasetsart University Annual Conference, Bangkok (Thailand), 4-7 Feb 2014.
Yoon, J. Y., Choi, G. S., Kwon, S. J., & Cho, I. S. (2019). First report of Tomato spotted wilt virus infecting Peperomia obtusifolia in South Korea. Plant Disease, 103(3), 593-593. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-07-18-1209-PDN
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