There are over 1,000 species of Peperomia plants, many of which are popular houseplants. The Peperomia genus is one of the largest genera of the larger Piperaceae family (also known as the pepper family), and are commonly referred to as radiator plants and baby rubber plants.
Peperomia make ideal houseplants since they do well in a range of lighting conditions and can tolerate infrequent watering. Their unique and varied foliage make these plants popular choices for houseplant lovers and novices alike. Pet owners will be happy to know that Peperomia plants are great pet-friendly houseplants that are considered non-toxic if ingested1. Here are 33 types of Peperomia that you can grow at home.
Baby Rubber Plant
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One of the most popular and widely available types of Peperomia for indoor growing is the Peperomia obtusifolia, commonly known as the baby rubber plant. It is characterized by an upright growing habit and round, glossy green leaves. Cultivators of the baby rubber plant with variegated foliage are also widely available.
Name: Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)Light: Bright, indirect lightWater: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dryLeaf Color: Dark green (cultivators may have yellow, white, and green variegation)Mature Size: 12 in. tall, 6 in. wide
String of Turtles
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Another popular and well-known species of Peperomia is Peperomia prostrata, commonly known as the string of turtles. This adorable trailing plant is characterized by small, succulent-like leaves that are patterned with light and dark green resembling turtle shells.
Name: String of turtles (Peperomia prostrata)Light: Bright, indirect lightWater: Let the soil dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Dark green with light green variegationMature Size: 12 in. long, 4 in. wide
Trailing Jade
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Peperomia rotundifolia, commonly known as trailing jade, round leaf peperomia, and jade necklace, is characterized by a trailing growth habit with small round leaves and bushy foliage. It does best in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low light if needed. Ensure the soil dries out between waterings to prevent overwatering.
Name: Trailing Jade (Peperonia rotundifolia)Light: Bright, indirect lightWater: Allow the soil to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Medium greenMature Size: 12 in. long, 5-6 in. wide
Watermelon Peperomia
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Watermelon Peperomia is prized for its unique foliage that resembles tiny watermelons. It can be differentiated from other similar-looking types of Peperomia (like the Peperomia verschaffeltii aka ‘mini watermelon Peperomia’) by its wide teardrop-shaped leaves.
Name: Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia)Light: Bright to medium indirect lightWater: Allow the soil to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Light green with dark green veiningMature Size: 6-12 in. tall, 6-12 in. wide
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Peperomia Hope
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The Peperomia tetraphylla, commonly known as Peperomia Hope, is a hybrid of the Peperomia deppeana and Peperomia quadrifolia and is a popular choice among houseplant lovers. It’s characterized by round, succulent-like green leaves that grow in clumps of three or four along a thick stem.
Name: Peperomia Hope (Peperomia tetraphylla)Light: Bright, indirect lightWater: Allow the soil to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: GreenMature Size: 12 in. long, 8 in. wide
Ripple Peperomia
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Peperomias are known for their unique foliage and no species embodies this quite like the Peperomia caperata, commonly known as the Ripple Peperomia. This Peperomia is characterized by small, heart-shaped dark green leaves that are deeply ridged. It has a mounding growth habit and stays relatively small, rarely growing larger than 8 inches tall. Due to its popularity, several cultivators of the Ripple Peperomia have been introduced and are now widely available.
Name: Ripple Peperomia (Peperomia caperata)Light: Tolerates bright, indirect light to low lightWater: Allow the top 2-3 inches to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Dark greenMature Size: 8 in. tall, 8 in. wide
Silver Ripple Peperomia
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The Silver Ripple Peperomia (Peperomia caperata ‘Silver’) is a popular Peperomia caperata variety that is known for its characteristic heart-shaped leaves, light silvery-green color, and deeply ridged texture. It does best in bright, indirect light although it can also tolerate low light conditions.
Name: Silver Ripple Peperomia (Peperomia caperata ‘Silver’)Light: Tolerates bright, indirect light to low lightWater: Allow the top 2-3 inches to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Light silvery greenMature Size: 8 in. tall, 8 in. wide
Luna Red Peperomia
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Add some color to your home with the Peperomia caperata ‘Luna Red’. This Peperomia caperata cultivator is known for its dark, purplish-red foliage. In order to maintain its striking color this Peperomia does best with plenty of bright, indirect light. The Luna Red Peperomia was awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Name: Luna Red Peperomia (Peperomia caperata ‘Luna Red’)Light: Bright indirect lightWater: Allow the top 2-3 inches to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Dark purplish-redMature Size: 8 in. tall, 8 in. wide
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Peperomia Rosso
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Perhaps one of the most popular and unique varieties of Peperomia caperata is the Peperomia Rosso (Peperomia caperata ‘Rosso’). It has deeply grooved dark green foliage with striking red undersides. Compared to other Peperomia caperata varieties, its leaves are much longer and pointier, which can help distinguish it.
Name: Peperomia Rosso (Peperomia caperata ‘Rosso’)Light: Tolerates bright, indirect light to low lightWater: Allow the top 2-3 inches to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Dark green with red undersidesMature Size: 8 in. tall, 8 in. wide
Peperomia Mendoza
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The Peperomia Mendoza is a cross between the Peperomia caperata ‘Theresa’ and Peperomia Rosso (Peperomia caperata ‘Rosso’). It has the Rosso’s characteristic leaf shape and burgundy undersides along with the Theresa’s silvery coloring.
Name: Peperomia Mendoza (Peperomia caperata ‘Mendoza’)Light: Bright indirect lightWater: Allow the top 2-3 inches to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Silvery green with light green veins and burgundy undersidesMature Size: 8 in. tall, 8 in. wide
Peperomia Abricos
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If you are looking for a uniquely variegated houseplant look no further than the Peperomia abricos (Peperomia caperata ‘Abricos’). This Peperomia caperata cultivator is characterized by dark green leaves that are edged in shades of pink, red, and orange. It is popular among houseplant collectors and enthusiasts, although it is relatively uncommon and can be difficult to get your hands on.
Name: Peperomia Abricos (Peperomia caperata ‘Abricos’)Light: Bright indirect lightWater: Allow the top 2-3 inches to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Dark green with red, pink, and orange-rimmed leavesMature Size: 8 in. tall, 8 in. wide
Peperomia Frost
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Another popular variety of Peperomia caperata is the Peperomia Frost (Peperomia caperata ‘Frost’). It can be distinguished from other types of Peperomia caperata by its leaf size and color. Its leaves are slightly smaller than many of its close relatives and less rounded too. It is known for its light silvery green colored foliage that looks shimmery in certain light conditions.
Name: Peperomia Frost (Peperomia caperata ‘Frost’)Light: Tolerates bright, indirect light to low lightWater: Allow the top 2-3 inches to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Light silvery greenMature Size: 8 in. tall, 8 in. wide.
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Variegated Peperomia
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Variegated plants are all the rage right now so it’s no surprise that the variegated Peperomia (Peperomia caperata ‘Variegata’ ) is popular among houseplant lovers. This variegated Peperomia is characterized by deeply ridged green leaves with shades of white and cream variegation.
Name: Variegated Peperomia (Peperomia caperata ‘Variegata’)Light: Bright indirect lightWater: Allow the top 2-3 inches to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Green with shades of cream and yellow variegationMature Size: 8 in. tall, 8 in. wid
Peperomia Pixie Lime
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The Peperomia orba, also commonly known as the Peperomia Pixie Lime, is a small Peperomia variety known for its light green teardrop-shaped leaves and compact growth habit. It does best with plenty of bright indirect light but can tolerate low light as well.
Name: Peperomia Pixie Lime (Peperomia orba)Light: Tolerates bright, indirect light to low lightWater: Allow soil to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Light greenMature Size: 6 in. tall, 6-12 in. wide
Raindrop Peperomia
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Commonly confused with its cousin, the Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides), the Raindrop Peperomia (Peperomia polybotrya) is known for its flat, heart-shaped leaves. Compared to the Chinese money plant whose foliage is completely round, this Peperomia’s leaves are pointed at the tips like a raindrop.
Name: Raindrop Peperomia (Peperomia polybotrya)Light: Low light to bright indirect lightWater: Allow the soil to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: GreenMature Size: 12 to 15 in. tall
Pincushion Peperomia
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Perhaps among the most unique types of Peperomia in form, Peperomia ferreyrae, also commonly known as the Pincushion Peperomia or Happy Bean Succulent, is a semi-succulent plant with interesting peapod-shaped leaves. Like most succulents, this Peperomia does best with infrequent watering and plenty of light (although bright indirect light is best).
Name: Pincushion Peperomia (Peperomia ferreyrae)Light: Bright indirect lightWater: Allow the soil to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: GreenMature Size: 6-7 in. tall
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Parallel Peperomia
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The Parallel Peperomia (Peperomia puteolata) is a small vining species of Peperomia that is known for its uniquely veined leaf pattern. The Parallel Peperomia sports pointed oval leaves with light green stripes that are both vertical and horizontal across the leaf (versus the similar-looking Peperomia quadrangularis, which only has vertical stripes).
Name: Parallel Peperomia (Peperomia puteolata)Light: Medium to bright indirect lightWater: Allow the soil to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Green with light green/white veiningMature Size: 15-20 in. long/wide, 6-8 in. tall
Piccolo Banda Peperomia
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The Piccolo Banda Peperomia (Peperomia albovittata) is a relatively new and rare Peperomia cultivator originating from the Netherlands. It is prized for its light green leaves with deeply ridged dark green/brown veins. Its stems are a reddish brown color, giving this plant a tricolor appearance.
Name: Piccolo Banda Peperomia (Peperomia albovittata)Light: Medium to bright indirect lightWater: Allow the soil to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Light green with dark green/brown veiningMature Size: 6-12 in. tall, 6-12 in. wide
Peperomia Perciliata
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The Peperomia perciliata is considered rare and difficult to get your hands on. It is characterized by small heart-shaped green leaves and reddish-brown stems. It has a vining growth habit and looks amazing in hanging baskets and planters.
Name: Peperomia perciliata (Peperomia perciliata)Light: Medium to bright indirect lightWater: Allow the top 2-3 inches to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: GreenMature Size: 8 in. wide, 2 in. tall
Variegated Peperomia Perciliata
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Equally as gorgeous but perhaps even rarer is the Peperomia perciliata ‘Variegata.’ This striking variety is characterized by pale green foliage edged in white with a trailing/spreading growth habit.
Name: Variegated Peperomia Perciliata (Peperomia perciliata ‘variegata’)Light: Bright indirect lightWater: Allow the top 2-3 inches to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Pale green with white edgesMature Size: 8 in. wide, 2 in. tall
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White Cloud Peperomia
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Rarer still is the White Cloud Peperomia. While it is similar in variegation pattern to the standard Peperomia perciliata ‘Variegata’ , it can be differentiated by its coloring which is more yellowish green with creamy white variegation. Give this variegated Peperomia plenty of bright indirect light to keep its variegation strong.
Name: White Cloud Peperomia (Peperomia perciliata ‘White Cloud’)Light: Bright indirect lightWater: Allow the top 2-3 inches to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Yellow-green with creamy white variegationMature Size: 8 in. wide, 2 in. tall
Felted Pepperface
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The only ‘fuzzy’ plant on this list, the Peperomia incana—also commonly known as the Felted Pepperface—is a great choice for those who want to add a little texture to their houseplant collection. It is characterized by light green heart-shaped leaves and an upright growth habit. Its leaves are covered in tiny white hairs that give it a fuzzy or felted feel.
Name: Felted Pepperface (Peperomia incana)Light: Low light to bright indirect lightWater: Allow soil to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Light green and fuzzyMature Size: 6-12 in. tall, 12-15 in. wide
Beetle Peperomia
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The Beetle Peperomia (Peperomia quadrangularis) is a small species with a vining growth habit. It gained its common name from its oval leaves with lime-green stripes resembling beetle shells. Its vines can grow between 12-24 inches long and it looks great displayed in hanging baskets or planters.
Name: Beetle Peperomia (Peperomia quadrangularis)Light: Medium to bright indirect lightWater: Allow the soil to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Dark green with lime green veiningMature Size: 12-24 in. long, 4-6 in. tall
Vining Peperomia
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Peperomia serpens is a popular houseplant that is sometimes referred to as the vining Peperomia. It has small, heart-shaped green leaves and a vining growth habit. Due to its popularity, there are several varieties and cultivators of the serpens available for indoor growing including the variegated vining peperomia (Peperomia serpens ‘Variegata’).
Name: Vining Peperomia (Peperomia serpens)Light: Medium to bright indirect lightWater: Allow the soil to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: GreenMature Size: 12-24 in. long, 6 in. tall
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Prayer Pepper
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Prayer Pepper (Peperomia dolabriformis) is a unique-looking succulent-like species of Peperomia native to Peru. Due to the shape of its foliage, this plant has also been affectionately nicknamed the ‘taco plant.’
Name: Prayer Pepper (Peperomia dolabriformis)Light: Bright indirect lightWater: Allow the soil to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Lime green with a darker translucent stripMature Size: 12-24 in. tall, 6-8 in. wide
Mini Watermelon Peperomia
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Also called the Dwarf Watermelon Peperomia, Peperomia verschaffeltii aka the Mini Watermelon Peperomia is characterized by vibrant green striped leaves and a compact growth habit. This Peperomia can be distinguished from its close relative the Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) by its small size and thinner, pointed leaf shape.
Name: Mini Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia verschaffeltii)Light: Bright to medium indirect lightWater: Allow the soil to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Light green with dark green veiningMature Size: 6-8 in. tall, 6-8 in. wide
Ivy Leaf Peperomia
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Another recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden Award of Merit, the Ivy Leaf Peperomia (Peperomia griseoargentea) is a small clump-forming Peperomia with heart-shaped silvery-green leaves. Its deeply veined leaves can get it confused with some of the watermelon Peperomia plants (Peperomia argyreia and Peperomia verschaffeltii), but it can be distinguished by its coloring and its smaller leaves.
Name: Ivy Leaf Peperomia (Peperomia griseoargentea)Light: Bright to medium indirect lightWater: Allow the soil to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Silvery greenMature Size: 6-8 in. tall, 5-7 in. wide
Spotted Peperomia
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At first glance this large-leafed plant looks more like an aroid than a Peperomia. Nevertheless, this elegant stunner is indeed a part of the Peperomia genus. Meet the Peperomia maculosa, sometimes referred to as the Spotted Peperomia. It is a rare tropical plant that is known for its large shiny leaves (15 to 30 centimeters in length) with silver veining, and spotted petioles.
Name: Spotted Peperomia (Peperomia maculosa)Light: Medium to bright indirect lightWater: Allow the top 2-3 inches to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Green with silver veiningMature Size: 1 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide
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Peperomia Trinervis
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The Peperomia trinervis is an attractive Peperomia species with dark green almond-shaped leaves with shimmery silver veining. Stems and new leaves also tend to have a burgundy tint. As it matures the Peperomia trinervis grows upward, eventually sprawling slightly as the stems elongate.
Name: Peperomia Trinervis (Peperomia trinervis)Light: Medium to bright indirect lightWater: Allow the soil to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Dark green leaves with silver veinsMature Size: 6-8 in. tall, 5-6 in. wide
Metallic Peperomia
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The Metallic Peperomia is known for its stunning dark green, almost black foliage that has a metallic tint. While the leaves can remain small throughout its lifetime, under the right conditions (lots of indirect light and high humidity) this plant is known to grow large leaves as well.
Name: Metallic Peperomia (Peperomia metallica)Light: Bright indirect lightWater: Allow the top 2-3 inches to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Dark green/black with metallic tintsMature Size: 6-8 in. tall
Peperomia Japonica
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Peperomia Japonica is a small, succulent-like plant that is prized for its adorable button-like foliage and vining growth habit. It’s a great ‘spiller’ plant for container arrangements and also makes a great terrarium plant due to its small size.
Name: Peperomia Japonica (Peperomia japonica)Light: Tolerates bright, indirect light to low lightWater: Allow the top half of the soil to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: GreenMature Size: 4-6 in. tall, 8-10 in. long
Cupid Peperomia
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At first glance we wouldn’t blame you for mistaking this Peperomia for a heart-leaf Philodendron. Peperomia nitida, also commonly known as Cupid Peperomia, is a trailing epiphyte with long vines and green heart-shaped leaves. It can be found in both regular and variegated forms and is ideal for hanging baskets and planters. Give this Peperomia plenty of medium to bright indirect light and water when the soil is almost dry to keep it happy indoors.
Name: Cupid Peperomia (Peperomia nitida)Light: Medium to bright indirect lightWater: Allow the top half of the soil to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: GreenMature Size: 12-24 in. long, 4-6 in. tall.
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Red Twist Peperomia
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The Red Twist Peperomia (Peperomia verticillata), also commonly known as Red Log, has dark green leaves with burgundy undersides and bright red stems. It has an upright growth habit, although as the stems elongate they may begin to tip over and grow sideways due to the weight of the leaves.
Name: Red Twist Peperomia (Peperomia verticillata)Light: Tolerates bright, indirect light to low lightWater: Allow the top half of the soil to dry between wateringsLeaf Color: Dark green with white veining and burgundy undersidesMature Size: 12 in. tall, 6-8 in. wide
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- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. “Peperomia Hederifolia.” Aspca.org. N.p., n.d. Web
