Emerald ripple peperomia

Leaves corrugated like velvet

The emerald ripple peperomia is a small evergreen perennial of the pepper family, Piperaceae. It forms a compact little mound about 20 cm tall and wide, of deeply corrugated heart-shaped leaves with an almost wrinkled, honeycombed look, in a rich green often veined with purple or bronze. In summer it produces slender upright spikes of tiny white flowers, resembling little mouse tails.

Origin and habitat

It is native to the rainforests of Brazil, where it grows as an understorey plant on trunks and humus-rich soil. This explains its preferences: bright shade, warmth and humidity, without direct sun that would scorch its foliage.

Cultivation

It is an easy houseplant, well suited to beginners. It loves filtered light or bright part shade and a light, well-draining mix. Its slightly fleshy leaves store water, so it should be watered moderately, letting the top few centimetres of soil dry out between waterings: waterlogging rots the roots. It dislikes cold below 12 °C.

Care and facts

Thanks to its small size it is perfect for desks, shelves and terrariums. It propagates easily from leaf cuttings, like African violets. It is non-toxic, so it is safe even in homes with children and pets. There are many cultivars with red, silvery or variegated leaves.