Peperomias are a delightful group of small, easy-care houseplants. With over 1,500 species, this plant family offers immense variety. From trailing varieties perfect for hanging baskets to dwarf bushy types that work well as houseplant centerpieces, peperomias have something for everyone.
If you’re looking to add peperomia plants to your indoor garden, there are so many interesting options to choose from. Let’s explore some of the most popular types of peperomia that you can successfully grow at home.
1. Peperomia Obtusifolia (Baby Rubber Plant)
One of the most popular peperomia species, Peperomia obtusifolia is commonly known as the baby rubber plant. It has glossy green, thick, succulent-like leaves that emerge from pink or reddish stems. The leaves are quite thick and soft with a baby-like appearance.
This semi-succulent peperomia stores water in its thick leaves. It thrives in average room temperatures and moderate humidity. Its small size makes it an excellent choice for dish gardens or mixed indoor planters. Baby rubber plants grow up to 8 inches tall.
2. Peperomia Argyreia (Watermelon Peperomia)
Named for its distinctive watermelon-like foliage, Peperomia argyreia is another charming houseplant choice. Its leaves resemble watermelon rinds, with a silver-green background and dark green striping. Leaves emerge on red stems for great contrast.
Watermelon peperomia thrives in medium to bright light conditions. It grows up to 10 inches tall and spreads up to 20 inches wide, making it a great trailing option for mixed planters and hanging baskets. Watermelon peperomia has modest watering needs.
3. Peperomia Caperata (Emerald Ripple Peperomia)
The eye-catching rounded leaves of Peperomia caperata give it the common name “Emerald Ripple.” Its puckered leaf surfaces have a corrugated texture. Leaves are dark green with deep ripples along their rounded edges. They emerge from maroon-red stems.
With its spreading growth habit, emerald ripple peperomia works very well in hanging pots or planters. It grows up to 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. Bright to medium, indirect light keeps this peperomia happy. Avoid overwatering.
4. Peperomia Clusiifolia (Red Edge Peperomia)
One of the most striking types of Peperomias, clusiifolia has slim, pointed leaves with pronounced red edges. The small leaves have a lush green color with vivid red margins. This miniature, bushy peperomia grows only 6 to 8 inches tall.
Red edge peperomia thrives in medium to high light conditions. Keep the soil moderately moist, allowing it to dry out slightly between waterings. High humidity boosts the red color in the foliage. This compact peperomia is perfect for terrariums or indoor windowsills.
5. Peperomia Caperata ‘Rosso’ (Red Ripple Peperomia)
Similar to emerald ripple peperomia, this variety has unique puckered foliage. However, Peperomia caperata ‘Rosso’ has leaves that are more deeply corrugated with red undersides. The top surfaces are dark green with a red tint.
Red ripple peperomia has the same vining, spreading growth pattern that makes it perfect for hanging baskets. Dangling stems can grow up to 18 inches long. Keep this peperomia in indirect sunlight and avoid overwatering.
6. Peperomia Orba (Teardrop Peperomia)
This unique variety gets its common name from its teardrop-shaped leaves. Peperomia orba has slim, pale green leaves with pointed tips. Dense, bushy growth gives teardrop peperomia a full appearance. Stems and leaf undersides are often tinged with red.
Teardrop peperomia enjoys medium to bright, indirect light with some exposure to direct sun. It typically grows 8 to 12 inches tall as a houseplant. Allow the soil to dry out moderately between waterings. High humidity encourages lush growth.
7. Peperomia Metallica (Columnea Peperomia)
With eye-catching foliage in shades of dark green, deep red, and bronze, it’s easy to see why this peperomia variety is called ‘Metallica.’ Its colorful leaves have dark red undersides. With its compact, bushy growth habit, Metallica peperomia makes an excellent tabletop or desktop houseplant.
Provide this peperomia with medium to bright, indirect light to maintain the best coloration. It grows up to 10 inches tall and spreads up to 14 inches wide. Allow soil to dry out between waterings and provide moderate humidity.
8. Peperomia Piccolo Banda (Variegated Peperomia)
The creamy white margins on rich green leaves give Peperomia piccolo banda exceptional visual appeal. This compact, bushy plant reaches about 8 inches tall at maturity. Its brilliant variegated leaves will brighten any shelf or tabletop.
Variegated peperomia thrives in medium to bright indirect light, with some direct sun exposure. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between thorough waterings. High humidity encourages lush growth and vibrant variegation.
9. Peperomia Polybotrya (Raindrop Peperomia)
This trailing peperomia variety gets its name from its unique raindrop-shaped leaves. Peperomia polybotrya has fleshy, heart-shaped foliage with tapered tips. Leaves are olive green with creamy white veins. Long drooping stems give raindrop peperomia a cascading habit perfect for hanging baskets.
Raindrop peperomia enjoys bright indirect sunlight. Allow soil to dry out moderately between waterings. Humidity above 50% is ideal. This vining peperomia can grow up to 18 inches long in ideal conditions.
10. Peperomia Axillaris (Fan Peperomia)
Shiny green,fan-shaped leaves make Peperomia axillaris a unusually attractive houseplant. This compact Peperomia grows up to 8 inches tall and spreads up to 10 inches wide. Its lush foliage emerges from maroon-red stems.
Bright, indirect light keeps fan peperomia happy. Allow soil to dry out moderately between waterings. Its spreading growth habit makes peperomia axillaris an excellent choice for mixed planters and dish gardens.
11. Peperomia Caperata ‘Yoda’
This unique peperomia variety gets its playful common name from its crinkled foliage, resembling the famous Star Wars Jedi master. Deep corrugations give the leaves a brain-like appearance. Leaf undersides are reddish-purple.
Like other ripple peperomias, ‘Yoda’ works very well in hanging baskets or planters. Its heavily textured foliage looks striking cascading over the sides of containers. Keep soil moderately moist and provide medium to bright indirect sunlight for your Yoda peperomia.
12. Peperomia Incana (Velvet Leaf Peperomia)
Velvety soft foliage gives Peperomia incana its common name. This compact plant has rounded, fleshy leaves covered in fine, white hairs. Tiny white flower spikes appear in late spring or early summer but aren’t very ornamental.
Velvet leaf peperomia grows up to 8 inches tall and spreads up to 12 inches wide. Its fuzzy foliage thrives with medium to bright, indirect sunlight and average room temperatures. Allow soil to dry out some between waterings.
13. Peperomia Angulata (Watermelon Begonia)
Despite its name, this peperomia isn’t related to begonias. Peperomia angulata gets its nickname “watermelon begonia” from its striped green and silver foliage, resembling a watermelon rind. Red stems add to its ornamental appeal.
Watermelon begonia grows up to 12 inches tall and spreads 18 inches wide. Its trailing stems look beautiful draping over the edges of hanging baskets and planters. Provide bright, indirect light along with average room temperatures and humidity.
14. Peperomia Jayde (String of Turtles)
One of the most unique trailing peperomias, Jayde has small, plump leaves reminiscent of tiny turtle shells. Glossy green leaves with dark reddish undersides emerge on cascading stems up to 18 inches long.
String of turtles thrives in hanging baskets in bright, indirect light with moderate humidity. Allow soil to dry out some between waterings. The cute turtle-shell-shaped leaves trailing over container edges make this one a standout.
15. Peperomia Caperata ‘Pixie Lime’
A dwarf variety of ripple peperomia, Pixie Lime has crinkled olive green and lime green variegated leaves. Tiny white flower spikes appear in late spring but aren’t very noticeable. Its compact size makes it perfect for terrariums and small pots.
Pixie lime peperomia enjoys the same care as other ripple peperomias. Provide medium to high indirect light and avoid overwatering. It spreads up to 6 inches wide and grows about 4 inches tall at maturity.
16. Peperomia Graveolens (Ruby Glow Peperomia)
This colorful peperomia variety has leaves edged in a striking ruby red color. Oval leaves have bright green centers and deeply reddish-purple margins. Its compact, bushy growth habit makes Ruby Glow ideal for small pots and tabletops.
Ruby glow peperomia reaches about 6 to 8 inches tall at maturity. Give it medium to bright indirect sunlight to encourage the richest coloration. Allow soil to dry out some between waterings and provide average humidity.
17. Peperomia Rotundifolia (Trailing Jade)
Although not a true jade plant, trailing jade peperomia has similar thick, rounded leaves on vining stems. Its common name comes from its rich green, succulent-like foliage. Trailing jade can grow up to 3 feet long in ideal conditions.
This vining peperomia thrives in hanging baskets in indoor bright, indirect sunlight. Allow soil to dry out between thorough waterings. Trailing jade peperomia enjoys the same care as succulents, preferring minimal water.
18. Peperomia Jazz (Ripple Peperomia)
Another crinkled variety, peperomia Jazz has heavily textured leaves reminiscent of an accordion. Olive green leaves have deep folds along their edges. Tiny white flower spikes may appear in summer. Reddish stems add contrast.
Like most ripple peperomias, Jazz works beautifully in hanging baskets, with its ruffled foliage cascading over container sides. Provide bright indirect light and allow soil to dry out some between waterings. Mist occasionally to increase humidity around this peperomia.
19. Peperomia Columella (Desert Privet Peperomia)
Resembling a tiny indoor tree, peperomia columella has slim upright stems topped with rosettes of succulent-like foliage. Its thick green leaves overlap each other, creating a distinctive compact column shape. At maturity, it reaches 10 to 12 inches tall.
Desert privet peperomia thrives in bright light with some direct sun exposure. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Use a well-draining potting mix and avoid overwatering, as its fleshy stems and leaves are prone to rot.
20. Peperomia Cubensis (Green Shield Peperomia)
This unusual peperomia variety gets its name from its flat, shield-like leaves. Peperomia cubensis has glossy dark green foliage in the shape of half-circles. Its lush leaves emit a faint minty scent when rubbed. This variety grows up to 8 inches tall.
Green shield peperomia enjoys consistent moisture and high humidity. Provide bright indirect sunlight. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Mist the foliage regularly to boost humidity around this tropical peperomia variety.
21. Peperomia Peperspot (Pepper Face Peperomia)
One of the most unique leaf shapes in the plant world, peperomia Peperspot has puckered leaves resembling black peppercorns. Its common name “pepper face” also refers to its foliage. Glossy green leaves with deep wrinkles grow in a dense, bushy habit.
Pepper face peperomia thrives in medium to bright indirect light with average room temperatures and humidity. Allow the potting mix to dry out slightly between waterings. This eye-catching peperomia grows up to 8 inches tall.
22. Peperomia Ferreyrae (Pincushion Peperomia)
Resembling a pincushion, this peperomia variety has closely spaced conical leaves on short stems. Lime green new growth contrasts nicely with mature dark green foliage. Peperomia ferreyrae forms a compact, mounding plant reaching about 6 inches tall and wide when mature.
Pincushion peperomia thrives in medium to high humidity and well-draining soil. Allow the potting mix to dry out between waterings to prevent rot. Provide bright, indirect light to keep the lush foliage happy in indoor conditions.
23. Peperomia Prostrata (String of Turtles)
Another peperomia variety using the common name string of turtles, prostrata has tiny rounded leaves on trailing stems. Glossy green, coin-shaped foliage emerges on red stems. With ideal care, string of turtles peperomia can reach up to 2 feet long.
String of turtles enjoys hanging in bright, indirect light. Allow soil to dry out moderately between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as wet soil can lead to root rot. This easy-care trailing peperomia adds great texture to mixed hanging baskets.
24. Peperomia Eclipse (Watermelon Begonia)
Despite its nickname, watermelon begonia is a true peperomia. This variety has striking foliage marked in silver-green and dark green resembling a watermelon rind. Reddish stems add great contrast. Watermelon begonia can reach up to 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide at maturity.
Provide watermelon peperomia with medium to bright indirect sunlight. Mist regularly to increase humidity around this tropical plant. Allow soil to dry out between thorough waterings and use well-draining potting mix to prevent soggy conditions.
25. Peperomia Magnoliifolia (Desert Privet Peperomia)
Similar to columella, this peperomia variety has thick succulent-like stems and foliage. Fleshy oval leaves slightly overlap each other along upright reddish stems, resembling a miniature tree or shrub. Magnoliifolia grows 10 to 12 inches tall.
Desert privet peperomia enjoys the same care as cacti and succulents. Provide very well-draining soil and allow it to dry out completely between waterings. Bright light is essential, with some direct sun exposure acceptable. Avoid overwatering at all costs.
26. Peperomia Fagerlindii (Rosy Maiden Peperomia)
This eye-catching peperomia variety has leaf undersides tinged in rosy red shades. Its small glossy green leaves have a slight cupped shape. Red stems also add to rosy maiden’s ornamental appeal. Compact growth makes it perfect for terrariums and small pots.
Provide bright, indirect light to keep rosy maiden peperomia happy as a houseplant. Average room temperatures and humidity suit it well. Allow potting mix to dry out some between waterings and use well-draining soil to prevent soggy conditions.
27. Peperomia Parallelifolia (Parallel Peperomia)
As its name suggests, this unique variety has parallel veins running lengthwise along its slim leaves. Shiny green foliage has a rippled texture and pointed tips. Parallel peperomia is a compact houseplant, reaching 6 to 8 inches tall at maturity.
Parallel peperomia enjoys consistently moist soil and medium to high humidity. Provide bright filtered light and avoid direct sun exposure, which can scorch its foliage. Mist regularly to supplement humidity around this tropical peperomia.
28. Peperomia Isabella (Pixie Lime Peperomia)
A miniature cultivar of raindrop peperomia, Isabella has lime green and dark green striped foliage on trailing stems. Tiny raindrop-shaped leaves dangle on cascading stems. Pixie lime is ideal for small hanging baskets and mixed containers.
This trailing peperomia thrives in medium to bright indirect light. Provide humidity levels above 50% and allow soil to dry out some between waterings. Its petite size makes Isabella peperomia perfect for desktops and smaller indoor spaces.
29. Peperomia Amalgama (String of Frogs Peperomia)
Named for its cute plump leaves resembling leaping frogs, peperomia Amalgama has glossy green, oval-shaped foliage on vining stems. Frogs peperomia can trail up to 18 inches long in ideal conditions. It enjoys the same care as other vining peperomias.
Provide string of frogs peperomia with bright filtered sunlight and lush, humid conditions. Allow soil to dry out moderately between thorough waterings. Its trailing stems look beautiful in hanging pots or pots on sturdy shelves, where its vines can freely cascade.
30. Peperomia Argentia (Silver Peperomia)
This elegant variety has leaves marked in silver-gray and dark green hues, resembling watermelon peperomia. However, Peperom