Emerald Ripple Peperomia is a tropical plant in the Piperaceae (pepper) family that is commonly used as a houseplant in temperate climates. In the tropics, this plant is an evergreen herbaceous ground cover with an erect and bushy habit growing up to 8 inches tall. It can also be epiphytic in the jungles of South America where it is native. The genus name Peperomia is derived from two Greek words peperi meaning pepper and homoios which means resembles, referring to its resemblance to the true black pepper plant Piper nigrum . The species name caperata is Latin for wrinkled, describing the wavy texture of the leaves. An easy-to-grow houseplant tolerant of indoor conditions. Medium light conditions such as sun filtered through a thin curtain are ideal, along with soil that dries between watering and medium to low relative humidity. It is tolerant of low light for several months without stress but it will not tolerate wet soil, very dry soil, or very drafty sites. This plant has highly decorative heart-shaped leaves with a deeply furrowed nature and cream-colored, spiked inflorescence both adding interest to any interiorscape. The plant gets its common name from its wrinkled green leaves, which are so dark they almost appear purple. Propagate this plant through leaf or stem tip cuttings in the spring. This plant is commonly used as an interior specimen or a desktop plant. It performs well with bright, fluorescent lights so is ideal for offices. Plant it in a container or in a hanging basket to enjoy its attractive leaves. In areas free of frost it can be grown as a groundcover in a border front or herbaceous perennial bed. Quick ID Hints: Leaves are heart-shaped and deeply furrowed Inflorescence is a cream-colored spike Petioles are usually pinkish to reddish Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Insect pests include whiteflies, mealybugs, and spider mites. Leaf spot occasionally occurs. It is susceptible to root rot so use a porous well-draining potting soil. More information on Peperomia .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist | Occasionally Dry
Available space
Less than 12 inches
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 8 in. | Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
5 - Groundcover (<1 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect
Texture
Coarse
Leaf color
Green; Purple/Lavender; Red/Burgundy; Variegated
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Cordate; Obtuse
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Glossy
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
1-3 inches long
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Leaves are deep green 1 1/2" long with some red or purple cordate, broadly acute to obtuse, have a corrugated surface, cordate, have impressed veins, are in deep rippling folds, are dark glossy green in color, and are sub-peltate. Petioles are 3" in size and green to dull red in color.
Flower color
Brown/Copper; Gold/Yellow; Green; White
Flower form
Spike
Flower detail
White flower spikes 2"-3" long in summer and autumn. The flowers are not very colorful and tend to be white to cream in color, they are similar to attenuated Anthuriums or Arum Lilies. They consist of a myriad of small flowers arranged on the stem. They have 2 stamens and no perianths. They are said to resemble mouse tails.
Bloom time
Fall; Summer
Stem color
Green; Purple/Lavender; Red/Burgundy
Stem detail
The leaf-stalk of this plant are red or pink. Stems are erect, unbranched, tough, and dark green or tinged purple.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
Brazil Southeast
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Hanging Baskets; Houseplants
Design feature
Border
Garden tags
#houseplant #interiorscape #herbaceous #cream flowers #white flowers #fantz #evergreen #tropical feel #non-toxic for cats #non-toxic for horses #non-toxic for dogs #showy leaves #epiphytic #border front #low maintenance #interesting leaves #container plant #wet soils intolerant #glossy leaves #purple leaves #easy to grow houseplant
Problems & Resistance
Insect problems
Mealybugs; Twospotted Spider Mites on Landscape Plants; Whiteflies Found on Flowers and Foliage