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Peperomia is one of the two large genus of the family Piperaceae. It is estimated that there are at least over 1,000 species, occurring in all Tropics and subtropical regions of the world. They are concentrated in South America and Central America, but may also be found in southern North America, the Caribbean islands, Africa, Oceania, and southern and eastern parts of Asia. The exact number of species is difficult to determine, as some plants have been recorded several times with different names, and new species continue to be discovered. Peperomias have adapted to many different environments and their appearances vary greatly. Some are (growing on other plants) or (growing on rock or in rock crevices), and many are (drought-tolerant, with thick Succulent plant structures to save water) or possess underground tubers (). Most species are compact Perennial plant shrubs or vines.
Some Peperomias have thick, waxy, succulent leaves and stems; still, others are rather delicate, with paper-thin leaves. Many species will easily sunburn, preferring filtered or indirect, bright sunlight. Most of the Peperomias have minimal to virtually non-existent root systems (species-depending), with the entire mass often being nothing more than a collection of tiny, hair-like appendages used to anchor the plant. These roots, while delicate, also enable the plants to survive in less-than-ideal conditions; however, their fragility also places them at a greater risk for root rot if water does not drain sufficiently quickly.
The genus name Peperomia was coined by Spanish botanists Ruiz López and Pavón Jiménez in 1794 after their travels in Peru and Chile. Peperomia plants do not have a widely- accepted common name, and some argue that it is better to use the genus name, as is the case with genera such as Petunia and Begonia. (1985). 9780806119311, University of Oklahoma Press. ISBN 9780806119311 They are sometimes called radiator plants, a name possibly coined by L.H. Bailey because many of them enjoy bright and dry environments similar to a windowsill above a radiator. Furthermore, many individuals simply refer to the many Peperomias by their individual nicknames, such as Peperomia polybotrya being called the “Raindrop Peperomia” (due to its large, drop-shaped leaves), or P. argyreia being the “Watermelon Peperomia”, due to its leaf veining and shape resembling the look of a watermelon.
First are plants with decorative foliage, which often grow in Rainforest as . They are adapted to living in small shady crevices on, for example, trees, with small root systems. As they do not have access to ground water they are typically Succulent plant to a certain degree, which in many species shows as thick, fleshy leaves which have a waxy surface and are sometimes rippled. The leaves may be oval with the leafstalk at or near the center of the leaf blade, or they may be heart-shaped or lance-shaped; their size varies from long. They may be green or striped, marbled or bordered with pale green, red or gray, and the petioles of some kinds are red. They also enjoy high air humidity, warm temperatures, and grow all year round. Examples include P. argyreia, P. caperata, Peperomia nitida, P. obtusifolia, P. polybotrya, and P. scandens.
The second group consists of more arid-climate, succulent peperomias, which are often found in higher altitudes. They are adapted to withstanding a long warm season followed by a colder winter and very little rainfall. They store water both in their stout stems and in their succulent leaves, which typically form a sort of “tube” or “burrito”, appearing U- or V-shaped in cross-section, often with on the top-side. P. columella, P. ferreyrae, P. graveolens and P. nivalis fall into this category.
The third group contains geophytic peperomias. These plants have leaves that fall off in the colder dry season, survive due to their Caudex, and grow the leaves back as more rain falls. Examples include P. macrorhiza, P. peruviana, and P. umbilicata. Currently just under 50 species of geophytic peperomias are known, but new ones continue to be discovered.
Peperomia flowers are typically unnoticeable, growing in cordlike raceme, although there are some exceptions such as P. fraseri. Most peperomia flowers seem odorless to humans but some carry a musty or even unpleasant odor, such as P. graveolens. The fruit is a berry that eventually dries out and shows the tiny pepper-like seed.
| + Distribution of peperomia species |
| P. andina, P. dolabella, P. dolabriformis, P. macrorhiza, P. metallica, P. minuta, P. nivalis, P. rubescens, P. verschaffeltii |
| P. abbreviatipes, P. cordata, P. dimota, P. perciliata, P. turboensis |
| P. graveolens, P. albovittata, P. cuspidilimba, P. fagerlindii, Peperomia rugosa |
| P. barbulata, P. dyscrita, P. hammelii, P. incognita, P. vinasiana |
| P. camptotricha, P. hobbitoides, P. oxycarpa, P. tuberosa, Peperomia xalana |
| P. caperata, P. flexicaulis, P. griseoargentea, P. marmorata, P. nudifolia, P. ramboi |
| P. clusiifolia, P. cubensis, P. verticillata |
| P. attenuata, P. mariannensis, P. tutuilana |
| P. ankaranensis, P. humbertii, P. mocquerysii |
| P. cookiana, P. kipahuluensis, P. obovatilimba |
| P. fernandopoiana, P. kamerunana, P. vulcanica |
| P. copelandii, P. elmeri, P. recurvata |
| P. bismarckiana, P. peckelii, P. schlechteri |
| P. ekakesara, P. emarginatifolia, P. thomsonii |
| P. masuthoniana, P. sirindhorniana, P. thorelii |
| P. bellendenkerensis, P. enervis, P. hunteriana |
Note that many peperomias are found in wide overlapping regions, for example everywhere in tropical America or Asia, and so may have not been included in the species count for individual areas.
Out of the 1,000+ Peperomia species, currently only about 40 of them are commonly used as . These peperomias fare well in average home conditions and can relatively easily be found in stores and Garden centre. Species in this basic group include Peperomia alata, P. albovittata, P. argyreia, Peperomia blanda, P. boivinii, P. caperata, P. clusiifolia, P. columella, P. dolabriformis, P. ferreyrae, P. fraseri, P. glabella, P. graveolens, P. griseoargentea, P. hoffmannii, Peperomia incana, P. japonica, P. kimnachii, P. maculosa, P. metallica, Peperomia nitida (often sold as P. scandens), P. nivalis, P. obtusifolia, P. pellucida, P. perciliata, P. pereskiifolia, P. polybotrya, P. prostrata, P. quadrangularis (syn. P. angulata), P. rotundifolia, Peperomia rugosa, P. tetragona (syn. P. puteolata), P. tetraphylla, P. turboensis, P. urocarpa, P. verschaffeltii, P. verticillata (syn. P. rubella), and P. wheeleri.
There can be, however, several cultivars available from each species. Identifying species can be challenging as plants are often sold under marketing names, older synonyms, or under names that have not been officially accepted. This is the case, for example, with Peperomia orba (often sold as Peperomia 'Pixie'), Peperomia viridis, and Peperomia axillaris. In addition to natural species and their cultivars, some artificial hybrid varieties can also be found on the market, such as Peperomia 'Hope' (a cross between P. deppeana and P. quadrifolia).
Most species need airy, well-draining substrate and want to dry out to some extent or even completely between waterings. A typical reason for losing a peperomia is through root rot caused by over-watering. The tropical, decorative foliage plants, typically enjoy shadier conditions with more humidity. Some might even require a terrarium or a bottle garden to maintain high humidity. The arid climate succulent types should be treated similarly to Cactus and other Succulent plant: they can tolerate more light and will survive a dry cold period, during which they are watered only seldomly. The geophytic peperomias are used to experiencing a cold resting period once a year.
Some species, including Peperomia inaequalifolia , Peperomia congona and Peperomia pellucida, are also used in herbal medicine for various health conditions. While such folk medicine usage is common in Peru and elsewhere, the possible medicinal qualities of peperomias remain poorly investigated, although there has been a growing interest for the subject recently.
Cuttings should be taken in spring or summer, with the lower leaves removed and a cut made just below a node. The cuttings are left to dry for about an hour to allow a protective callus tissue to form, preventing rot. Once dried, they can be planted in a well-draining substrate such as perlite or peat moss. Semi-succulent species benefit from bottom heat around 21–24°C (70–75°F), but it is important not to seal the top completely, as excessive humidity can be detrimental. Once roots have formed, the cuttings can be transplanted into 75 mm (3 in) pots or hanging baskets.
Peperomia plants can also be propagated by division, especially clumping species. Division involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each with roots attached, and is best done during repotting in the growing season. Seed propagation is less common due to slower germination but can be achieved by sowing seeds in a well-draining, sterile medium while maintaining warm, humid conditions.
Maintaining warm temperatures (18–24°C) and moderate humidity is essential for successful propagation. Overwatering should be avoided, as Pepperonis are prone to root rot in poorly draining soils.
=== Examples of arid climate succulent types ===
===Examples of geophytic peperomias===
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