Emerald ripple peperomia Peperomia caperata
Emerald ripple peperomia (Peperomia caperata) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Piperaceae family, native to Brazil. It grows 15–25 cm (6–10 in) tall and 15–25 cm (6–10 in) wide, wants shade and low water, and is hardy to about 10 °C (50 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
Plan Emerald ripple peperomia in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Emerald ripple peperomia at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Piperaceae |
| Mature height | 15–25 cm (6–10 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–25 cm (6–10 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 1 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 10 °C (50 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–104 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Brazil |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇯🇵 Japan |
Is Emerald ripple peperomia toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous to cats or dogs (ASPCA).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Emerald ripple peperomia
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and low water.
Questions about Emerald ripple peperomia
- How far apart should I plant Emerald ripple peperomia?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–25 cm (6–10 in).
- Does Emerald ripple peperomia need full sun?
- Shade: at least 1 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Emerald ripple peperomia need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Emerald ripple peperomia?
- It tolerates about 10 °C (50 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Emerald ripple peperomia flower?
- About 52–104 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Emerald ripple peperomia poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous to cats or dogs (ASPCA).
- What grows well with Emerald ripple peperomia?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Emerald ripple peperomia. Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- A tropical plant: outdoors only in frost-free, humid climates; elsewhere a houseplant for bright, indirect light that likes warmth and humidity and hates cold draughts.
- Small, deeply crinkled, heart-shaped leaves in green, red or silver, with white “rat-tail” flower spikes standing above. A neat plant for terrariums and small pots.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Ashanti pepper (West African black pepper, uziza) Piper guineense
- Baby rubber plant (blunt-leaved peperomia) Peperomia obtusifolia
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula