Peperomia Caperata
Botanical Name: Peperomia Caperata
Common Name: Red Ripple Peperomia, Red Ripple, Strawberry Peperomia
Family: Piperaceae
About Red Ripple Peperomia
Native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, Peperomia Caperata is one of the few genomes of the peperomia family that make for good houseplants. Their size, undemanding nature, and adaptability mean they are fairly easy to care for in your home. In nature, Red Ripple Peperomia can grow up to around two feet tall and equally as wide, if given ample space and the correct conditions this size can also be attained in the home. Their dark red color and rippled leaves make Red Ripple Peperomia just as easy on the eyes as it is in terms of care.
Light
Peperomia Caperata generally needs medium to bright indirect light to thrive. If you give your Red Ripple Peperomia bright indirect light it will reward you with more vibrant and deeper tones of maroon and red. If your Peperomia is in an east or west, partially shaded area, it can also handle some early morning sun or dappled sunlight for short periods of time. While Red Ripple Peperomia can grow in low light conditions the growth will be significantly slower; causing the plant to have less vibrant colors and less prominent ripples on its foliage.
Water
While you never want your Peperomia Caperata Red Ripple to sit in water, you should keep its soil consistently moist to keep it happy. Personally, I allow my soil to dry out about halfway down the pot (top two inches get completely dry) before watering again. After watering I empty the excess water in the plants’ saucer promptly to avoid root rot or any other fungal / pest issues that come from standing water.
Humidity & Temperature
Coming from the tropical rainforests in Brazil, these plants love humidity, but they are also very adaptable. Anything above 40% to 50% relative humidity should provide plenty of moisture for the plant in your home. If you can’t have the humidity in your home this high, think about placing your Peperomia Caperata on top of a pebble tray to increase the relative humidity in its microclimate.
In terms of temperature, Peperomia Red Ripple prefers average indoor temperatures; between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit will provide the right environment for optimal growth. If you want to beautify your outdoor space with this striking plant you must live in an area that has a hardiness zone of 11 or 12 in order to avoid cold/frost damage to the plant.
Toxicity
Peperomia Caperata is not known to be toxic to humans, even if ingested.
While Peperomia Caperata Red Ripple is not harmful to humans it is fairly toxic to both cats and dogs. If ingested (any part of the plant) it may cause irritation, nausea, and vomiting. If you suspect your pet has consumed parts of your Peperomia it may be wise to seek help from your local veterinarian office.
Tips
Due to the nature of their growth it is necessary to rotate your Peperomia Red Ripple fairly often to avoid “bald spots” and uneven growth. I would recommend rotating your Peperomia one every two weeks or even more often as they grow towards the lights source with vigor.