Mia

Peperomia Caperata Cayenne

Radiator plant, Emerald ripple plant

• Mia likes...
  • 
    Light watering

    She’s partial to the occasional drink, but doesn’t like to be over-watered. Water her when the top half of her soil is dry, and allow her to drain properly.

  • 
    Medium light

    Mia prefers bright, indirect light. Steer clear of direct sunshine and shadier spots.

  • 
    Humidity

    Mia likes warm temperatures and humid conditions. Keep her away from draughts and place her in a warm spot. A bathroom would be perfect.

• Quick facts

  Botanical name

  Peperomia caperata ‘Cayenne’

  Nickname

  Radiator plant, Emerald ripple plant

  Plant type

  Peperomia, Indoor

  Plant height (including pot)

  10-20cm

  Pet/baby safe

  Yes

  Nursery pot size

  11cm

• About Peperomia caperata ‘Cayenne’

  There are around 1,000 species of peperomia, all varying in shape, size and texture. They have adapted to many different habitats around the world. Some have thick, waxy leaves (like this one) while others are more delicate. They’re related to the pepper plant, which is how this species got its name – peperomia comes from the Greek peperi, meaning 'pepper', and 'homoios', which means 'resembling'.

  This particular peperomia has fleshy, succulent-like leaves, which give it the nickname ‘emerald ripple’. It’s a really fun, easy-care houseplant, with purple pinky-purple ‘cayenne’ coloured leaves that have darker shaded veins. 

  In the wild, you’ll find this tropical plant in the rainforests of Brazil, where it loves humid conditions and warm temperatures. It is used to growing in trees so has a small root system and is used to small drinks of rainfall. It is for this reason that the plant has adapted its fleshy stems and leaves, which store water. To make it feel right at home, keep it in a toasty spot. A hot, steamy bathroom would be the perfect place for him.

  Did you know?

  Peperomia is also known as a radiator plant, because it loves being warm and cosy. Don’t be fooled though, Peperomia caperata won’t enjoy being blasted by hot dry air.