Editing Peperomia

{{Short description|Genus of plants}}
{{Automatic taxobox
|image = Peperomia trifolia 2011-01-17.jpg
|image_caption = ''[[Peperomia trifolia]]''
|taxon = Peperomia
|authority = [[Hipólito Ruiz López|Ruiz]] & [[José Antonio Pavón|Pav.]]{{R|POWO|GBIF}}
|subdivision_ranks = [[Species]]
|subdivision = Over 1,000 – see ''[[List of Peperomia species]]''
|synonyms = 
{{Collapsible list
|title = 9 synonyms
|bullets = on
|''Acrocarpidium'' {{small|Miq.}}
|''Erasmia'' {{small|Miq.}}
|''Micropiper'' {{small|Miq.}}
|''Phyllobryon'' {{small|Miq.}}
|''Piperanthera'' {{small|C.DC.}}
|''Rhynchophorum'' {{small|(Miq.) Small}}
|''Tildenia'' {{small|Miq.}}
|''Trigonanthera'' {{small|André}}
|''Troxirum'' {{small|Raf.}}
}}
|synonyms_ref ={{R|POWO}}
}}

'''''Peperomia''''' is one of the two large [[genus|genera]] of the [[family (biology)|family]] [[Piperaceae]]. It is estimated that there are at least over 1,000 [[species]], occurring in all [[Tropics|tropical]] and [[subtropical]] regions of the world. They are concentrated in [[South America|South]] 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 [[epiphyte]]s (growing on other plants) or [[lithophyte]]s (growing on rock or in rock crevices), and many are [[xerophyte]]s (drought-tolerant, with thick [[Succulent plant|succulent]] structures to save water) or possess underground tubers ([[geophyte]]s). Most species are compact [[Perennial plant|perennial]] shrubs or vines.<ref name="Mathieu">{{cite web |last1=Mathieu |first1=G. |title=Internet Peperomia Reference |url=http://peperomia.net |access-date=28 April 2022}}</ref><ref name="RowleyRauh01">{{cite journal |last1=Rowley |first1=Gordon |last2=Rauh |first2=Werner |author1-link=Gordon Rowley |author2-link=Werner Rauh |title=Pep for plantsmen — Part 1, Scrutinizing Peperomia |journal=British Cactus & Succulent Journal |date=2001 |volume=19 |issue=3 |pages=151–155 |jstor=42793749 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/42793749 |access-date=28 April 2022}}</ref>

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 [[Hipólito Ruiz López|Ruiz López]] and [[José Antonio Pavón Jiménez|Pavón Jiménez]] in 1794 after their travels in [[Peru]] and [[Chile]].<ref name="Crawford1">{{cite web |last1=Crawford |first1=Bruce |title=Peperomia: Foliage for the Holidays |url=https://njaes.rutgers.edu/plant-of-the-month/peperomia.php |website=Rutgers University |access-date=10 May 2022}}</ref> ''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]]''.<ref name="Heiser">{{cite book |last1=Heiser |first1=Charles Bixler |title=Of Plants and People |date=1985 |publisher=University of Oklahoma Press |location=Norman |isbn=0-8061-1931-4 |pages=155–162}}</ref> They are sometimes called '''radiator plants''', a name possibly coined by [[Liberty Hyde Bailey|L.H. Bailey]] because many of them enjoy bright and dry environments similar to a windowsill above a radiator.<ref name="Crawford1" /> 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 ''[[Peperomia argyreia|P. argyreia]]'' being the “Watermelon Peperomia”, due to its leaf veining and shape resembling the look of a [[watermelon]].

==Description==
Peperomias vary considerably in appearance (see gallery below) and there is no universally accepted method of categorising them, although three main groups can be distinguished.<ref name="Mathieu" /> Most species are compact and usually do not exceed {{convert|12|in|cm|order=flip|abbr=on|0}} in height.

First are plants with decorative foliage, which often grow in [[Rainforest|rain or cloud forests]] as [[epiphyte]]s. 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|succulent]] 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 {{convert|1|-|4|in|cm|round=0.5|abbr=on|order=flip}} long. They may be green or striped, marbled or bordered with pale green, red or gray, and the [[petiole (botany)|petioles]] of some kinds are red. They also enjoy high air humidity, warm temperatures, and grow all year round. Examples include ''[[Peperomia argyreia|P. argyreia]]'', ''[[Peperomia caperata|P. caperata]]'', ''[[Peperomia nitida|P. nitida]]'', ''[[Peperomia obtusifolia|P. obtusifolia]]'', ''[[Peperomia polybotrya|P. polybotrya]]'', and ''[[Peperomia scandens|P. scandens]]''.<ref name="Mathieu" /><ref name="RowleyRauh01" />

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 [[epidermal window]]s on the top-side. ''[[Peperomia columella|P. columella]]'', ''[[Peperomia ferreyrae|P. ferreyrae]]'', ''[[Peperomia graveolens|P. graveolens]]'' and ''[[Peperomia nivalis|P. nivalis]]'' fall into this category.<ref name="Mathieu" /><ref name="RowleyRauh03">{{cite journal |last1=Rowley |first1=Gordon |last2=Rauh |first2=Werner |author1-link=Gordon Rowley |author2-link=Werner Rauh |title=Pep for plantsmen — Part 3, the window-leaved peperomias |journal=British Cactus & Succulent Journal |date=2002 |volume=20 |issue=1 |pages=43–49 |jstor=42793779 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/42793779 |access-date=28 April 2022}}</ref>

The third group contains [[geophytic]] peperomias. These plants have leaves that fall off in the colder dry season, survive due to their [[Caudex|underground tubers]], and grow the leaves back as more rain falls. Examples include ''[[Peperomia macrorhiza|P. macrorhiza]]'', ''[[Peperomia peruviana|P. peruviana]]'', and ''[[Peperomia umbilicata|P. umbilicata]]''.<ref name="Mathieu" /><ref name="RowleyRauh02">{{cite journal |last1=Rowley |first1=Gordon |last2=Rauh |first2=Werner |author1-link=Gordon Rowley |author2-link=Werner Rauh |title=Pep for plantsmen — Part 2, the geophytic peperomias |journal=British Cactus & Succulent Journal |date=2001 |volume=19 |issue=4 |pages=200–205 |jstor=42793763 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/42793763 |access-date=28 April 2022}}</ref> Currently just under 50 species of geophytic peperomias are known, but new ones continue to be discovered.<ref name="Mathieu02">{{cite web |last1=Mathieu |first1=G. |title=Focus on new geophytic Peperomias |url=http://peperomia.net/focusdetail.asp?id=10 |website=Internet Peperomia Reference |access-date=20 May 2022}}</ref>

Peperomia flowers are typically unnoticeable, growing in cordlike [[raceme|spike]]s, although there are some exceptions such as ''[[Peperomia fraseri|P. fraseri]]''. Most peperomia flowers seem odorless to humans but some carry a musty or even unpleasant odor, such as ''[[Peperomia graveolens|P. graveolens]]''. The fruit is a berry that eventually dries out and shows the tiny pepper-like seed.<ref name="RowleyRauh01" />

==Species==
{{Main|List of Peperomia species}}

There are over a thousand Peperomia species, although the exact number is unclear as some plants have been recorded several times with different names (c. 3,000 names have been used in publications) and new species continue to be discovered.<ref name="Mathieu" /><ref name="RowleyRauh01" /> At the moment [[Catalogue of Life]] lists around 1,400 recognized species.<ref>{{cite web |title=Search for accepted Peperomia species |url=https://powo.science.kew.org/results?f=species_f%2Caccepted_names&q=Peperomia |website=Plants of the World Online |publisher=Royal Botanical Gardens Kew |access-date=28 December 2022}}</ref>

==Distribution==
Peperomias are found in [[Tropics|tropical]] and [[Subtropics|sub-tropical]] regions around the world. Northern [[South America]] and [[Central America]] host the largest number of species, but peperomias can also be found in [[Africa]], southern [[Asia]], and [[Oceania]]. The exact number of peperomia species continues to change as new plants are discovered and some distinct plant names, perhaps catalogued in separate geographical regions, are realised to describe the same species.<ref name="Mathieu03">{{cite web |last1=Mathieu |first1=G |title=Focus on how many Peperomias? |url=http://peperomia.net/focusdetail.asp?id=3 |website=Internet Peperomia Reference |access-date=6 July 2022}}</ref> Therefore, the table below gives only a rough overall impression of the worldwide distribution.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Distribution of peperomia species<ref name="Mathieu03" />
|-
! Area !! Taxa !! Examples of endemic species <small>''(based on [[Plants of the World Online|POWO]])''</small>

|-
| [[Peru]] || 405 || ''P. andina'', ''P. dolabella'', ''[[Peperomia dolabriformis|P. dolabriformis]]'', ''[[Peperomia macrorhiza|P. macrorhiza]]'', ''[[Peperomia metallica|P. metallica]]'', ''P. minuta'', ''[[Peperomia nivalis|P. nivalis]]'', ''P. rubescens'', ''[[Peperomia verschaffeltii|P. verschaffeltii]]''
|-
| [[Colombia]] || 259 || ''P. abbreviatipes'', ''P. cordata'', ''P. dimota'', ''[[Peperomia perciliata|P. perciliata]]'', ''[[Peperomia turboensis|P. turboensis]]''
|-
| [[Ecuador]] || 237 || ''[[Peperomia graveolens|P. graveolens]]'', ''[[Peperomia albovittata|P. albovittata]]'', ''P. cuspidilimba'', ''[[Peperomia fagerlindii|P. fagerlindii]]'', ''[[Peperomia rugosa|P. rugosa]]''
|-
| [[Costa Rica]] || 155 || ''P. barbulata'', ''P. dyscrita'',  ''P. hammelii'', ''P. incognita'', ''P. vinasiana''
|-
| [[Mexico]] || 139 || ''[[Peperomia camptotricha|P. camptotricha]]'', ''P. hobbitoides'', ''P. oxycarpa'', ''P. tuberosa'', ''[[Peperomia xalana|P. xalana]]'' 
|-
| [[Brazil]]<ref name="Carvalho-Silva">{{cite journal |last1=Carvalho-Silva |first1=M |last2=Guimarães |first2=EF |last3=Câmar |first3=PEAS |title=New Species of Peperomia (Piperaceae) from Brazil |journal=Systematic Botany |date=2013 |volume=38 |issue=3 |pages=571–575 |doi=10.1600/036364413X670412}}</ref> || 117 || ''[[Peperomia caperata|P. caperata]]'', ''P. flexicaulis'', ''[[Peperomia griseoargentea|P. griseoargentea]]'', ''[[Peperomia marmorata|P. marmorata]]'', ''P. nudifolia'', ''P. ramboi''
|-
| [[Caribbean Islands]]<ref name="Kew-Caribbean">{{cite web |title=Peperomia in Caribbean Islands |url=https://powo.science.kew.org/results?f=accepted_names%2Cspecies_f&q=Peperomia%2Clocation%3ACaribbean |website=Plants of the World Online |publisher=Royal Botanical Gardens Kew |access-date=7 July 2022}}</ref>|| 72 || ''[[Peperomia clusiifolia|P. clusiifolia]]'', ''P. cubensis'', ''[[Peperomia verticillata|P. verticillata]]''
|-
| [[Pacific Islands]] (other than mentioned)<ref name="Kew-Pacific">{{cite web |title=Peperomia in Pacific Islands |url=https://powo.science.kew.org/results?f=species_f%2Caccepted_names&q=Peperomia%2Clocation%3APacific |website=Plants of the World Online |publisher=Royal Botanical Gardens Kew |access-date=7 July 2022}}</ref> || 45 || ''P. attenuata'', ''P. mariannensis'', ''P. tutuilana''
|-
| [[Madagascar]]|| 42 || ''P. ankaranensis'', ''P. humbertii'', ''P. mocquerysii''
|-
| [[Hawaiian Islands|Hawaii]]<ref name="Kew-Hawaii">{{cite web |title=Peperomia in Hawaii |url=https://powo.science.kew.org/results?page.size=480&f=accepted_names%2Cspecies_f&q=peperomia%2Clocation%3AHawaii |website=Plants of the World Online |publisher=Royal Botanical Gardens Kew |access-date=7 July 2022}}</ref> || 22 || ''[[Peperomia cookiana|P. cookiana]]'', ''P. kipahuluensis'', ''P. obovatilimba''
|-
| [[Africa|Africa (continental)]] || 21 || ''P. fernandopoiana'', ''[[Peperomia kamerunana|P. kamerunana]]'', ''[[Peperomia vulcanica|P. vulcanica]]''
|-
| [[Philippines]] || 18  || ''P. copelandii'', ''P. elmeri'', ''P. recurvata''
|-
| [[Papuasia]]<ref name="Kew-Papuasia">{{cite web |title=Peperomia in Papuasia |url=https://powo.science.kew.org/results?f=accepted_names%2Cspecies_f&page.size=480&q=Peperomia%2Clocation%3APapuasia |website=Plants of the World Online |publisher=Royal Botanical Gardens Kew |access-date=7 July 2022}}</ref> || 18 || ''P. bismarckiana'', ''P. peckelii'', ''P. schlechteri''
|-
| [[India]]<ref name="Thomas01">{{cite journal |last1=Thomas |first1=A |last2=Jameson |first2=J |title=Peperomia albertiae (Piperaceae), a new species from India |journal=Kew Bulletin |date=2022 |volume=77 |issue=1 |pages=341–346 |doi=10.1007/S12225-022-10006-7 |bibcode=2022KewBu..77..341T |ref=Thomas01}}</ref> || 11 ||  ''P. ekakesara'', ''P. emarginatifolia'', ''P. thomsonii''
|-
| [[Mainland Southeast Asia|Southeast Asia (Indo-China)]]<ref name="Kew-Indochina">{{cite web |title=Peperomia in Indo-China |url=https://powo.science.kew.org/results?f=accepted_names%2Cspecies_f&q=Peperomia%2Clocation%3AIndo-China |website=Plants of the World Online |publisher=Royal Botanical Gardens Kew |access-date=7 July 2022}}</ref> || 7 || ''P. masuthoniana'', ''P. sirindhorniana'', ''P. thorelii''
|-
| [[Australia]] || 5 || [[Peperomia bellendenkerensis|''P. bellendenkerensis'']], [[Peperomia enervis|''P. enervis'']], [[Peperomia hunteriana|''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.

==Peperomias and humans==
===Horticulture===
Peperomias are often grown for their ornamental [[foliage]] and many species are considered easy to grow in homes and [[greenhouse]]s. Several species have been given the [[Award of Garden Merit]] by the [[Royal Horticultural Society]].<ref name="RHS01">{{cite web |title=Award of Garden Merit (AGM) |url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/trials-awards/award-of-garden-merit |website=The Royal Horticultural Society |access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref> Peperomias are considered non-toxic and are recommended for households with children or animals.<ref>{{cite web|publisher= American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals |title= Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List - Cats |url=https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/cats-plant-list |access-date=17 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Safe Plants For Early Childhood Services |url=https://aussiechildcarenetwork.com.au/articles/childcare-articles/safe-plants-for-early-childhood-services |website=Aussie Childcare Network |date=27 February 2021 |access-date=13 May 2022}}</ref>

Out of the 1,000+ ''Peperomia'' species, currently only about 40 of them are commonly used as [[houseplant]]s. These peperomias fare well in average home conditions and can relatively easily be found in stores and [[Garden centre|garden centers]]. Species in this basic group include ''[[Peperomia alata|P. alata]]'', ''[[Peperomia albovittata|P. albovittata]]'', ''[[Peperomia argyreia|P. argyreia]]'', ''[[Peperomia blanda|P. blanda]]'', ''[[Peperomia boivinii|P. boivinii]]'', ''[[Peperomia caperata|P. caperata]]'', ''[[Peperomia clusiifolia|P. clusiifolia]]'', ''[[Peperomia columella|P. columella]]'', ''[[Peperomia dolabriformis|P. dolabriformis]]'', ''[[Peperomia ferreyrae|P. ferreyrae]]'', ''[[Peperomia fraseri|P. fraseri]]'', ''[[Peperomia glabella|P. glabella]]'', ''[[Peperomia graveolens|P. graveolens]]'', ''[[Peperomia griseoargentea|P. griseoargentea]]'', ''[[Peperomia hoffmannii|P. hoffmannii]]'', ''[[Peperomia incana|P. incana]]'', ''[[Peperomia japonica|P. japonica]]'', ''[[Peperomia kimnachii|P. kimnachii]]'', ''[[Peperomia maculosa|P. maculosa]]'', ''[[Peperomia metallica|P. metallica]]'', ''[[Peperomia nitida|P. nitida]]'' (often sold as ''P. scandens''), ''[[Peperomia nivalis|P. nivalis]]'', ''[[Peperomia obtusifolia|P. obtusifolia]]'', ''[[Peperomia pellucida|P. pellucida]]'', ''[[Peperomia perciliata|P. perciliata]]'', ''[[Peperomia pereskiifolia|P. pereskiifolia]]'', ''[[Peperomia polybotrya|P. polybotrya]]'', ''[[Peperomia prostrata|P. prostrata]]'', ''[[Peperomia quadrangularis|P. quadrangularis]]'' (syn. ''P. angulata''), ''[[Peperomia rotundifolia|P. rotundifolia]]'', ''[[Peperomia rugosa|P. rugosa]]'', ''[[Peperomia tetragona|P. tetragona]]'' (syn. ''P. puteolata''), ''[[Peperomia tetraphylla|P. tetraphylla]]'', ''[[Peperomia turboensis|P. turboensis]]'', ''[[Peperomia urocarpa|P. urocarpa]]'', ''[[Peperomia verschaffeltii|P. verschaffeltii]]'', ''[[Peperomia verticillata|P. verticillata]]'' (syn. ''P. rubella''), and ''[[Peperomia wheeleri|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 ''[[Peperomia deppeana|P. deppeana]]'' and ''[[Peperomia quadrifolia|P. quadrifolia]]'').<ref>{{cite web |title=Peperomia 'Hope' |url=https://worldofsucculents.com/peperomia-hope/ |website=World of Succulents |date=9 May 2019 |access-date=5 July 2022}}</ref>

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.<ref name="Mathieu" /> 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|cacti]] and other [[Succulent plant|succulents]]: 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.<ref name="Mathieu" />

===Food and medicine===
Many peperomias are [[herb]]s in the sense that their leaves carry a spicy flavour and, when crushed, emit a strong odour. Therefore, some species, such as ''[[Peperomia pellucida]]'' are used in salads and cooking, or to flavour drinks.<ref>{{cite web |title=Peperomia |url=https://www.eattheweeds.com/peperomia/ |website=Eat The Weeds |date=4 August 2012 |access-date=13 May 2022}}</ref><ref name="Heiser" /> But it is advised that people should not try to eat the peperomias sold as houseplants.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dei |first1=Laure |title=Ask A Master Gardener – Peperomia: An Easy Growing Houseplant |url=https://dodge.extension.wisc.edu/2022/01/ask-a-master-gardener-peperomia-an-easy-growing-houseplant/ |access-date=13 May 2022 |website=University of Wisconsin-Madison|date=31 January 2022 }}</ref>

Some species, including ''[[Peperomia inaequalifolia]]''{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}'','' ''[[Peperomia congona]]''<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Pino |first=Guillermo |date=April 2010 |title=Alte und neue Namen der sukkulenten Arznei-Peperomias aus Peru |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309179552 |journal=Avonia |language=German}}</ref> and ''Peperomia pellucida<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Alves |first1=Nayara Sabrina F. |last2=Setzer |first2=William N. |last3=da Silva |first3=Joyce Kelly R. |date=2019-03-25 |title=The chemistry and biological activities of Peperomia pellucida (Piperaceae): A critical review |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30562552/ |journal=Journal of Ethnopharmacology |volume=232 |pages=90–102 |doi=10.1016/j.jep.2018.12.021 |issn=1872-7573 |pmid=30562552}}</ref>'', 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.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Gutierrez |first1=Y. |last2=Yamaguchi |first2=L. |last3=de Moraes |first3=M. |last4=Jeffrey |first4=C. |last5=Kato |first5=M. |title=Natural products from Peperomia: occurrence, biogenesis and bioactivity |journal=Phytochemistry Reviews |date=2016 |volume=15 |issue=6 |pages=1009–1033 |doi=10.1007/s11101-016-9461-5|bibcode=2016PChRv..15.1009G }}</ref>

==Propagation==
These plants can be propagated by [[seed]]s, by cuttings, or by dividing. ''Peperomia'' cuttings of many species root easily.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/foliage/folnotes/pep.htm|title= Peperomia Production Guide|author1=R.W. Henley|author2=L.S. Osborne|author3=A.R. Chase|publisher=University of Florida, IFAS|access-date=10 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Peperomia Production Guide |url=https://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/foliage/peperomia.htm |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=University of Florida IFAS Extension}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web |title=How to Propagate Peperomia |url=https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/peperomia/propagating-peperomia.htm |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=Gardening Know How}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Peperomia Care and Propagation |url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=909 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=Royal Horticultural Society}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Peperomia Production Guide |url=https://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/foliage/peperomia.htm |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=University of Florida, IFAS Extension}}</ref>

==Gallery==
=== Examples of tropical, decorative foliage types ===
<gallery>
Image:Peperomia argyreia.jpg|''[[Peperomia argyreia]]'', "watermelon peperomia"
Image:Peperomia griseoargentea.jpg|''[[Peperomia griseoargentea]]''
Image:Peperomia nitida 'Variegata'.jpg|''[[Peperomia nitida]]'' "variegata"
Image:Peperomia maculosa kz3.jpg|''[[Peperomia maculosa]]''
Image:Inflorescence_Peperomia_obtusifolia.JPG|''[[Peperomia obtusifolia]]'' leaf and flower spike
Image:Peperomia prostrata.jpg|''[[Peperomia prostrata]]'', "string of turtles"
Image:Peperomia rotundifolia var. rotundifolia kz02.jpg|''[[Peperomia rotundifolia]]'' growing on a tree
Image:Peperomia serpens 2011-01-17.jpg|''[[Peperomia serpens]]''
Image:Peperomia tetraphylla00.jpg|''[[Peperomia tetraphylla]]'' with flower spike
</gallery>

=== Examples of arid climate succulent types ===
<gallery>
Image:Peperomia columella 01.jpg|''[[Peperomia columella]]''
Image:Peperomia dolabriformis.jpg|''[[Peperomia dolabriformis]]''
Image:Peperomia graveolens - Botanischer Garten Bonn.jpg|''[[Peperomia graveolens]]''
Image:Peperomia nivalis crassa.jpg|''[[Peperomia nivalis]]''
</gallery>

===Examples of geophytic peperomias===
<gallery>
Image:Peperomia bracteata.jpg|''[[Peperomia bracteata]]''
Image:Peperomia monticola.jpg|''[[Peperomia monticola]]''
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[List of Peperomia species|List of ''Peperomia'' species]]
* [[List of Peperomia diseases|List of ''Peperomia'' diseases]]

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="POWO">{{cite web |url=https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:329746-2 |title=''Peperomia'' Ruiz & Pav. |website=[[Plants of the World Online]] |publisher=[[Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew]] |year=2025 |access-date=21 February 2025}}</ref>

<ref name="GBIF">{{cite web |url=https://www.gbif.org/species/3086367 |title=''Peperomia'' Ruiz & Pav. |website=Global Biodiversity Information Facility |year=2025 |access-date=21 February 2025}}</ref>
}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikispecies|Peperomia}}
* [http://www.peperomia.net Internet Peperomia Reference] by botanist Guido Mathieu
* Examples of [http://www.bihrmann.com/caudiciforms/fami/PEP-fam.asp geophytic Peperomias]

{{Taxonbar|from=Q1354632}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Peperomia| ]]
[[Category:Epiphytes]]
[[Category:House plants]]
[[Category:Piperales genera]]
[[Category:Tropical flora]]
[[Category:Pantropical flora]]
[[Category:Taxa named by José Antonio Pavón Jiménez]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Hipólito Ruiz López]]