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Variegated Radiator Plant Peperomia clusiifolia

Previously known as:

  • Peperomia obtusifolia var. clusiifolia
  • Piper clusiifolium
Phonetic Spelling
pep-er-ROH-mee-uh kloo-si-FOH-lee-uh
Description

The Red Edged Peperomia is an erect, mounding, evergreen, succulent perennial that is typically grown as a houseplant in the United States. It is native to Jamaica and is a member of the Piperaceae family. It has a mounding habit and grows 6 inches to 1 foot tall. This plant has stiff, elliptical, glossy, deep green leaves with dark red or maroon margins. The flowers are in the form of long, narrow greenish-white spikes which is characteristic of Peperomia plants; however, as a houseplant, they rarely flower.

This plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight and will tolerate low-light conditions. Moist, well-drained, loamy soil is recommended, but it is best to avoid overwatering and cold drafts. It is typically slow-growing and will not require repotting very often. They are winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 10a to 12b. 

The Red Edged Peperomia is the perfect houseplant for the beginner. It has beautiful ornamental foliage and is low maintenance, pet-friendly, and easy to grow.

Quick ID Hints:

  • evergreen perennial with an erect, mounding habit, 6 inches to 1 foot tall
  • simple, stiff, elliptical, glossy, dark green leaves with dark red margins
  • flowers are long, slender, greenish-white spikes

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, scale, fungus gnats, and whiteflies. Overwatering can cause root rot. Avoid wetting the leaves which can result in leaf spots.

More information on Peperomia.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Ginny'
    succulent-like, fleshy, green leaves with yellow and pink edges
  • 'Jelly'
    wide, oval, green leaves with pink and cream edging, with maturity the leaves have deep reds
  • 'Red Margin'
    deep green leaves with slightly red leaf edges
  • 'Variegata'
    grayish-green leaves with cream color on each of the leaf, the margins are red and pink
'Ginny', 'Jelly', 'Red Margin', 'Variegata'
Tags:
#houseplant#interiorscape#low maintenance#interesting leaves#partial shade tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant#early care
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Ginny'
    succulent-like, fleshy, green leaves with yellow and pink edges
  • 'Jelly'
    wide, oval, green leaves with pink and cream edging, with maturity the leaves have deep reds
  • 'Red Margin'
    deep green leaves with slightly red leaf edges
  • 'Variegata'
    grayish-green leaves with cream color on each of the leaf, the margins are red and pink
'Ginny', 'Jelly', 'Red Margin', 'Variegata'
Tags:
#houseplant#interiorscape#low maintenance#interesting leaves#partial shade tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant#early care
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Peperomia
    Species:
    clusiifolia
    Family:
    Piperaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Leaf Cutting
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Jamaica
    Play Value:
    Easy to Grow
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Mounding
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Green
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spike
    Flower Description:
    The flowers are small, long, narrow, greenish-white spikes. As a houseplant, it rarely flowers.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    The leaves are stiff, succulent-like, elliptical, and deep green with red or maroon margins.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Design Feature:
    Accent