Raindrop Peperomia polybotrya

Raindrop Peperomia is a tropical perennial native to Columbia, Ecuador, and Peru and thrives in warm and humid climates. It is a member of the Piperaceae or pepper family. It is grown as a low-maintenance houseplant in the United States. It has a compact, erect growth habit, and matures to about 1 foot tall and equally as wide. The leaves are fleshy, bright green, and teardrop-shaped. The leaves are peltate, meaning that the petiole is attached to the underside of the leaf instead of the margin which causes a slight dimple on the leaf surface. The flowers are greenish-white spikes that bloom during the summer. As a houseplant, it rarely flowers.

This plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight and moist, well-drained soil. It thrives in high humidity, but it will tolerate the humidity of the average household. If the plant is grown outside, the USDA hardiness zones for this plant are 10 to 12. Indoors, this plant does best with temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

The glossy, teardrop-shaped leaves are the highlight of this plant. Its unique foliage and low maintenance will be appealing in an office or home setting. 

Quick ID Hints:

• evergreen, perennial, compact, erect habit, and reaches 1 foot tall
• petiole attached to the underside of the leaf producing slight simple on the leaf surface
• fleshy, glossy, bright green, tear-drop shaped 
• greenish-white, long slender, tail-like shaped or spike-like flowers

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for spider mites, mealybugs, fungus gnats, and scale. Root rot can result from overwatering. Avoid wetting the leaves to prevent leaf spots. 

More information on Peperomia.