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Cupid Peperomia Peperomia serpens

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Peperomia scandens
  • Piper herbaceum
  • Piper serpens
Phonetic Spelling
pep-er-ROH-mee-uh SUR-penz
Description

The Vining Peperomia is a semi-succulent, creeping, climbing, trailing, perennial from tropical Central and South America and is a member of the Piperaceae or pepper family. It has small, bright green, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that resemble the foliage of a Pothos. The stems are thick and light pink. The flowers of this plant are spikes of white or green. The plant will grow to 1 to 2 feet in length and up to 6 inches in height. 

This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It requires moist, well-drained soil and does not tolerate overwatering. It may require a trellis or pole as it continues to grow. Avoid cold drafts and maintain a moderate temperature and humidity.

The beautiful foliage and ease of care make the Vining Peperomia a wonderful houseplant for beginning houseplant enthusiasts, Consider using this plant in a hanging basket or terrarium.

Quick ID Hints:

  • epiphytic, creeping, climbing, trailing, semi-succulent herbaceous perennial
  • stem slightly pubescent
  • small, bright green, glossy, fleshy, heart-shaped leaves resembling the foliage of a pothos
  • flowers are white or greenish spikes

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, scale, fungus gnats, and whiteflies. Root rot can occur from overwatering. Avoid wetting the leaves and provide good air circulation to prevent leaf spots.

 

More information on Peperomia.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Variegata'
    green leaves with creamy white leaf margins
'Variegata'
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#drought tolerant#easy to grow#epiphytic#low maintenance#pet friendly#hanging baskets#well-drained soil#herbaceous perennial#humidity tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Variegata'
    green leaves with creamy white leaf margins
'Variegata'
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#drought tolerant#easy to grow#epiphytic#low maintenance#pet friendly#hanging baskets#well-drained soil#herbaceous perennial#humidity tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical#perennial
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Peperomia
    Species:
    serpens
    Family:
    Piperaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Southern Mexico to Tropical America
    Distribution:
    Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, Venezuelan Antilles, and Windward Islands
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Epiphyte
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Vine
    Habit/Form:
    Climbing
    Creeping
    Spreading
    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 Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Green
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spike
    Flower Description:
    The flowers are small spikes of green or white. Houseplants rarely produce flowers.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    The leaves are bright green, glossy, slightly wrinkly, and heart-shaped.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Pink
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    The stems are thick, pink, and have tiny hairs.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Humidity