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How to Care for Rippled Peperomia

Rippled peperoma (Peperomia caperata) is a Brazilian rain forest native that grows about 8 inches tall, making it an ideal houseplant. Wrinkly green leaves give the plant its nickname. NASA scientists who studied peperomia plants found that they help clean indoor air of formaldehyde. A member of the pepper family, rippled peperomia is one of the easier houseplants to grow, as long as it isn't overwatered.

Things You'll Need

  • Houseplant fertilizer
  • Miticide
  • Potting soil or peat moss, loam and sand
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Instructions

    • 1

      Grow the rippled peperomia in an area with dappled shade or provide a space receiving sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon.

    • 2

      Keep the temperature in the peperomia's room between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Never allow the temperature to dip below 50 F.

    • 3

      Allow the soil around the peperomia's roots to dry a bit before watering it with room-temperature water. Stick your finger into the soil to its full length. If the soil is dry, water the plant. Water half as frequently during winter.

    • 4

      Fertilize the rippled peperomia with a houseplant fertilizer at half the strength listed on the label. Fertilize once a month beginning in late spring, and stop fertilizing at the beginning of fall.

    • 5

      Repot the rippled peperomia when the roots fill the pot and can be seen from the drainage holes at the bottom. Use a quality potting mix or make your own out of 3 parts peat moss, and 1 part each of loam and coarse sand.

    • 6

      Inspect the wrinkled peperomia periodically for signs of spider mites. These tiny insects thrive in the dry indoor environment. Webbing on the leaves and stems is a good indication of an infestation. Wash the plant under the faucet in the kitchen or in the shower. Master gardeners at Colorado State University Extension suggest doing this twice a week for one month. If washing the foliage fails to control the spider mite infestation, use a miticide according to label instructions.