Ripple peperomia guide
Peperomia caperata, also called emerald ripple peperomia, radiator plant, Peperomia caperata
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Medium
- Water
- When the top half of the soil is dry
- Humidity
- Average room air is fine
- Temperature
- 18 to 27°C (65 to 80°F). Keep above 13°C (55°F).
- Soil
- Chunky, fast-draining mix with perlite and bark
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in) tall
- Propagation
- Leaf or stem cuttings in water or soil
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes ripple peperomia different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the peperomia care guide.
What it is
Ripple peperomia has small, heart-shaped leaves covered in deep wrinkles and ridges. The leaves come in green, silver, red, and near-black, depending on the form. In summer, it sends up thin cream flower spikes like mouse tails. It stays under 20 cm (8 in) tall.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| Ripple peperomia | Small, heart-shaped, deep wrinkles | Deep ridges between the veins |
| ‘Rosso’ peperomia | Narrow, rippled, red undersides | Red undersides and narrower leaves |
| Watermelon peperomia | Round, smooth, silver stripes | Smooth leaves with stripes |
Care differences
The rippled leaves trap water. Water the soil, not the leaves. Let the top half of the soil dry first. It is one of the most rot-prone peperomias.
Grow it from a leaf cutting
Cut a leaf with its stem and push the stem into moist soil. A new plant grows from the base in four to eight weeks.
Buying it
Ripple peperomia is common at garden centers, often in small pots. Look for firm leaves and dry soil. Soft, black stems mean rot.