5 reasons we're currently obsessed with peperomia

Did you know that 2022 has been declared the year of peperomia? Well, now you do.

If you are looking for exotic, low-maintenance, and unique-looking houseplants, look no further - we got you! Peperomias are the perfect option. Featuring tropical foliage that comes in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and textures, peperomias are fun and easy to grow. Belonging to an insane genus of tropical flowering plants from Central and South America, there are more than 1000 species of Peperomia out there.

Here at NODE, peperomia tick all the boxes of what we love in houseplants. Showy foliage, easy to care for, non-toxic to pets and hungry children, peps make for amazing houseplants for just about every level of experience. Here are five reasons we're head over heels obsessed with peperomia!
1. They're so many peperomia to choose from!

Like Pokémon, you can catch them all! Peperomia come in so many varieties, sizes, and colors, from green to pink to white to purple and everything in between. They have great decorative value thanks to the fun shape and coloring of their leaves, which can be small and petite to long and pointy or even robust. There are dozens of types of peperomia available today in New Zealand, from common to rare.

In fact, peperomia can look so different from each other that it's easy to mistake them for not being related. Like the iconic string of turtles (Peperomia prostrata) to the Peperomia obtusfolia. Pretty much all of the peperomia on the houseplant market today sport stunning ornamental foliage; many are variegated. There are more and more cultivars and varieties introduced into the NZ market all the time. Some peperomias flower with sturdy green spikes that stand up proudly like cheerful tails! In short, they are perky & cute!
2. They're non-toxic and pet-friendly!

The peperomia family is pet-friendly! Peperomia are non-toxic, making them safe to keep around your furry friends. However, the best practice is always to keep new houseplants out of reach of small children and curious pets just in case! Best to play it safe.
3. They can easily be propagated in many ways

Peperomia are super easy to propagate and can be propagated with stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. Stem cutting is the most popular method, will generally have the best results, and can be performed with all species of peperomia. We also often propagate just the leaves of peperomia (something you can learn in person at our workshops), and once they root, they often produce the tiniest little pep leaves straight from the edge of the leaf - so cute!

They're seriously one of the simplest plants to propagate! Now that you know how there’s no limit to how many peperomias you can turn out. So give it a try, share it with your friends, and enjoy your plants! Baby plants you've grown yourself make for the best presents!
4. They're pretty tough and hard to kill

Peperomias are a smart choice for beginner houseplant enthusiasts. Not only are they forgiving plants that tolerate neglect, but they also easily bounce back if you accidentally mess up their care. We stan a tough plant queen.

Ideally, peperomia will do best in places with bright indirect sunlight, but we've found that many can tolerate a bit more shade and still be ok. Their hardiness doesn’t stop at light requirements, though, because peperomia have thick and juicy leaves and stems similar to succulents which means they retain water well. Drought tolerant?' Yes, please! So put down that watering can and back away slowly. Now, isn't that easy?
5. Peps tend to stay small - making them great for petite spaces

Our final reason for fangirling over peperomia is that, like teacup pigs, they stay petite and cute. This makes them a great addition to any small spaces and for those of us in wee flats and studios. They can be a fab tabletop plant for your office desk or coffee table, and they're perfect for giving your space a touch of life and beauty! In fact, most peperomia plants will stay fairly small, never surpassing two feet tall.

Are you a peperomia fan too? Tell us your faves!