Peperomia Lilian

Peperomia Lilian (Peperomia caperata 'Lilian') is a desk sized indoor plant built around its leaves: deeply corrugated hearts in dark green, held on short pink red stems in a tight rosette. It tops out at about 250mm tall and the same across, so it fits a shelf, a bathroom sill or the corner of a working desk. It is also on our pet friendly list, which narrows the field considerably in a home with a cat.

Why you'll love it

• Pet friendly. Not toxic to cats or dogs, so it can sit on a low shelf or a coffee table without a second thought.
• It stays small. At 250mm each way it holds its size for years, with no repotting treadmill and no point at which it takes over a room.
• Texture instead of flowers. The deeply ridged leaf surface catches light in a way a flat leaf never does, even in a plain white pot.
• Humidity is a plus, not a problem. Bathrooms, kitchens and steamy laundries suit it, which is more than most small indoor plants can say.

Where it works best

Indoors. This is its natural home anywhere in the country. Put it within a metre or two of a window with good indirect light, out of direct sun, and your local climate stops mattering.

Bathrooms, kitchens and small pots. Steady warmth and humidity suit it, provided there is enough natural light to read by. A 120mm to 150mm pot with drainage is the right home.

Sheltered balconies and courtyards. Outdoors it only works in tropical and subtropical gardens, in a shaded frost free spot with cover from heavy rain.

Growing Peperomia Lilian in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light, never direct sun through glass, which bleaches the leaves. Low light slows it and flattens the leaf ridging. It is frost tender, suiting tropical and subtropical conditions outdoors, so everywhere else it is an indoor plant.

Soil. A light, open, free draining mix: standard potting mix opened up with perlite or coarse bark. The roots are fine and shallow and will not tolerate a dense waterlogged mix.

Water and feed. Let the top half of the mix dry out, then water thoroughly and tip the saucer out: roughly weekly in warm weather and every two to three weeks in winter. A half strength liquid feed monthly through spring and summer is ample.

Grooming. No pruning needed. Pinch off any tired leaf at the base of its stalk. Slim cream flower spikes appear in the warmer months and are a curiosity rather than a display.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in one size, tube stock: a young plant with a handful of leaves rather than a full rosette. Pot it into a 120mm to 150mm pot, resist the urge to go bigger, and expect it to look finished within a season.

Peperomia travels reasonably well because the leaves hold moisture, though a folded leaf after a few days in a box is normal and not a fault. Give it a week somewhere bright and indirect before the first proper water. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95, under our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Read how to keep your indoor plants alive, which covers the mistakes behind most failures.
• Browse more pet friendly indoor plants.
• Compare the wider indoor plant range.
• Get the sizing right with our guide to choosing the right size pot.

Common questions

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

Yes. Peperomia is listed as pet friendly and is not toxic to cats or dogs, so it suits a low shelf or a coffee table.

Why are the lower leaves going limp and yellow?

Almost always too much water, or a pot without drainage. Let the top half of the mix dry between waterings, empty the saucer every time, and check the roots are firm and pale.

Can I grow it outdoors?

Only in tropical and subtropical gardens, in full shade with protection from frost and heavy rain. Anywhere cooler it belongs inside.