Black Leaf Ripple Peperomia

Black Leaf Ripple Peperomia (Peperomia caperata 'Black Leaf Ripple') is a neat, compact foliage plant, only about 20cm tall and wide, with tiny heart-shaped leaves that are intricately crinkled and darkly coloured. It is forgiving of forgetful watering and suits shaded patios, indoor pots and tropical accent plantings. Happy plants send up long, tail-like pale green flower stalks that fan out at the tip.

Why you'll love it

• Dark, crinkled leaves. The small heart-shaped leaves have a deep, ruffled texture and darken as the plant grows.
• Neat and compact. At about 20cm by 20cm it fits a desk, a windowsill or the front of a shaded bed.
• Forgiving. It copes with drying out between waterings, so it suits busy households.
• Quirky flowers. Happy plants flower with long pale green tails that form a fan at the tip.
• Safe around pets. Peperomias are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, though any plant chewed in quantity can upset a stomach.

Where it works best

Shaded patios and pots. A small container on a shaded patio shows off the leaf texture at eye level.

Indoor displays. It thrives in a brightly lit room, and groups well with other foliage plants of different leaf sizes.

Tropical accent plantings. Plant 20cm apart in the shade of larger plants, or amid denser groundcovers, where the dark leaves add depth.

Growing Black Leaf Ripple Peperomia in Australia

Position and climate. A bright spot with indirect sunlight or dappled shade. It enjoys warm, humid air, so it suits tropical and subtropical gardens outdoors, and in cooler districts it is best as an indoor or sheltered container plant.

Soil. Moisture-retaining soil or a good quality potting mix. It dislikes wet soil, so always use a pot with drainage holes.

Water and feed. Water regularly during the first 12 weeks, then regularly once established, but with a light hand. Mist if the air is dry. Apply a very diluted liquid feed monthly in the warmer months.

Pruning. Remove old leaves for a quick tidy-up. Cutting off spent flower tails keeps the plant looking neat.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Black Leaf Ripple as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once potted. Tube stock may be green when it is delivered, and the leaves darken as the plant grows. Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. The tube shows as sold out when the grower has none, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Our peperomia range
• Low light indoor plants
• How to keep your indoor plants alive
• Pet friendly indoor plants

Common questions

Why are the leaves green when it arrives?

Tube stock may be green when delivered, and the leaves darken as the plant grows. Bright indirect light helps the colour deepen.

How often should I water it?

Regularly but lightly. It can cope with drying out between waterings, and the one thing it dislikes is soggy soil.

Does it flower?

Happy plants produce long, tail-like pale green stalks that form a fan at the tip. They are a quirky extra rather than the main feature.