Prayer Pepper

Prayer Pepper (Peperomia dolabriformis) is a low, clumping succulent from Peru, about 30cm tall and wide, with two-tone green leaves that fold together along their length like tiny peapods. It is a quirky, low-maintenance plant for terrariums, desks, windowsills and rockeries. It rewards a light hand with water and a stable, frost-free spot.

Why you'll love it

• Peapod leaves. Chubby leaves fold along their length and look like dozens of tiny pea pods, with two shades of green.
• Peach tones in the cold. Leaves may turn a peachy colour in colder weather, adding a seasonal change.
• Succulent and thrifty. It stores water in its leaves, so less watering is better than more.
• Small and tidy. It stays a neat clump of about 30cm by 30cm, which suits terrariums, pots and rockery pockets.
• 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

Terrariums and desks. Its small size and tidy habit make it ideal for a terrarium, a desk or a bright windowsill.

Pots indoors and out. Use a small pot in a bright spot with indirect light. It prefers to be slightly potbound, so resist the urge to upsize.

Rockeries. Plant 30cm apart in a sheltered, frost-free rockery pocket in dappled light, where its folded leaves contrast with stone.

Growing Prayer Pepper in Australia

Position and climate. A bright spot with indirect sunlight or dappled shade. It needs a stable, frost-free temperature, so it suits tropical and subtropical gardens outdoors, and in cooler districts it is best kept in a pot indoors. It enjoys warm, humid air.

Soil. Moisture-retaining soil or a good quality potting mix that drains freely. Use a small pot, because it prefers to be slightly potbound.

Water and feed. Go easy on the watering, since less is better than more. Water lightly with rainwater or filtered water, and let the mix dry a little between drinks. Hold back in cooler months.

Pruning. No pruning needed. Resist the temptation to pot it into a much bigger container, as it prefers to stay snug.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Prayer Pepper as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once potted. It arrives as a small clump of folded leaves and grows slowly. Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment, 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

• Browse the peperomia range
• More succulents
• Indoor plant tips for beginners
• Plants for rockeries

Common questions

How much water does it need?

Very little. Less is better than more, so water lightly and let the mix dry a little between drinks.

Can it live outdoors?

Yes, in a frost-free garden. It needs a stable, frost-free temperature, so in cooler districts it is better in a pot indoors.

Why do the leaves turn peachy?

Cooler weather can bring a peachy tint to the leaves. It is a normal response to the cold, not a sign of disease.