Ruby Glow Peperomia

Ruby Glow Peperomia (Peperomia graveolens 'Ruby Glow') is a low, clumping, succulent-leaved peperomia from Ecuador that spreads to about 30cm. Its leaves fold lengthways and are two-toned in green and russet, and happy plants send up long upright flower stalks, red tipped with cream, that lift the whole plant to as much as 60cm. It is a colourful little plant for terrariums, desks and shaded pots.

Why you'll love it

• Two-tone foliage. Green and russet share each folded leaf, so the clump has depth and warmth even out of flower.
• Unusual flower stalks. The long, upright stalks are red with cream tips and stand well above the leaves.
• Water-storing leaves. The thick, succulent foliage holds moisture, which is why it forgives a dry spell far more easily than a wet one.
• Small and tidy. A clump around 30cm across suits a desk, shelf, windowsill or shared planter.
• Pet friendly. Peperomias are generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Where it works best

Terrariums and shared planters. Allow about 30cm between plants in a planter, or give each clump its own small pot in an open terrarium. A gritty, well drained mix keeps it happy.

Desks and windowsills. A bright spot out of direct sun shows off the colour, and the flower stalks add height.

Rockeries and pots outdoors. In frost free gardens it suits a sheltered, shaded rockery pocket or a pot on a verandah.

Growing Ruby Glow Peperomia in Australia

Position and climate. A bright spot with indirect sunlight or dappled shade, because direct sun burns the leaves. It likes warm, humid air and a stable, frost free temperature, so it is an indoor plant for most of the country and an outdoor one only in tropical and subtropical gardens.

Soil. A moisture-retaining but free draining potting mix, opened up with perlite. It prefers to be slightly potbound, so choose a snug pot rather than a large one.

Water and feed. Less is better than more. Water lightly with rainwater or filtered water once the top of the mix has dried, and empty any saucer so the roots never sit wet. Soggy mix is the quickest way to lose this plant.

Pruning. Very little. Take off tired leaves and spent flower stalks at the base, and repot only when roots crowd the pot, moving up a single size.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Ruby Glow Peperomia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. The tube is a small starter, so pot it into a snug container of free draining mix soon after it arrives, keep it bright and barely moist, and expect steady rather than rapid growth.

Tubes are grown for us and are not always available. When the tube is sold out, press the notify button on this page and it 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 rockery plants
• Explore indoor plants
• Understanding and preventing root rot

Common questions

How tall do the flower stalks grow?

Together with its flower stalks the plant can reach about 60cm, while the leafy clump itself stays much lower and spreads to roughly 30cm.

Is it really a succulent?

The thick leaves store water like a succulent, but it is happier in bright shade and humid air than in full sun and dry heat. Water lightly and let the mix dry between drinks.

Is it safe for pets?

Peperomias are generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A chewed plant can still upset a stomach, so keep it out of reach of keen nibblers.