Ruby Ripple Peperomia

Ruby Ripple Peperomia (Peperomia caperata 'Ruby Ripple') is a neat foliage plant that stays 10 to 20cm tall and wide. Its tiny heart-shaped leaves are deeply crinkled, almost quilted, and a dark maroon. It is a low-effort plant for shaded pots, terrariums and the front of a frost free tropical border.

Why you'll love it

• Quilted maroon leaves. The crinkled surface catches the light and gives a small plant a lot of texture.
• A neat, compact size. At 10 to 20cm in every direction it fits a shelf, a bowl or a gap at the front of a bed.
• Happy with a light touch. It dislikes soggy soil, so it suits people who forget a watering rather than people who fuss.
• Tail-like flower stalks. Happy plants send up long, narrow stalks in red and cream above the leaves.
• Pet friendly. Peperomias are generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Where it works best

Shaded patio containers. Pair it with taller foliage in a large pot, or give it a small pot of its own on a table under cover.

Underplanting in tropical gardens. In frost free gardens, plant 20cm apart beneath larger plants or among denser groundcovers, where its dark leaves add contrast.

Indoors on a bright shelf. Choose a spot with indirect light, where the maroon leaves are close enough to appreciate.

Growing Ruby Ripple Peperomia in Australia

Position and climate. A bright spot with indirect sunlight or dappled shade. It enjoys warm, humid air and needs frost free conditions, so it is an indoor plant for most of the country and a garden plant only in tropical and subtropical areas.

Soil. A good quality potting mix that holds some moisture but drains freely. Avoid heavy soils that stay wet around the roots.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 12 weeks, then regularly once established, but with a light hand, because wet soil is its main enemy. Mist when the air is dry. In the warmer months, a very diluted liquid feed once a month keeps the foliage healthy and vibrant.

Pruning. Remove old leaves for a quick tidy, and snip off flower stalks once they fade.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Ruby Ripple Peperomia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tube plants may arrive with green leaves rather than maroon, and the deeper colour develops as the plant grows. Pot the tube into a small container of fresh mix soon after it arrives and keep it bright, not wet.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, 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
• Pet friendly indoor plants
• More tropical plants
• How to repot your plants like a pro

Common questions

Why is my new plant green instead of maroon?

Tube stock can arrive green. The dark maroon colour comes as the plant grows, so give it bright, indirect light and a little time.

How often should I water it?

Regularly, but lightly. Let the top of the mix dry between drinks and never leave the pot standing in water, because it does not tolerate soggy soil.

Does it flower?

Happy plants do. The flowers are long, tail-like stalks in red and cream that rise above the leaves, and they can be snipped off once they fade.