Eerie Elegance

houseplant peperomia caperata in white flowerpot

Peperomias are great little ornamental indoor plants that are easy to grow and available in various colours including dark green, dark red, purple, silver and variegated. There’s one to suit everyone’s wish list and the dark red one is all you need to give a spooky look to your living room on Halloween.

With a touch of imagination, the crinkled, dark red leaves of the ‘Burgundy’ emerald ripple peperomia resemble ghoulish body parts. Each leaf perches on a red stem, giving the plant an alien appearance.

How to grow peperomia in a pot

Choose a pot at least 400mm wide (or larger, depending on the size of your plant). Position in a well-lit spot, away from direct sunlight.

Fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Thrive Indoor Plants Potting Mix.

Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Position in a hole made in the centre of the pot and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well afterwards.

Water when the potting mix is dry — insert your index finger to the first knuckle — if it’s dry, water and if it’s moist, don’t water.

Feed the plant fortnightly from spring to autumn with Yates Thrive Indoor Liquid Plant Food. This fertiliser promotes strong root development and healthy foliage growth. No feeding is required during the winter months.

How to grow peperomia in a garden

Choose a spot in the garden that receives filtered sun and has well-drained soil. In poorly drained areas, create an elevated mound of freely draining soil.

Dig a hole in the prepared mounds the same size as the root ball.

Holding the main body of the plant with one hand, gently backfill the hole, pushing the soil under and around the roots so that the plant is sitting high on the mound.

If the plant is unstable, you can use some supports such as stones or pots to hold it upright while its roots settle in.

Water in well. Ensure that you also place some water into the central part of the plant as this is where it draws in further moisture as well.

Feed in spring and autumn with Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed to promote strong root development and healthy colourful foliage.

Growing tips

Plant different varieties together for contrast

Great for terrariums

Easy to propagate

Tough plants that rarely suffer from disease or bug infestation — Courtesy of Yates