These members of the pepper family are highly decorative houseplants that are native to tropical America. Many kinds of peperomias can be purchased at garden centers. Some of the most common are emerald ripple, variegated, pepper face, trailing, and watermelon. Peperomias vary consistently in appearance. Most are dwarf and compact, rarely exceeding 12 inches in height.
Some species have thread-like trailing stems, while others have thick, succulent, upright stems.
Some species are particularly well suited for hanging baskets or dish gardens. Colors may range from solid green to striped or marbled. Leaves may be outlined in pale green, yellow, creamy white, red, or gray. The leaf stems of some types are red or pinkish. A soil composed of peat moss, loam, or sand, or any soil mixture with good drainage can be used.