Culture
Winter hardy in frost-free Zones 11-12. Easily grown as a houseplant in colder climates in bright, indirect light and a well-draining potting soil. Add orchid bark, coconut coir, or additional perlite to standard potting mixes to increase drainage. During the growing season (spring to early fall), water moderately but consistently, allowing the soils to almost dry on top before adding additional water. Apply small amounts of diluted fertilizer monthly during the growing season. Reduce watering and eliminate fertilization from fall throughout winter. Cut back foliage as needed to maintain plant shape. Propagate by stem or leaf cuttings in spring.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Peperomia is a large genus of over 1,000 species of herbaceous perennials and annuals native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They are variable in size and appearance, though most are compact (less than 12" tall) with succulent foliage and stems and small, inconspicuous flowers on upright, narrow spikes.
Genus name comes from the Greek words peperi meaning pepper and homoios meaning resembling. The plants resemble, and are closely related to, true black pepper (Piper nigrum).
'Hope' is a vigorous, hybrid peperomia cultivar resulting from a cross between Peperomia deppeana as the seed parent and P. quadrifolia as the pollen parent. This cultivar features succulent, faintly striped, round, up to 1.25" wide leaves held along trailing stems. The stems can have a reddish tinge and will trail horizontally or cascade downward, reaching lengths of at least 4' and potentially longer. Greenish flowering spikes reaching 6-8" long appear seasonally and are covered in tiny, inconspicuous blooms. This plant is protected by patent number PP24794.
Problems
Root rot in overly moist soils. Watch for mealy bugs, spider mites, and white fly. Leaf spots may occur with improper growing conditions.
Uses
Popular houseplant for bright, indirect light locations. Where winter hardy, use in mixed borders or mass as a ground cover.
'Hope' is a trailing cultivar suitable for use indoors as a houseplant in hanging baskets or placed on a shelf where the stems can be allowed to cascade freely. Can be grown outdoors where winter hardy as a trailing ground cover.