Peperomia Frost is a cultivar of the Peperomia (pep-er-ROH-mee-uh) branch of the Piperaceae plant family. These perennial plants originally hail from the West Indies, South America and Mexico.
There are over a thousand Peperomia types and species, and all are close relatives of the Piper nigrum, or true black pepper plant.
The genus name, Peperomia, is a combination of the Greek words meaning “resembling pepper” – peperi homoios. This particular cultivar is commonly called Peperomia Frost.
Silver Frost Peperomia Care
Common names:
- Peperomia caperata ‘Frost’
- Silver Frost Peperomia
- Silver Peperomia
- Frost Peperomia
Size & Growth
Frost Peperomia is a beautiful Peperomia caperata ripple type with green leaves a frost covering and dark green veins similar to watermelon peperomia. The foliage like Peperomia Rosso is the main calling card for this plant.
Plants may grow to be six-inches to one foot high and wide.
Frost make an attractive stand alone houseplant or a perfect addition to a terrarium.
Flowering & Fragrance
The plants’ flowers are spiky and inconspicuous. Silver Frost may produce spikes throughout the growing season.
Light & Temperature
Peperomia likes bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun can be harmful. These houseplants like a west, east or south-facing window.
They do best with consistent temperatures of 65º-75º degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t allow the temperature to drop below 50º degrees Fahrenheit.
In USDA hardiness zones 10 through 12, they can be kept outdoors year round.
Watering & Feeding
As with most houseplants, you should be more concerned about overwatering Frost Peperomia than under watering. Let the soil dry fairly thoroughly and then provide a deep watering.
Allow water to run through the drainage holes, and do not allow the plant to sit in water.
Reduce watering during the winter months. Only water when the leaves begin to look a bit droopy.
These tropical plants do like a humid environment. During warm weather, mist daily and set your plants on a tray of pebbles with a bit of water at the bottom. The water will evaporate and provide humidity for your plants.
Don’t fertilize your Peperomia during the winter. Early in the spring, and throughout the growing season, fertilize every-other week with a half strength solution of a good houseplant fertilizer.
Soil & Transplanting
Peperomia like a soilless potting mix made up of one part sand or perlite and two parts peat. The most important qualities to consider are good drainage and aeration.
When you repotting Silver Frost, don’t overdo it. Just move up to the next size pot when your plant becomes rootbound.
Peperomia does better with less root space. A shallow pot is a better choice than a deep one.
Grooming & Maintenance
Pinch back spindly stems as needed to help your plant maintain a full, bushy shape.
How To Propagate Frost Peperomias
Peperomia can be easily propagated by rooting stem tip cuttings or leaf cuttings. Just cut a healthy stem with a couple of leaves. You can dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone if you wish.
Plant the leaf or stem cutting in a small container with clean, new, moist potting mix. Place it in an area with bright, indirect sunlight and a consistent temperature of about 68º Fahrenheit.
Keep the potting medium very slightly moist, but don’t overwater as this will cause rot. When the cutting begins to show new growth, you can repot it to a slightly larger pot.
Peperomia Frost Main Pest or Disease Problems
When well-cared for and not overwatered, Peperomia have very few pest or disease problems. If overwatered, overcrowded or not given enough light and air circulation, they may be susceptible to:
- Spider Mites
- Mealybugs
- White Fly
Learn More on Controlling Peperomia Pests
Excessive watering may also cause root rot and/or leaf spot.
Is Frost Peperomia Considered Toxic or Poisonous?
This member of the pepper family is not toxic, but it is also not considered edible. Provide reasonable protection from tampering by curious pets and kids.
Related: Is Peperomia Safe for Cats?
Is Frost Considered Invasive?
This delicate tropical houseplant is not invasive.
Suggested Uses For Silver Peperomia
Like all of its thousands of cousins, Peperomia Frost is a delightful houseplant that does very well in bright, warm locations throughout the home.
In tropical settings, it can be kept outdoors as a bedding or container plant year round.
In areas with warm, humid summers, it can be kept outdoors during the warm months and brought in during the winter.