Peperomia caperata ‘Abricos’

A colourful selection of a Brazilian species

Peperomia caperata ‘Abricos’ is a cultivated selection of Peperomia caperata. The species is native to wet tropical vegetation in south-eastern Brazil and is known for its compact rosettes and deeply folded leaves.

Care for Peperomia caperata ‘Abricos’

Use bright filtered light and protect the pale margins from strong direct sun, which can scorch them before the darker centres show damage. Acclimatise the plant carefully. A modest feed is enough while new leaves are forming; pause when the rosette is not growing.

From time to time, run plain water through the pot and let it drain freely to wash out accumulated minerals, which often mark the pale margins first.

• Watering: Water after the upper 1–2 cm has dried and the pot feels lighter. Long dry periods crisp the coloured edge, while continuously wet roots are equally harmful.
• Potting mix: Use a small pot with coco fibre or peat-free potting mix, fine bark and pumice. The mix should feel loose and drain readily.
• Warmth and grooming: Maintain 18–27 °C and keep water out of the centre of the rosette. Repot when roots fill the current pot, and remove dead flower spikes or damaged leaves with clean scissors.

The watering guide explains how to water thoroughly and limit mineral build-up around sensitive pale margins.

Troubleshooting Peperomia caperata ‘Abricos’

The apricot edge is turning crisp: The pale margin may be reacting to hot sun, mineral build-up or repeated drought. Reduce harsh exposure, run plain water through the pot and restore a steadier watering pattern.

Pale dry patches are spreading across the dark centre: Direct sun or hot glass may have scorched the exposed tissue. Move the plant into filtered light and judge recovery from undamaged new foliage.

• The centre is soft and the pot smells unpleasant: Root or crown rot may have started in wet compacted mix. Remove decayed tissue with clean tools and replant only firm healthy parts in fresh airy potting mix.
• Small cork-like bumps are appearing: These bumps are often oedema. They can form when the roots stay wet in cool conditions and the leaves release water slowly. Let the pot dry further, keep the plant warmer and improve gentle airflow.
• The coloured margins are becoming scarred: Thrips or mites may be feeding on the newest leaves. Isolate the plant, inspect fresh growth and use a houseplant pest treatment labelled for thrips or mites, following the product instructions.

Peperomia caperata ‘Abricos’ is non-toxic to people and pets

• This plant is non-toxic to people, cats and dogs.
• Chewing a large amount can still cause an upset stomach.
• If a large amount is eaten and symptoms continue, contact a veterinarian or medical professional.

Who first published Peperomia caperata, and what does the name mean?

Peperomia combines Greek peperi, “pepper”, with homoios, “resembling”, and means “pepper-like”. Caperata comes from the Latin caperatus, meaning wrinkled or corrugated, and refers to the deeply folded leaf surface.

Hipólito Ruiz López and José Antonio Pavon established the genus Peperomia in 1794 in Flora Peruvianae et Chilensis Prodromus, page 8.

Truman George Yuncker first described Peperomia caperata in 1958 in Kew Bulletin, volume 12, page 421.