Peperomia ‘Santorini’

A compact Dutch Peperomia caperata cultivar

Peperomia ‘Santorini’ was bred in Sappemeer, the Netherlands, from two Peperomia caperata parent plants.

Peperomia caperata is native to wet tropical south-eastern Brazil.

Care for Peperomia ‘Santorini’

Check both the top 2 cm and the pot weight. Water when the top has dried and the pot feels lighter, then let all excess water drain away. Never leave the nursery pot standing in water.

• Light across both leaf surfaces: Bright indirect light supports compact growth. Mild morning sun is suitable after acclimatisation, but strong afternoon heat can scorch exposed leaves.
• Keep the red undersides dry: Pour water directly onto the potting mix and leave enough space around the plant for accidental splashes to dry.
• Potting mix: Use a snug pot with bark, coco fibre and perlite or pumice. Avoid dense compost that stays wet around the fine roots.

Keep the plant at 18–27 °C and protect it from sudden cold. Moderate humidity is helpful only when gentle air can move around the compact centre. Feed lightly while new leaves are appearing and pause when the rosette is not actively growing.

Move up one small pot size when roots fill the current pot and replant at the same depth.

Use our watering guide to judge hidden moisture beneath the closely arranged leaves of ‘Santorini’.

Troubleshooting Peperomia ‘Santorini’

The leaf stalks are lengthening and the rosette is opening: The plant may need stronger filtered light. Increase brightness gradually and avoid heavy feeding, which can produce soft growth.

Black marks are appearing on the red undersides: Cold wet contact beneath the leaves is a likely cause. Remove damaged foliage, stop watering over the plant and improve airflow.

• The leaf stalk bases are soft: The centre has remained damp for too long. Unpot the plant, remove rotted tissue and replant the firm roots in a small fast-draining mix.
• Pale dry patches appear on the upper leaves: Concentrated sun through glass has burned the surface. Move the plant back from the window and introduce stronger exposure more slowly.
• Cottony insects are hidden beneath the leaves: Mealybugs favour the sheltered lower surfaces. Isolate the plant, remove visible pests and use a houseplant pest treatment labelled for mealybugs. Repeat it at the intervals stated on the label.

Peperomia ‘Santorini’ 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.

How did Peperomia get its name?

Peperomia combines Greek peperi, “pepper”, with homoios, “resembling”, and means “pepper-like”.

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