Peperomia ‘Sunrise’

A broad-leaved Dutch Peperomia hybrid

Peperomia ‘Sunrise’ was developed in Sappemeer, the Netherlands, from an existing Peperomia hybrid.

Care for Peperomia ‘Sunrise’

Give the broad rosette bright diffuse light across its full width and turn the pot regularly so the larger leaves do not lean and shade one side.

• Watering: Let the top layer dry and wait until the pot feels lighter. Water evenly, empty the saucer and keep the centre of the plant from staying damp.
• Potting mix: Use fine bark, peat-free potting mix and perlite or pumice. The mix should absorb water evenly but should not stay heavy and wet for many days. Repot only when roots fill the pot and never bury the centre.

Keep the pink-red leaf stalks away from cold windows and maintain 18–27 °C with gentle airflow.

Use a low-strength balanced feed while new leaves are forming, then pause when growth slows. Remove old flower spikes cleanly at the base.

Our houseplant watering guide explains how pot weight helps when broad foliage hides the surface of the mix.

Troubleshooting Peperomia ‘Sunrise’

• The broad leaves are drooping together: Both a severely dry root ball and waterlogged roots can reduce water flow to the leaves. Check the potting mix and roots before watering again. If the root ball is dry, water it thoroughly and let it drain. If the roots are dark or soft, remove the damaged roots and repot the plant in fresh airy mix.
• The pink leaf stalks are turning pale green: If paler new leaf stalks appear alongside longer leaf stalks or a more open rosette, insufficient light may be involved. Move the plant gradually into brighter filtered light and compare the next leaves before making further changes.
• The rosette is opening unevenly: One-sided light or a pot that is too large can distort the shape. Turn the plant regularly and do not repot until the roots clearly need more room.
• Translucent spots are appearing: The leaves may be taking up water faster than they can release it, especially in cool conditions. Cold water left on the foliage can produce similar marks. Increase warmth and airflow, then let the pot dry slightly further between thorough waterings.
• Fine webbing is visible beneath the leaves: Spider mites can remain unnoticed on the broad undersides. Isolate the plant, rinse both surfaces carefully and use a houseplant pest treatment labelled for spider mites. Follow the product instructions until several fresh leaves open without webbing or stippling.

Peperomia ‘Sunrise’ 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 the name Peperomia came about

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.