Peperomia ‘Hope’

Breeding and origin of Peperomia ‘Hope’

‘Hope’ was created by crossing Peperomia deppeana with Peperomia quadrifolia. Breeder Josephus van der Velden made the cross in Sint-Oedenrode, the Netherlands, in 2007 and selected the resulting cultivar for its distinctive leaf shape and vigorous growth.

Both parent species naturally grow on trees or rocks. P. deppeana occurs from Mexico through Central America, while P. quadrifolia ranges from Mexico through much of tropical America.

Caring for Peperomia ‘Hope’

• Light: Bright indirect light keeps the leaves closely spaced along the trailing stems. ‘Hope’ will manage gentler light, but widening gaps between leaves show that the position has become too dim.
• Watering: Let the upper section of the mix dry well and wait for the pot to become light before watering. Its fleshy leaves can handle short dry spells, but the mix around the fine roots should not stay continuously damp.
• Potting mix: Use a loose, fast-draining houseplant mix with fine bark and perlite or pumice so air can still reach the roots after watering.
• Humidity: Normal room humidity suits ‘Hope’. Keep good airflow around the plant and water carefully.
• Temperature: Aim for 18–30 °C during active growth. In a hanging position, keep the pot away from cold window glass and draughts that can make the roots too cold.
• Feeding: As the stems extend, use half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser every two to four weeks. Pause once active growth has noticeably slowed.
• Pruning: Cut overly long or bare stems just above a leaf joint to encourage branching and fuller growth near the pot.
• Repotting: Keep ‘Hope’ in its current pot until the roots become crowded or drainage slows, then move to a pot only slightly larger.

Troubleshooting Peperomia ‘Hope’

• Dark, soft stems or sudden leaf loss near the base: The mix may be staying wet around the roots and lower stems. Stop watering, inspect the roots and cut away rotten tissue with clean, disinfected tools until only firm healthy tissue remains. Discard the removed rot, then take cuttings from healthy stem sections and root them if the base cannot be saved; our root rot guide explains the recovery process.
• Long bare gaps between leaves: This usually means the plant is getting too little light. Move the plant closer to bright filtered light and prune the sparsest stems if you want to make the plant fuller again.
• Wrinkled leaves and drooping stems: The plant has either dried too far or has roots that can no longer take up water. Check the potting mix first: water fully if it is dry, but inspect the roots for damage if the mix is still wet.
• Bleached or papery patches: Strong direct sun can scorch the fleshy leaves. Move the plant back from strong sun through the window; increase light gradually if you change its position.
• White cottony spots where leaves join the stems or beneath leaves: Isolate the plant and check for mealybugs along every trailing stem. Remove visible pests, use a suitable labelled treatment and repeat at the interval on the label until no new insects appear. See our mealybug guide.

Peperomia ‘Hope’ 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.

Where does the name Peperomia come from?

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.