Peperomia ‘Quito’

The story behind Peperomia ‘Quito’

‘Quito’ is a cultivar of Peperomia caperata that appeared as a naturally occurring leaf mutation of ‘Red Luna’. It was discovered in a cultivated crop in Odense, Denmark, in 2015. The colour change stayed consistent in later plants, and the cultivar was named ‘Quito’.

The mutation gave ‘Quito’ the warm orange-brown to copper foliage that defines it today. The underlying species, P. caperata, is native to wet tropical southeastern Brazil.

How to grow Peperomia ‘Quito’ indoors

• Light: A bright indirect position helps ‘Quito’ retain its dense, low mound. Strong unfiltered sun can burn the raised parts of the puckered leaves, while deep shade opens the growth.
• Watering: Let the upper mix dry and the pot become lighter before watering again. Water the mix evenly and let excess water drain. Allow the mix around the fine roots to begin drying again before the next watering.
• Potting mix: Use a free-draining mix with bark and perlite or pumice in a snug pot so the mix dries at a steady pace.
• Humidity: Normal indoor humidity is sufficient. Keep the strongly textured leaves dry and provide good airflow around the compact centre.
• Temperature: Keep ‘Quito’ warm, at about 18–30 °C. Keep the plant away from cold draughts and cold surfaces.
• Feeding: As new copper-coloured leaves unfold, feed roughly every two weeks with a balanced fertiliser diluted to half strength. Feed less when growth slows.
• Repotting: Wait until the roots fill the pot or become visible at the drainage holes. Then choose a container only slightly larger and refresh the free-draining mix.
• Grooming: Remove old or damaged leaves cleanly at the base and cut off spent flower spikes. The low mound needs little pruning.

Common issues and fixes for Peperomia ‘Quito’

• Soft leaves, blackened bases or a rosette that suddenly gives way: This usually points to root or stem rot caused by the mix staying wet for too long. Remove the plant from its pot, cut away all soft tissue with disinfected tools, discard the rot and repot only the firm, healthy parts of the plant into fresh mix. Our root rot guide covers the process.
• Raised parts of the copper leaves develop dry beige marks: This is usually sun scorch. Move the plant out of strong direct sun and increase light more gradually in future.
• The copper mound opens up and new leaves are spaced farther apart: Low light is causing the open growth. Move it to brighter indirect light so new growth stays compact.
• Leaves feel thin, curl or lose their usual firmness: Check the potting mix. If it is dry, water thoroughly; if it is still damp, inspect the roots because damaged roots can cause the same symptoms.
• White cotton-like deposits between leaf bases: Check for mealybugs hidden in the compact rosette. Isolate the plant, remove visible insects and use a suitable labelled treatment, repeating it at the interval stated on the label. See our mealybug guide.

Peperomia ‘Quito’ 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, and what does the name mean?

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.