Peperomia pseudovariegata var. sarcophylla

This large-leaved Peperomia stands out in all sorts of indoor environments, the silver in its veins catching the light while the lush mid-green of its foliage brings a little bit of the jungle inside. Growing in a compact, rounded bush shape, this plant is made up of large, rounded leaves whose veins are silver with blister variegation and, if you're lucky, it might produce a flower spike full of tiny pink-tinted blooms in the summer. A semi-succulent, this plant is happy when the top half of its soil dries before the next water, but doesn't need loads of light - in fact, direct sun can scorch its gorgeous leaves!

Scientific Name
Peperomia pseudovariegata var. sarcophylla (pepper-like plant with pretend variegation, variety: fleshy-leaved)

Synonyms: Peperomia sarcophylla, Peperomia sarcophylla var. minor

Previously known as P. sarcophylla, this plant was identified as a naturally-occuring variety of the species P. pseudovariegata in a 1950 paper.

Common Name(s)
Round Leaf Peperomia, Big Leaf Peperomia, Large Leaf Peperomia

Origin
Native to wet tropical areas in Colombia and Ecuador

Light
Likes bright, indirect light; will benefit from a splash of morning or evening sun in autumn and winter. In lower light it can be okay but will grow much more slowly.

Water
Thoroughly water once the top third of the soil has dried out; make sure you don't leave the plant itself wet as this can cause it to rot. Make sure the water drains through properly.

Humidity
Above-average humidity is ideal for this plant, so if its leaves are getting crispy it'll benefit from the use of a pebble tray. Wet leaves can put it at risk of rotting so we wouldn't advise misting. Keep away from radiators which will dry out your plant.

Soil
Use a well-draining soil mix that retains some moisture; one designed for Ficus plants, with added coir, bark and sand will work well here. Repot every few years in spring as the plant grows.

Food
Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six or seven in autumn and winter. Pre-water the soil before applying 'ready to use' products to protect the roots.

Temperature
Ideal temperature is 18-26°C; make sure it does not get colder than 12°C in winter.

Pet-safe
Yes, this plant is non-toxic - but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!

Sprouts Top Tips
Pinch back stems to keep the growth bushy and compact. In lower light environments, the soil may be slow to dry out, so you can poke it gently through with a wooden chopstick or similar, for ventilation and to mimic the actions of subterranean critters in its natural habitat. Make sure the plant itself is well-ventilated when kept in higher humidity environments.

Extras
You can propagate this plant by stem or leaf cuttings.