Peperomia polybotrya aka Raindrop Peperomia

Peperomia polybotrya belongs to the pepper family, Piperaceae. It is an evergreen perennial: it lives for years and stays green. Its common names include raindrop plant and raindrop peperomia. It comes from Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. There, it grows in wet tropical sites. Gardeners grow it indoors for its leaves and small, neat shape. It suits pots in homes, offices, conservatories, and greenhouses.

The plant grows upright in a small, bushy clump. Sources give its usual height as around 0.7–1 foot [0.2–0.3 metres]. Its width can reach about 1 foot [0.3 metres]. RHS gives a higher limit for both height and width. This is 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Its round, green stems have no scent. The thick, glossy leaves range from bright to dark green. Each simple leaf has a teardrop shape and smooth edges. Leaves grow in turn along the stems and have no hairs. They are peltate: each stalk joins beneath the leaf, away from its edge. The join makes a small dip on the leaf's top side.

Thin spikes bear small greenish-white flowers in summer. These long flower spikes look like thin tails. Indoor plants seldom bloom, so the leaves give the main show. They stay green all year. Their shape and sheen make the plant a useful indoor accent. Its small size suits spots with little room for plants.

Give it bright light, but not direct sun, during active growth. RHS advises a brighter spot with full light in winter. Use houseplant compost that holds some water but drains well. Loam and sand are both listed as suitable soils. Give moderate amounts of water in summer, and less in winter. RHS suggests lukewarm, soft water when possible. From spring through summer, feed once a month. Use a balanced liquid fertiliser. It likes moist air but also accepts normal home humidity. Indoor temperatures of 65–75°F suit its growth. For outdoor growth, NC State lists USDA zones 10–12. RHS rates it H1B. This allows outdoor growth in summer when conditions are warm.

This plant needs little care and no routine pruning. RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. Still, check for spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and fungus gnats. Too much water can cause root rot. Keep water off the leaves to help prevent leaf spots. Grow more plants from leaf or stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings in spring or summer. You can also sow ripe seeds at 19–24°C.