graveolens succulent Peperomia graveolens 'Ruby Glow'

With a shrubby, highly branched growth habit, Peperomia graveolens ‘Ruby Glow’ features rich red stems from which elongated leaves emerge. Each leaf is deeply cupped along its entire length, allowing the plant to showcase both the bright green upper leaf surface, which can boast hints of yellow towards it base and contains translucent ‘windows’ to allow light deep into the leaves, as well as the red underside of each leaf which matches the bright stems.

In its native Ecuador, ‘Ruby Glow’ survives in the understory, thus establishing its low-light adaptations and allowing this plant to thrive in the overall dimmer environment of our homes. Reaching up to 12 inches tall and nearly as wide at maturity, this specimen is ideal for beginner succulent growers due to its general hardiness – though it will benefit from a consistent watering routine with brief periods dryness. A porous soil within a well-draining pot will protect against excess moisture, while ample airflow around the leaves and soil surface will help stave off pests such as mealy bugs.

Hardy only to Zone 10, be sure to protect ‘Ruby Glow’ from frost – and as the weather warms in the spring, unique racemes bearing tiny white blooms will emerge above the plant.