Ask The Expert: I RECENTLY PURCHASED A HOUSEPLANT AT A LOCAL GARDEN CENTER. IT DID NOT HAVE
ANY TAG AND NO ONE AT THE CENTER WAS SURE WHAT IT WAS. IT WAS TOO INTERESTING AND BEAUTIFUL FOR ME TO PASS UP. IT IS GROWING IN A NEAT MOUND SO FAR. THE LEAVES ARE OVAL SHAPED, ABOUT 1″X 2″. VERY DARK IN COLOR, THE UNDERSIDE IS DARK PLUM COLORED, THE TOP IS DARK GREEN WITH SILVER STRIPE
AND NICELY TEXTURED. THE NEW LEAVES ARE RATHER PLUM COLORED AND THEN GET DARKER. OVERALL IT LOOKS SIMILAR TO AN EMERALD RIPPLE OR SOME SORT OF PEPEROMIA. WOULD YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT IT IS?? PATTY

Plant Expert Reply:
Nothing is more challenging than identifying a plant without seeing it. Your awesome description makes it a little easier. There are two possibilities: a type Pilea or a type Peperomia. Below are some pictures of different types. See if any look like your plant. If not, send me a picture of yours and I’ll try to make a better identification. My choice would be the Aluminum Plant.