Peperomia mauiensis is an endemic peperomia found on west Maui, and the islands of Molokai and Lanai. Its short stature and reddish stems and leaves make it highly ornamental. To evaluate its feasibility as an indoor foliage plant, potted plants (n=6) were grown under three light levels (0.2 mol·m-2·d-1 [low], 0.4 mol·m-2·d-1 [office] and 2.9 mol·m-2·d-1 [high] for 12 hours) in airconditioned settings (22°C, 61% RH) for 1 year. Plant height and diameter as well as visual quality [1 = poor, 2 = fair (not saleable), 3 = acceptable (saleable), 4 = good, and 5 = excellent quality) were recorded 0, 3, 6 and 12 months after placing in light chambers. Height and diameter of plants between light treatments were similar at 0 (height = 5.9 cm; diameter = 10.5 cm) and 3 (height = 7.1 cm and diameter = 15.0 cm) months after the plants were placed in light chambers. Visual quality ratings also did not differ between light treatments at 0 (3.5) and after 3 (3.6) months. After 6 months, plants under office light conditions were the tallest (10.8 cm) and the widest (18.2 cm). Visual quality ratings between treatments at 6 months were similar (3.4). At 12 months, plant height between treatments were similar (8.8 cm), but office light plants exhibited the widest diameter (23.2 cm). Visual quality ratings between treatments at 12 months were similar (2.1) but was no longer acceptable. Results of the study indicate that Peperomia mauiensis can tolerate low indoor light levels and can be used as an indoor potted foliage plant.
