Peperomia obtusifolia, or Baby Rubber Plant, is a beautiful and easy-to-find houseplant. This plant features large, rounded, glossy leaves and is often sold in an upright, shrub-like form.
It’s a fantastic plant for houseplant beginners (because of its tolerance of neglect and various light levels) and one of the most beautiful Peperomias, in my opinion!
Today we will discuss where this plant is from and how to grow it successfully in your home.
Table of Contents
Variegated Peperomia obtusifolia plants are the most commonly sold in the houseplant market. Some have variegation around the leaf margins and others have variegation splashed across the leaf in various patterns.
The foliage colors range from different shades of green to different shades of yellow and cream.
The green form is also available in the houseplant trade but isn’t quite as common in stores (from what I’ve seen). It is by no means rare, though!
Where is Peperomia obtusifolia found in nature?
The Baby Rubber Plant is native to Southern Florida, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
It is actually an epiphyte that can be found clambering among trees and logs near swamps.
This might come as a surprise to many of us houseplant enthusiasts because the plant is typically sold as an upright, shrub-like plant.
However, when given sufficient time to grow, the upright stems will eventually become heavy and begin to lean over, like a vining plant typically would.
To keep the upright appearance that the plants are sold in, pruning will be needed as the plant grows and matures. The stems could also be staked to support continuing growth without letting the stems fall over.
Or you could let the plant lean over the pot and twist however it seems fit!
How to care for Peperomia obtusifolia
Peperomia obtusifolia Care Summary
In-depth care is below this chart
| Humidity: | Normal household humidity levels |
| Light: | Medium to bright indirect light |
| Pot: | Any pot with a drainage hole |
| Potting Mix: | A well-draining mix |
| Water: | Water when dry or when leaves are soft |
| Fertilizer: | Fertilize during active growth |
Light requirements for Peperomia obtusifolia
Peperomia obtusifolia prefers bright, indirect light. Too much intense, direct sun can burn the leaves.
Too little light will prevent the plant from growing and may result in variegation loss.
It grows well in an East-facing window (where it receives gentle, direct morning sun) or pulled back a little from a West or South-facing window.
Water requirements for Peperomia obtusifolia
This plant is quite succulent and waxy in nature, holding onto a lot of water in its leaves and stems. Because of this, it can tolerate short dry periods and is much less tolerant of sitting in wet conditions.
For the best results, let the pot dry out completely between waterings.
You can also monitor how firm the leaves feel. When the leaves begin to soften or become more pliable, it is a sign that the plant is depleting its water reserves and needs thorough watering.
Potting Mix options for Peperomia obtusifolia
A well-draining mix will keep the roots of P. obtusifolia happy. 50/50 Perlite and potting mix could work well.
More custom mixes that might include things like bark chips, horticultural charcoal, and pumice, would also work well.
Planter options for Peperomia obtusifolia
Any planter with a drainage hole will be fine for Peperomia obtusifolia.
Peperomias have delicate roots that are sensitive to too much moisture so these plants never want to sit in standing water. That’s why drainage holes are so crucial!
They ensure that excess water can leave the pot and keep those roots happy!
Plastic nursery pots or terracotta work well to be able to pick up the pot and determine how heavy or light it is.
A heavy pot means the plant still has lots of moisture in its potting mix. A light pot means the plant is dry and ready for water!
Fertilizer preferences for Peperomia obtusifolia
While Peperomias do not need a huge amount of fertilizer, they do benefit from some nutrients throughout the year.
A well-balanced fertilizer applied at a diluted strength will do a great job of keeping this plant vibrant, growing, and happy.
Pest issues when caring for Peperomia obtusifolia
Peperomia obtusifolia is pretty pest resistant.
The most common pests, when it does have issues, seem to be mealybugs and scale who just love those succulent leaves.
However, the plant can suffer from other houseplant pests as well.
Occasional visual checks and showers to clean the leaves will go a long way to prevent or identify any potential issues.
Are you growing Peperomia obtusifolia? What are your thoughts on this houseplant? Let us know in the comments below!
Happy Growing!
0 Comments
Trackbacks/Pingbacks