Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)

Baby rubber plant

Features and Characteristics

Peperomia obtusifolia is a bushy upright plant that is native to southern Florida and the Caribbean. As a houseplant, it typically grows on thick erect stems to 12” tall. Waxy, elliptic, thick dark green leaves (to 6” long). Small greenish-white flowers on spikes (to 5” long). Flowers are interesting but not particulary showy. Many variegated cultivars with foliage that is mottled with cream, gray or gold. Also commonly called blunt-leaved peperomia or baby rubber plant.

Genus name comes from the Greek words peperi meaning pepper and homoios meaning resembling. The plants resemble, and are closely related to, true black pepper (Piper nigrum).

Specific epithet means blunt-leaved.

Care and Maintenance

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-1 In St. Louis, this plant is easily grown as an indoor plant in a peatty potting mix in bright indirect light. Avoid direct afternoon sun. Water moderately but consistently, allowing the soils to almost dry on top before rewatering. Reduce watering from fall to late winter. Likes high humidity in summer, so consider setting plant in a humidified room or on wet pebbles. Propagate by stem or leaf cuttings. Cut back foliage as needed to maintain plant shape.

Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) Requirements

Hardiness zone	10 - 12
Sun light	Part shade
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

Watch for mealybugs, spider mites and white fly. Leaf spots may occur. Susceptible to rot if soils are kept too moist.

Uses

Low-maintenance houseplant for bright indirect light locations.

Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) Details

Common name	Baby rubber plant
Botanical name	Peperomia obtusifolia
Plant type	Herbaceous perennial
Family	Piperaceae
Hardiness zone	10 - 12
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Greenish-white
Flowering period	Seasonal bloomer
Height	0.50 to 1 ft.
Width	0.50 to 1 ft.