Houseplants are becoming ever more popular as days go by. With less access to the outdoors, people are choosing instead to bring nature inside instead. For those who are interested in an easy to care for, beautiful, and fast-growing plant. The Baby Rubber Plant is a great option. This attractive plant has glossy green leaves that are thick and durable.
If you like succulents, but want something with a bit more meat on its bones, the Peperomia obtusifolias is just what you need. It can handle dry climates, and it looks similar to a succulent without actually being classified as one.
The Baby Rubber Plant looks great on tables, counters, windowsills, or anywhere else you need a touch of nature. Though the plant is prone to growing in a wide fashion, simply prune the Baby Rubber Plant for a more upright and compact plant. They are perfectly sized to add to houseplant walls or even to place lined up near your entryway.
About Peperomia Obtusifolia
- When grown in pots, the baby rubber plant usually grows to be 4″ or 6″
- The Baby Rubber Plant grows quickly when exposed to natural light.
- The plant flowers occasionally, but is mainly coveted for its deep green foliage.
- Peperomia obtusifolia is available in many variegated forms.
- The plant does not tolerate direct sunlight well and will burn.
- The baby rubber plant is an epiphytic plant.
- The leaves of the baby rubber plant are typically dark green though some have leaves with marbled white or yellow streaks.
Peperomia Obtusifolia Plant Overview
- Peperomia obtusifolias are similar to succulents in that they use their leaves to store massive amounts of water.
- The Peperomia Obtusifolia originates from South America.
- The baby rubber plant is a perennial flowering epiphyte.
- The average height of the baby rubber plant is 10 inches, but it can grow taller in the right conditions.
- The baby rubber plant being epiphytic will pot well with other plants and succulents.
- Repotting is needed only once every few years due to the small root system.
- Baby rubber plants thrive in a rich loamy potting soil.
- The baby rubber plant is a fast-growing plant that requires occasional pruning.
- Peperomia obtusifolias are susceptible to mealybugs & spider mites.
- Baby rubber plants are non-toxic for pets, but it is a good idea to keep houseplants in a safe area.
- Sometimes the plant will produce small green flowers.
- The stems, roots, and leaves of the baby rubber plant are thick and viscous due to the high levels of water stored in them.
- The root system of the Peperomias is rather small, they collect water via their leaves and the roots.
- Baby rubber plants thrive in humid conditions indoors and in the wild.
- Misting your baby rubber plant will keep it clean and well-watered between regular watering sessions.
- The baby rubber plant only needs fertilizing two or three times a year via the soil.
- Excess salt in fertilizer can build up and burn the roots of the Peperomia obtusifolia.
- The plant should be kept away from vents and heating sources.
Growing Peperomia Obtusifolia
Growing a baby rubber plant is rather easy. They thrive in warm temperatures, though anything lower than 55°F/13°C can cause leaf loss. Those with naturally colored leaves that turn green later are generally not getting enough sunlight.
Plant them in loamy mixed soil and place them in filtered sunlight. It is important not to expose them to direct sunlight as the leaves will burn and the water in the plant will quickly dry up.
The baby rubber plant has a small root system, so it is important to take care when packing them into a pot and when watering them. Too much water will lead to root rot and soggy soil. Being a tropical plant, it will thrive in warm and humid conditions. It can tolerate hot weather, but make sure that there is plenty of humidity in the air around the plant.
As the plant matures, older leaves will die off and drop. If there is an excessive amount of dried out leaves, chances are the plant has been given too much fertilizer. All houseplant fertilizers contain salt, however, this plant only needs a small amount.
If you over-fertilize it, the salt will build up in the leaves and cause shock to the plant. To reduce the amount of built-up salt, just slowly rinse the potting mix with room temperature water several times. Make sure that you allow the soil to fully drain to prevent root rot.
Watering Peperomia Obtusifolia
When watering the baby rubber plant, you should keep the soil lightly moist at all times during the spring until the end of fall. Allow the top layer of the soil to dry a bit before adding more water, but never allow the plant to get fully dry.
Avoid overwatering the plant, it has a small root system so the water provided will be absorbed slowly. Too much water can lead to root rot and shock.
The plant will reduce is growth during the winter months and watering should also be decreased. You can mist the plant all year long to prevent overwatering.
The baby rubber plant thrives in humid climates. It is a good idea to maintain a 50% humidity level around the plant. Consider housing the pot on top of a tray of watered pebbles, or add a cool-mist humidifier to the room.
Make sure to reduce your watering in the winter because the leaves store water in the spring and summer for its dormant cycle. The soil used should be well-draining such as a one-part perlite two-part peat mixture.
The main concern is that no matter which potting mix you choose, the soil is well aerated. You can change the soil if the plant has been overwatered or if the plant gets stressed. Baby rubber plants, in general, do not suffer from pest or infestation problems, but it is a good idea to check them for normal houseplant bugs occasionally.
- HOUSEPLANT: Our Peperomia Obtusifolia is a beautiful houseplant that does well in low light and is easy to care for! Its leaves are a vibrant green, adding a touch of nature to any room.
- EASY CARE: The Peperomia Obtusifolia is a great option for novice gardeners as it thrives in low-light conditions and requires minimal upkeep. It's the perfect choice for individuals seeking a low-maintenance indoor plant.
- AIR PURIFYING: The Peperomia Obtusifolia adds beauty to any room and is also great for purifying the air!
- 4" POT: Our Peperomia Obtusifolia is fresh and comes in a 4" pot so that you can enjoy its lush foliage for months. Plant it in a larger pot if you'd like to watch it grow even more!
- IDEAL GIFT: The Peperomia Obtusifolia is the perfect gift for any occasion! Its unique, tropical look and vibrant green hue make it a perfect addition to any home or office. Plus, it comes in a beautiful 4" pot for easy gifting.
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- Peperomia Obtusifolia Lemon Lime has beautiful, round, light and dark green leaves
- It is an upright growing plant, making it a great tabletop plant
- Beautiful addition to any home
Last update on 2023-08-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Propagating Peperomia Obtusifolia
Propagating the Peperomia obtusifolia is pretty simple and can be done at the same time that you repot the plant. In the spring or even in early summer, take a generous cutting from the stem tip.
You can also take leaf stem cuttings when repotting. Add your cuttings to a fresh pot of peat moss-based mix, an African violet mix is ideal, but any high-quality mix will work. Roots attach well in moist perlite, or you can submerge the cutting in water to allow the roots to grow.
The water method takes longer than the soil method, however, both are effective. Peperomia obtusifolias can be rooted in water but for long term health, it should be planted in the soil after propagation. As the plant begins to mature, apply a diluted and water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks.
Final Thoughts
The Peperomia obtusifolia is often confused for a succulent, but it is simply a juicy tropical plant. This attractive houseplant is easy to care for and usually lives for a decade or more with proper care. It has a small root system in which is gradually absorbs water from its surroundings, however, it also absorbs water through its leaves. The baby rubber plant makes a lovely addition to any home or offices.
It can grow indoors and it will also thrive outdoors in warm climates. You can plant them in the ground or can house them in pots in the shade along with succulents and bromeliads. In their natural setting, they do grow on top of other plants, so they share their space well with others.
It is a good idea to bring your plants inside if the weather drops below 50 degrees. The mature plants will vary in size. Some may grow tall and straight while others may stay in their initial miniature form. They are fast-growing and have a tendency to be top-heavy, so keep that in mind when potting or choosing your plant placement.
The baby rubber plant is mainly prized as an ornamental plant due to its stunning foliage. It is easy to grow and care for and has a bushy appearance of a succulent when mature. Glossy pelate leaves are often paired with small green or white spiky flowers. The flowers are not overly showy and most baby rubber plans are known for their beautiful leaves as opposed to their flowers. If you are looking for a plant that plays well with others and is easy to care for, the baby rubber plant will make a great addition to your existing collection.
