Baby Rubber Plant
Peperomia obtusifolia · Piperaceae
- Light
- Medium to bright-indirect
- Water
- Low
- Humidity
- Average
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pet-safe
- Yes
- Propagation
- Stem Cuttings, Leaf Cuttings
Common problems: Root RotMealybugsScale InsectsFungus Gnats
Quick facts
- Light: Medium to bright indirect · Water: Let much of the pot dry · Humidity: Average
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pet-safe: Yes
Description
A compact, fleshy-leaved houseplant with thick glossy oval leaves and a neat upright habit. It has some succulent logic in the way it stores water, but it still looks like a polished leafy desk or shelf plant rather than a desert oddball.
Care
- Light: Medium to bright indirect keeps it compact and sturdy.
- Water: Let a good portion of the mix dry before watering again.
- Soil & potting: Airy houseplant mix with strong drainage.
- Humidity & temperature: Average indoor humidity is fine.
- Feeding: Light feeding in spring and summer.
- Repotting / propagation: Usually happiest slightly snug in the pot.
Propagation
Easy from stem cuttings and often possible from leaf cuttings as well. Warmth and a lightly moist medium help. See Propagation Basics.
Toxicity
Generally treated as pet-safe. Peperomias are widely listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Common ailments, afflictions & pests
Click any item for how to identify and treat it.
- Root Rot — from treating it like a thirsty tropical.
- Mealybugs — hide in stems and leaf joints.
- Scale Insects — occasional on stems and undersides.
- Fungus Gnats — mostly a sign of chronically wet mix.
See also: Diagnose a Problem.