The peperomia obtusifolia (pep-eh-ROH-mee-ah ob-too-sih-FOH-lee-ah) is a plant native to South America, along with the Caribbean and Florida. It grows on forest floors, enjoying the humidity and tropical environment.
Also known as the baby rubber plant, the peperomia obtusifolia is a perennial flowing plant of the Peperomia genus in the Piperaceae family.
The baby rubber plant got its nickname due to its shiny dark green leaves. Its scientific name, “obtusifolia,” means “blunt-leaved,” as its leaves are small and round. The plant is also known as the American rubber plant or pepper face.
There are variations of the peperomia obtusifolia where the plant has yellow, gold, and green patched leaves.
Quick Facts On Peperomia Obtusifolia
- Family: Piperaceae
- Light: Bright light but avoid direct sunlight
- Temperature: 55° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: 1-2 weeks. Let the soil dry out before watering
- Fertilizer: All-purpose houseplant fertilizer
- Propagation: Repot cuttings
- Common Problems: Overwatering, mealybugs, spider mites
Peperomia Obtusifolia Care
How Big Do Peperomia Plants Grow?
The peperomia obtusifolia can grow up to 10″ inches tall, becoming a broad plant with trailing stems.
When it is flowering, the baby rubber plants’ flowers can be up to 5″ inches long. Their rubbery and cup-like leaves can grow up to 2″ to 4″ inches long.
The peperomia obtusifolia can grow quite quickly in the right conditions.
When Does The Peperomia Plant Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The peperomia obtusifolia is a perennial flowering plant with long spiking flowers. The flowers usually bloom and stay abloom through the spring and fall.
You will notice your baby rubber plant producing these flowers in the spring season.
The flowers produce a sweet, distinctive smell similar to fenugreek and maple syrup.
The flower’s fragrance can also make herbs and spices, like basil or oregano, smell stronger.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
The peperomia obtusifolia enjoys bright indirect light but may tolerate low light.
However, placing your peperomia obtusifolia in direct sunlight may damage its leaves.
If it is not in bright light, your baby rubber plant may not grow a variety of colored leaves, only dark green.
Since it is from the tropical forest floor, it prefers high humidity and temperatures between 55° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit.
However, it can also handle the winter months as long as it is indoors.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Baby Rubber Plant?
The baby rubber plant only likes to be watered every 1 to 2 weeks when its soil dries out.
This is because its waxy rubber leaves hold water similar to a cactus or succulent.
Before watering your peperomia obtusifolia, ensure the soil is completely dry to avoid root rot.
In the winter, you will notice that you will not have to water your peperomia obtusifolia as often or at all.
You should also note that peperomia obtusifolia is a high humidity plant.
Therefore, it may be best to mist the leaves from time to time to get the right amount of humidity.
You should fertilize your baby rubber plant as it grows in the spring and summer seasons.
You can fertilize it every 2 weeks to every month with an all-purpose liquid houseplant fertilizer.
After fertilizing your plant, clean it so no undiluted fertilizer is left in the soil.
In the winter, you do not have to fertilize your baby rubber plant.
What Is The Best Soil For Peperomia Obtusifolia And When Should You Transplant?
The peperomia obtusifolia enjoys regular soil mixed with peat moss and perlite.
The peat moss and perlite will keep moisture in, and mimic the soil of its natural environment.
It is important that the soil is not too compact and can properly drain to avoid root rot.
Never use a pot that will leave standing water around your peperomia obtusifolia’s roots.
If a young peperomia obtusifolia’s root system is outgrowing its pot, it is time to transplant it. However, the fully grown plant will not need to be repotted.
Does Peperomia Obtusifolia Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
The peperomia obtusifolia’s leaves and stems may outgrow their space over time since they are long and trailing.
You can lightly prune your plant to maintain its shape and size.
It may be best to mist the leaves in the winter months to maintain the needed humidity levels.
How To Propagate The Baby Rubber Plant?
To propagate your baby rubber plant, you should do the following:
- Get a 1″ to 3″ inches long stem cutting from your plant and repot it.
- When you have your cutting, apply a rooting hormone to it to encourage growth.
- Plant the tip of the cutting in a small pot with drainage holes.
- Make sure the potting soil is moist and well-drained, similar to the mixture of peat moss and perlite.
To encourage your cutting to grow, ensure it is in bright indirect light and does not overwater it.
Also, make sure the soil is completely dry before watering.
Baby Rubber Plant Pests And Diseases
The baby rubber plant is not a very pest or disease-friendly plant. You will find your plant to be hardy and healthy.
It may suffer from overwatering and root rot. If the soil is constantly too moist and is not getting enough sunlight, you may find some spider mites and mealybugs.
You can spray the plant with insecticide or wash the leaves with a handcloth with water and mild dish soap.