Peperomia Obtusifolia

Peperomia Obtusifolia Soil

Peperomia Obstusifolia prefers rich, well-aerated, well-draining soil. An excellent growing medium is a combination of peat moss or coco coir and perlite. Alternatively, you may add perlite or pumice to a quality commercial potting mix. 

Peperomia Obtusifolia Fertilizer

Your Peperomia will benefit from a monthly feeding during the warm months of spring and summer. Select a balanced liquid fertilizer and ensure that you follow all label instructions. This plant will not need to be fertilized in fall and winter. 

Peperomia Obtusifolia Watering

Peperomia Obtusifolia does not require frequent watering and will even tolerate some drought periods. It would be best to allow the top 2″ of your soil to dry out completely before rewatering. Watering should be reduced to about once every two weeks, depending on growing conditions in the cold season. You should note that it is not recommended to splash water on the foliage of this plant as it may induce fungal issues if the leaves stay wet too long. Instead, try to water near the surface of the soil. 

Peperomia Obtusifolia Light Requirements

Peperomia Obtusifolia likes to be kept in a bright room and receive a lot of indirect light. Ensure that it is not placed in too intense of direct sunlight, leading to sun scorching of the foliage. Alternatively, if your Peperomia is kept in too low of light conditions, the foliage will become dull, and stems will become leggy. Being placed near an east or western-facing window will be best for this Peperomia. It is also important to note that variegated Baby Rubber Plants will require more light and will tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight. 

Peperomia Obtusifolia Temperature & Humidity

Being a tropical plant, Peperomia Obtusifolia likes to be kept in warm, humid temperatures. It will grow wonderfully in average indoor temperatures, between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. You should never expose your baby rubber plant to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as this may cause permanent damage. Additionally, it would be best if you attempted to keep your Peperomia away from large fluctuations in temperature, which may shock the plant. Do not place your Baby Rubber Plant by heaters, AC units, cold windows, or drafts. Peperomia Obtusifolia likes being grown in humidity levels around 50%. You may increase the humidity in your home by installing a humidifier, pebble tray, or placing tropical plants close together to create a microclimate. 

Repotting Peperomia Obtusifolia

Peperomia Obstusifolia should only be repotted every 2-3 years during the spring. When repotting, try not to disturb the roots to reduce shock. Select a pot that is 1-2” larger than the previous pot, repot your Baby Rubber Plant, refresh the soil, tamp lightly, water thoroughly, and place in indirect light. 

Peperomia Obtusifolia Maintenance & Pruning

Being a fast grower, your Peperomia will need to be pruned every year to encourage a bushy shape and maintain a uniform shape. You should prune back your baby rubber plant every spring using sharp, clean shears. The cuttings may easily be used to propagate more baby rubber plants. 

Peperomia Obtusifolia Propagation

Peperomia Obtusifolia may be quickly propagated through stem cuttings, and it is easy to do after pruning. To propagate your Peperomia, simply take cuttings at least 3-4″ long by cutting above the leaf node with sharp, clean shears. Next, remove the bottom leaves, place the cutting into potting mix or water, and keep it in indirect light. The cutting should develop roots within a few weeks. 

Peperomia Obtusifolia Toxicity

Although Peperomia Obtusifolia is not toxic to humans, cats, or dogs, this plant should never be ingested.

Toxicity to Humans

Peperomia Obtusifolia is not considered toxic to humans. However, it should not be ingested. 

Toxicity to Cats & Dogs

The ASPCA does not recognize Peperomia Obtusifolia as toxic to cats and dogs. However, you should try to prevent your pet from eating this plant not to cause any damage to the plant or stomach upset to your animal. 

Peperomia Obtusifolia Problems

Peperomia Obtusifolia Leaves Turning Yellow

The foliage of Peperomia Obtusifolia may turn yellow due to insufficient lighting, underwatering, or overwatering. 

Peperomia Obtusifolia Leaves Turning Brown

Leaves of your Baby Rubber Plant may turn brown due to overwatering. Ensure that you do not overwater your plant and that you soil is well-draining. 

Peperomia Obtusifolia Diseases

Peperomia Obtusifolia is not prone to any specific plant disease but may be affected by issues such as root rot due to overwatering. 

Peperomia Obtusifolia Pests

Like many indoor plants, your Peperomia may become infested by indoor house pests like mealybugs or spider mites. Isolate your plant and treat it with a pesticide upon identifying an infestation. Alternatively, you may wipe your plant’s leaves with a 4:1 solution of water and rubbing alcohol weekly to eradicate pests. 

FAQ

Is Peperomia Obtusifolia a Succulent?

The baby rubber plant is not a succulent, but it has succulent properties in which this plant stores water in their leaves and stems. Overwatering is common in this plant because of this so be sure to let it dry out in between waterings.

How Often Should you Water Peperomia Obtusifolia?

Water Peperomia Obtusifolia when the top few inches of soil have dried out.

OTHER PEPEROMIA RESOURCES:

• Peperomia Guides
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• Peperomia Orba Plant Guide
• Peperomia Hope Plant Guide