Peperomia obtusifolia
Peperomia obtusifolia
Peperomia obtusifolia, the Baby Rubber Plant, is a compact evergreen from the Caribbean, Florida, and Mexico with thick, glossy, spoon-shaped leaves that store water. It stays bushy and handles beginner mistakes well on a bright shelf or desk.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Easy
Humidity
Moderate
Pet Friendly
This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA.
Care Notes
Light
Bright, indirect light is ideal. Lower light is tolerated, but growth can get leggy and variegation may fade. Direct sun scorches the leaves.
Water
Let the top half to three-quarters of the soil dry before watering. Leaves and stems store water, so overwatering is the main risk. When unsure, wait another day.
Soil
Use a well-draining peat or coco mix with perlite, coarse sand, or orchid bark. Always choose a pot with drainage holes.
Humidity and Temperature
Keep temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Moderate humidity is preferred, but average homes usually work. Avoid cold drafts and air conditioning vents. In winter, water less and pause fertilizer.
Common Issues
Yellow leaves often mean overwatering. Drooping can mean thirst or root rot, so check soil moisture. Watch for mealybugs or spider mites.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer
Soil
Well-draining, peat-based potting mix with perlite or orchid bark.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
10-12 inches tall and wide
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and division.
Common Varieties
Variegata
Thick rounded leaves with deep green centers and irregular creamy-yellow marbled margins.
Marble
Thick rounded leaves with high-contrast creamy white and pale yellow streaks across a deep green base.
Jade
Thick spoon-shaped leaves in solid deep emerald green with a high-gloss finish.
Red Margin
Glossy rounded green leaves edged with a thin reddish-purple border.
Golden Gate
Thick rounded leaves with irregular creamy yellow and golden-green marbling.
Peperomia clusiifolia
Also called Ginny or Jelly Peperomia. Paddle-shaped leaves show deep green and creamy white variegation with rosy-pink or red margins on a compact upright plant.
Peperomia Hope
A trailing hybrid with thick coin-shaped leaves. It cascades nicely from hanging baskets and stays easygoing for beginners.
Peperomia 'Napoli Nights'
A compact radiator plant with pointed shield-shaped leaves that are silvery-grey on top and deep maroon underneath.
Peperomia orba
Also called Teardrop Peperomia. Small succulent-like leaves, often lime green, form a bushy mound suited to desks and terrariums.
Peperomia polybotrya
Also called Raindrop Peperomia. Thick heart-shaped glossy green leaves taper to a point and store water, so the plant handles short dry spells.
Peperomia Rosso
Deeply textured heart-shaped leaves in a tight rosette, emerald green on top and ruby-red underneath.
Emerald Ripple Peperomia
Compact mounded growth with deeply corrugated heart-shaped leaves in emerald to burgundy tones, plus cream flower spikes that look a bit like rat tails.
Red Ripple Peperomia
Compact semi-succulent growth with deeply textured cordate leaves in metallic burgundy that catch the light.
Silver Ripple Peperomia
Compact mounded growth with deeply textured cordate leaves that have a metallic silver finish, plus cream flower spikes on reddish-brown stems.
Watermelon Peperomia
Compact foliage with thick peltate leaves striped like a watermelon rind, held on reddish-maroon stems.