Peperomia obtusifolia variegata, also known as the baby rubber plant, is a beautiful houseplant in the Piperaceae family. It is known for its glossy, cupped leaves with marbling variegations. The thick leaves help the plant store water- they shrivel in drought and plump up after watering. The leaves are attached to thick, upright stems.
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Continue reading to learn how to care for your Peperomia obtusifolia. For other plant care guides, check here.
| Name | Peperomia Obtusifolia Variegata Baby rubber plant, Fleshy Peperomia, Dwarf pepper, Pepper face |
| Sunlight | Bright, indirect light |
| Water | Once every 1 to 2 weeks Check that the soil is dry before watering |
| Temperature | 65 to 85 °F (18 to 29 °C) Do not keep in temperatures below 50 °F (10 °C) |
| Humidity | Medium to high humidity |
| Propagation | By cuttings or division |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to dogs and cats |
Peperomia Obtusifolia Care:
Peperomia Obtusifolia Size & Growth
This houseplant grows fairly quickly, reaching 10 inches in length and width. The plant has trailing stems and looks great in hanging baskets. Gently prune the stems to maintain the plant’s shape. Each leaf has a uniquely variegated pattern and grows from two to four inches long. Bright, indirect light helps promote plant growth and brings out the variegated leaf patterns.
Peperomia produces small white flowers during the spring to fall seasons, however the plant’s main appeal is its glossy green leaves.
Peperomia Obtusifolia Sunlight
Peperomia prefer bright, indirect light. Place this plant in front of East or West facing windows because they provide the bright light this plant needs.
Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight for extended periods of time because it burns the leaves. If you notice the leaves are developing brown sun spots, move the plant farther away from the window to reduce light exposure. Sunburn is especially common if the plant is kept in front of south facing windows as they provide very bright light.
On the other hand, if the plant is not given enough light, it could lose its variegations. Low light conditions also slow down the plant’s growth, so it is important to find the correct light balance.
Rotate the plant every few days to ensure even growth. Dusting the leaves frequently keeps them clean and ensures they can absorb the nutrients the plant needs.
Peperomia Obtusifolia Watering
Similar to succulents, Peperomia prefer for their soil to dry out completely before being watered again. The plant’s thick, fleshy leaves help it store water and make it quite drought-tolerant.
When it is time to water, pour the water on the soil at the base of the plant until it is moist (but before it is soaking wet). Wipe off the leaves if they get wet because the excess moisture causes damage. If there is a saucer under the pot, empty out the collected water so the roots do not stay wet for long.
Signs of an over watered Peperomia include:
- Yellow leaves
- Limp, brown stems
- Leaf drop
Take a break from watering if this is the case. Planting the Peperomia in a well-draining houseplant soil with perlite mixed in helps decrease water retention.
On the other hand, a limp, droopy plant may be a sign of under watering. Stick a finger in the soil and if it feels dry, give the plant a good drink.
Peperomia actively grow during the summer time and require more frequent watering then (about once every one to two weeks). During the winter time, the plant becomes dormant and does not need nearly as much water. Be careful to avoid over watering during this time to prevent root rot.
Peperomia Obtusifolia Propagation
The variegated baby rubber tree plant can be propagated by cuttings or by division.
Propagating Peperomia obtusifolia by cuttings
- Take a stem cutting that is about 1 to 3 inches long.
- Fill a vase with room temperature water. Place the cutting in the vase and let it sit for a few weeks.
- Keep the vase in a warm area with bright, indirect light to help promote growth. Change the water out every few days.
- Once the plant has a strong root system, transfer your cutting to a small pot and care for the plant as normal.
Warmer weather helps speed up the propagation process. Propagate during the summer or keep the cutting somewhere warm for best results.
Propagating Peperomia obtusifolia by division
Propagation by division is useful if the plant has grown large and needs to be shaped up.
- Gently remove the Peperomia from its pot.
- Carefully separate the roots to divide the plant (if the roots are tangled together, use a sharp, clean knife to help gently separate the root system).
- Repot the new, smaller plants into smaller pots.
Keep the new plants in a warm, humid area and provide them with bright light to promote growth.
Related article: Peace Lily Care and Propagation
Peperomia Obtusifolia Temperature & Humidity
This houseplant prefers temperatures from 65 to 85 °F (18 to 29 °C). Do not keep it in temperatures below 50 °F (10 °C) because it damages the leaves.
Native to Central and South America, this houseplant is fond of high humidity. If the room air is dry, it would greatly benefit from a humidifier nearby.
Avoid placing the houseplant near air-conditioning vents or heaters because they dry up the surrounding air. Also avoid cold drafts or sudden temperature changes as these can lead to plant shock.
Peperomia Obtusifolia Soil & Repotting
A well-draining houseplant soil is necessary for Peperomia. Adding in a few cups of peat moss and perlite helps with drainage.
Peperomia do not need to be repotted often because their root system is small. It is important to pick a container that is not too big to avoid waterlogging the soil. Choose a pot about one to two inches larger in diameter than the current one when it is time to repot.
Carefully remove the plant from the old pot and loosen the soil from the roots. With a clean pair of garden shears or scissors, prune any rotten or damaged roots. Fill the new pot with fresh, well-draining potting soil and secure the houseplant in place. Wait a week after repotting before watering again to give the plant time to settle into its new home.
Peperomia Obtusifolia Fertilization
Use a houseplant fertilizer once a month during the Peperomias growing season from spring to summer. Avoid fertilizing during the winter time because that is when the plant is dormant.
Avoid over fertilizing because it damages the baby rubber plant’s roots. If you notice salt buildup, stop fertilizing for a few months and thoroughly water the soil to flush out the salts.
Related article: Polka Dot Begonia Care
Peperomia Obtusifolia Toxicity
This plant is non-toxic to dogs and cats, making it a great addition to any home.
Peperomia Obtusifolia Infestations
Peperomia can be particularly susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. Inspect your plants for pests before bringing them inside to avoid any unwelcome visitors.
Signs of pests on houseplants include:
- Cotton-white webbing
- Misshaped new growth
- Holes in the leaves
- Black spots or mold like substance
Unfortunately, pests spread quickly so stopping them early is key. If you suspect your Peperomia has pests, quarantine it so the infestation does not spread to any neighboring plants.
To remove the pests, wash the plant under a strong stream of water with an insecticidal soap. Spray the plant with rubbing alcohol or diluted neem oil. Repeat this process once every few days until all signs of the insects are gone. Be patient because it may take several weeks for the plant to completely recover.
Common Peperomia Obtusifolia Care Problems
Why is my Peperomia drooping?
The most common cause for drooping Peperomia leaves is under watering. Give the plant a good soak if the top of the soil feels dry. The plant should perk up within a day or two.
However, if the soil still feels moist and the plant was recently watered, the Peperomia could be over watered. If the stems feel mushy, avoid watering the plant for several days so it can dry out. Keep it in a warm, sunny room with good air circulation to help the soil dry out faster.
Excessive fertilizer or sunlight may also cause drooping. Fertilize only once a month with a diluted fertilizer during the spring to summer months. Keep the plant in bright, indirect sunlight and avoid extended periods of direct light.
Why is my Peperomia losing color?
This is most commonly due to low light levels. Move your Peperomia to an area with bright, indirect light as this helps bring out the plant’s patterns. Bright light also promotes growth and helps the plant reach larger sizes.
A lack of fertilizer may also be the cause of dull colors. Fertilize the plant once a month in the spring to summer months to ensure the plant receives adequate nutrients.
Why is my Peperomia turning yellow?
If only a few bottom leaves are turning yellow, this is a part of the plant’s natural aging process. Snip them off to keep the plant looking tidy.
The most common cause of yellow leaves is over watering. Gently remove the plant from the soil and cut off any rotten roots. Wash the pot with soap and water. Then plant the Peperomia in new well-draining soil and avoid watering for several weeks while the plant recovers.
Low light can lead to yellow leaves. Ensure the plant is receiving bright, indirect light.
Pest infestations also cause discolored leaves. Check your plant closely for signs of infestation and follow the steps above to remove them.
Why is my Peperomia dropping leaves?
Leaf drop occurs with sudden drops in temperatures and over watering. Large changes in the plant’s environment lead to plant shock. Avoid leaf drop by keeping the Peperomia in a location with a stable temperature and away from drafty windows.
In summary for Peperomia obtusifolia care…
This Peperomia has thick, fleshy leaves with beautiful variegations that add a pop of color to any space. Provide this houseplant with bright, indirect light to maintain its variegated patterns and promote growth. Water only when the soil is dry to avoid root rot and keep the plant in high humidity.
Have more questions about Peperomia obtusifolia care? Let me know in the comments below!
