Botanical name: Peperomia obtusifolia
Family: Piperaceae
Baby Rubber Plant also called Pepper Face or American Rubber Plant is a compact upright growing Peperomia with cupped leathery leaves. At first glance, the plant resembles a rubber plant and hence its common name "Baby Rubber Plant. The flowers are narrow spikes of white flowers which grow in a winding manner. Baby Rubber Plant is a popular houseplant and numerous cultivars have been developed including variegated ones. The plant is an evergreen perennial and is native to the tropical rain forests in Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean. There are numerous varieties of Peperomias; trailing, bushy and upright ones are available. Popular trailing types include Peperomia scandens variegata (Cupid Peperomia), Peperomia glabella (Wax Rivet), Peperomia prostrata (String of Turtles) and Peperomia rotundifolia (Creeping Peperomia). The bushy types grow to about 4-6 in. high and include Peperomia caperata (Radiator Plant), Peperomia argyreia (Watermelon Peperomia), Peperomia hederaefolia (Ivy Peperomia).The upright types have more distinct stems which grow vertically for part or all of the plant's life. They include Peperomia magnoliaefolia variegata (Desert Privet), Peperomia obtusifolia, (Baby Rubber Plant) and Peperomia verticillata (Whorled Peperomia)
Baby Rubber Plant prefers bright light away from direct sunshine but it can tolerate medium to low indirect light. It will also thrive under artificial light. Bright light is necessary to maintain the bright and intense color of the leaves. Keep it away from direct sunshine as it can lead to discoloration of the leaves. Learn how to ensure your plant receives the correct light in this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
Water Baby Rubber Plant liberally during the growing season and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Significantly reduce watering during the cold season to keep the soil barely moist. Avoid waterlogging as it can lead in root-rot. Learn more on how to water houseplants.
Average warmth between 18-250C is ideal for Baby Rubber Plant. Protect the plant from cold draughts as they can cause brown tips and leaf drop. Learn more on temperature for houseplants.
Average room humidity is adequate for Baby Rubber Plant. It has no need for high humidity.
Feed Baby Rubber Plant with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer every 2 weeks during the growing period. Withhold feeding during the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time may lead to fertilizer burn. Learn more on feeding houseplants.
Repot Baby Rubber Plant during the growing season only when the plant has become pot-bound. However, the soil can be refreshed at the beginning of the growing season if not repotting. Use a rich, free-draining soil. Use a pot one size larger for repotting as the plant grows slowly. Ensure the pot has a drainage hole to prevent waterlogging which can lead to root-rot. A shallow rather than deep pot is preferable as the plant has a small root system.
Pruning Baby Rubber Plant involves regular removal of dead foliage to maintain the plant neat and tidy. To encourage a bushy compact growth and to control growth, regularly pinch off the growing tips.
Baby Rubber Plant can be propagated from leaf and stem-tip cuttings
Propagating Baby Rubber Plants from leaf cuttings
Leaf cuttings root easily, there is no need for a rooting hormone. Take leaf cuttings from a healthy Baby Rubber Plant. Ensure each leaf cutting has a petiole. Allow sometime for the formation of a protective callous tissue over the cuts. Place the leaf cuttings in a jar of clean plain water and change the water every 7-10 days. Place in warm shaded place until growth begins at the base of the petiole. Allow for substantial growth of the roots and new leaves. Transfer to individual pots and place in a cool shaded place. Maintain the soil moist until the plant is well established. For a fuller plant, plant several cuttings in one pot.
Propagating Baby Rubber Plants from stem-tip cuttings
Stem-tip cuttings root easily, there is no need for a rooting hormone. Take stem-tip cuttings of about 4-5 in. length from a healthy Baby Rubber Plant. Ensure each cutting has at least 2 sets of leaves. Insert the cuttings on moist rooting soil. Place in warm shaded place and maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges and substantial growth has been observed. For a fuller plant plant several cuttings in one pot.
Brown leaf tips and edges in Baby Rubber Plant are due to sudden drop in temperature from cold draughts. Remove all the damaged leaves and keep the plant away from cold draughts.
There are two causes of sudden loss of leaves in Baby Rubber Plant. Either the temperature is too low; move to a warmer spot or the plant has been underwatered causing the foliage to wilt.
Wilting and loss of leaves in Baby Rubber Plant is an indication of waterlogging and or overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and ensure the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to avoid waterlogging.
Exposing Baby Rubber to direct sunlight will cause the leaves to become dull and lifeless. Protect the plant from hot direct sunlight or move to a shaded spot.
Common diseases in Baby Rubber Plants are Leaf Spot Disease and Root-rot.
Common pests in Baby Rubber Plants are Aphids and Mealy Bugs.
Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) is non-toxic to both humans and pets. The plant is safe to grow in the home.
The Tradescantia group of plants are one of the most popular and easy to grow indoors. This group of plants exhibits varied colors, leaf shape, texture and growth habits. Majority of them are perfect for a hanging basket and it is not unusual to find at least one in the home. Read more »
Sometimes pets can decide to chew or play with houseplants. While it is a good idea to keep houseplants out of the reach of pets, it is very important to grow houseplants that are non-toxic to pets. Here are some pet safe houseplants. Read more »
Ornamental Asparagus Plants are popular houseplants on account of their ease to grow. These plants easily adapt to wide variations in light, heat and frequency of watering. Some of these plants have needle-like "leaves" which give them a ferny appearance. Read more »
Most Peperomia plants are perfect indoor plants as they easily adapt to indoor growing conditions. Read more »
These houseplants are easy to care for which means they are suitable for you if you are just starting out with growing houseplants. Read more »
These ten beautiful houseplants have been found to be effective in removing indoor air pollutants. Here are some. Read more »
These houseplants are suitable for the forgetful, a beginner or one who has limited time to take care of their houseplants. Read more »
Let not space limit you in greening your living spaces. These small houseplants are perfect to additions for such spaces. Read more »
Hanging baskets are one beautiful way of maximizing on the vertical space. These easy to grow houseplants are excellent for hanging. Read more »
Even for the poorly lit spaces, these houseplants will adapt very well to the low light conditions and continue to brighten up such spaces. Read more »
Do not let yourself be surrounded by dull plain walls while you are working. Bring some green in and break the monotony of... Read more »
One interesting way to display houseplants is the use of a terrarium. These houseplants are well suited for a terrarium. Read more »