Peperomia Obtusifolia (The Baby Rubberplant)

The succulent-like plant Peperomia Obtusifolia, also commonly called the baby rubber plant, is a flourishing succulent from the Piperaceae plant family. This succulent originates from areas within Mexico, Florida, and the Caribbean regions. Peperomia Obtusifolia succulents have features often characterized as looking glossy, giving the plant a much more fake look. Specifically, the leaves of this plant.

Peperomia Obtusifolia Types

Peperomia Argyreia (Watermelon Peperomia)

This variety of Peperomia Obtusifolia is unique as it looks similar to a watermelon. This plant features flat, rounded green leaves with lighter green lines going down them. The Watermelon Peperomia is excellent for gardens or any scene where you want to add a bit of life, and it can grow up to 8 inches in height.

Peperomia Caperata (Emerald Ripple Peperomia)

The Emerald Ripple Peperomia plant is a beautiful dark green color with ripples in the leaves, hence the name. This variety also has rounded, flat leaves and often appears droopy (but that’s normal!) In addition, these plant’s leaves are pretty fragile and can fall off or tear if you’re not careful.

Fun fact: This succulent also comes in a red ripple variety!

Morphological features of Peperomia Obtusifolia

The leaves are a beautiful bright green color with white edges, thicker than regular leaves, allowing them to soak up water. In addition, this succulent is relatively small and is not likely to grow above 2 feet high. Peperomia Obtusifolia is a great place to start if you want to raise a low-maintenance plant.

These succulents are mostly easy to grow and care for, with minimal maintenance. They make a perfect addition to homes, gardens, or even groups of various other succulents. There is one thing to remember regarding this plant’s state. However, it can become harmful when ingested by humans, but it is not harmful to pets. Continue reading this article, as it will walk you through the simple steps to care for a succulent. Enjoy!

Peperomia Obtusifolia Care

Soil & Gardening Container

Due to Peperomia Obtusifolia plants being similar to succulents in various ways, they require the same type of soil as a succulent – they need well-draining soil. Finding the appropriate soil with the necessary nutrients can drain out excess water. As for what kind of container to use, it’s best to use a solid plastic gardening pot equipped with drainage holes in the bottom.

Sunlight for Peperomia obtusifolia

Peperomia obtusifolia is not too picky regarding their sunlight necessities – they’ll be fine in shade, indirect, or direct sunlight. They should receive a few hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day. If your plant is indoors, it should be placed near a window for enough light. It should be placed where it receives shade and sunlight outdoors.

Watering Routines for Peperomia Obtusifolia

It would help if you watered Peperomia Obtusifolia once every week; however, they may be able to withstand their next watering for up to two weeks. Never water the plant unless the soil is primarily dry; thus, this plant likes (and needs) a small amount of consistent moisture within its soil. Overwatering and root rot are common issues that Peperomia Obtusifolia succulents often experience when the watering routines are not taken seriously. Therefore, owners should always start with a once-a-week watering and watch their plants to understand better how quickly the soil absorbs the water.

Dormancy

Peperomia Obtusifolia plants are known for being dormant during the summer because their best growing seasons are the winter and fall. Remember that your Peperomia Obtusifolia may need a boost from some fertilizer during dormancy.

Fertilization Recommendations

Peperomia Obtusifolia plants, having smaller roots than other succulents, only require an occasional fertilizing routine. Specifically, it will only need it done once every other month. However, owners must consider which fertilizers are best for this plant. The fertilizer used can initially be any nutrient-based fertilizer, but it must be diluted before applying it to the Peperomia Obtusifolia.

Also, read:

• The ‘Mediterranean Spurge’ Euphorbia Characias
• Kalanchoe Gastonis-Bonnieri

Temperatures

Peperomia Obtusifolia is a type of houseplant, which in turn means that it cannot withstand too high or too low temperatures. A suitable temperature range for this plant ranges from 75 degrees Fahrenheit to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures surpass those ranges, the plant will be okay if it’s only for a short time.

Humidity

This plant tends to appreciate some humidity; however, too much humidity does exist and can potentially harm this plant. Keep in mind from earlier that Peperomia Obtusifolia prefers to have consistently-moist roots and soil – if the surrounding area is too dry for the plant, you may have to spray it to avoid further issues lightly.

Pests, Diseases, & Other Common Problems

A variety of potential problems may come with owning a Peperomia Obtusifolia of pests and diseases. Luckily, the problems these succulents face can be fixed, and this guide will tell you exactly how to fix any issues you may encounter with your Peperomia Obtusifolia.

• Spider Mites
• Snails & Slugs
• Scale Insects
• Mealybugs
• Fungus Gnats
• Aphids
• Thrips

The best way to get rid of any of these pests is by using neem oil because they can be challenging. Just dilute the neem oil and apply it to the leaves where the pests inhabit. You may also be able to spray them with water or shake them off.

Wilting & Dying Leaves

Damaged leaves can develop for various reasons, such as dryness, being sunburnt, frozen, or eaten off by pests. This issue can be fixed by pruning, lightly misting your plant’s leaves with water, or leaching the soil. To leach your plant’s soil, pour in the water and allow it to drain out fully – this is recommended to be done once a year.

Leaves Curling/Under Watering/Overwatering

When Peperomia Obtusifolia leaves begin to curl, that usually indicates that they’re not receiving enough water or that they’re receiving much water. Curling can also happen when an infestation of pests is occupying your plant. If you’re experiencing this, refer back to your watering routine and ensure it works for your plant. If your plant is soaked, cut back on watering until it’s had a chance to dry up. If not, start watering more or at least misting the leaves daily.

Propagating Peperomia Obtusifolia

Stem Propagation

1. Clean your gardening shears and choose which stem you want to propagate.
2. Carefully trim off the portion of the stem, leaving some stem remaining by the roots.
3. Submerge the stem trimmings into the soil in a separate pot and water.
4. Keep up a steady, safe watering routine. Tip: Hormones can be applied to the roots to boost the propagated stem.

Leaf Propagation

1. Clean your gardening shears and choose which leaf you will propagate. The chosen leaf should be mostly grown and completely healthy.
2. Trim off the leaf you’ve chosen and some of the leaves stem.
3. Plant the propagated leaf and stem into a new gardening pot. The stem should stick out of the soil while buried within the soil.
4. Water the soil and keep up a watering routine while watching your new Peperomia Obtusifolia flourish!