Baby Rubber Plant
Peperomia obtusifolia
Peperomia obtusifolia, commonly known as the Baby Rubber Plant, is a small tropical foliage plant native to Central and South America. Its thick, spoon-shaped leaves come in deep green or variegated varieties and have a glossy, succulent-like texture.
It’s not related to the larger Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica), but it gets its nickname from the similar leaf texture. This plant thrives in medium to bright indirect light, tolerates low humidity, and rarely grows over a foot tall — making it ideal for desks, shelves, and small apartments.
One of its best features? It’s non-toxic to pets and children.
Quick Info
- Light: Medium
- Water: Medium
- Size: 6–12 inches tall and wide
- Humidity: Moderate
- Temp: 65–80°F (18–27°C)
- Flowering: Yes
- Type: Tropical, Other
- Dog Safe: Yes
- Cat Safe: Yes
- Kid Safe: Yes
Toxicity Info
- Dog Safe: Yes
- Cat Safe: Yes
- Kid Safe: Yes
Care Instructions
- Use a well-draining potting mix (regular soil + perlite)
- Place in medium to bright indirect light
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry
- Avoid overwatering — thick leaves store moisture
- Wipe leaves to remove dust and maintain shine
Common Problems
- Yellowing leaves: Often caused by overwatering. Let the top inch of soil dry before watering again.
- Leggy growth: A sign the plant isn’t getting enough light. Move it to a brighter, indirect spot.
- Leaf drop: Can occur after sudden changes in temperature or lighting. Try to keep its environment stable.
FAQs
No — it’s called “baby rubber plant” because of its thick, rubbery leaves, but it’s unrelated to Ficus elastica.
Yes — it tolerates low light, though it prefers medium to bright for best growth.
Yes — it’s non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Related Plants
Easter Cactus
A flowering forest cactus that blooms in spring with vibrant star-shaped flowers — Easter Cactus adds color and character with minimal fuss in bright, indirect light.
String of Turtles
A tiny trailing plant with intricate leaf patterns that resemble turtle shells — String of Turtles is a charming, pet-safe option for bright indoor spaces.