Baby rubber plant care guide
Peperomia obtusifolia
Also known as: Peperomia
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Baby rubber plant
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 7 days
- The thick leaves store water, so as a guide water two to three days after the topsoil dries and avoid a soggy mix in summer heat.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 10 days
- Drying slows in autumn; generally wait about three to four days after the soil dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 14 days
- Water sparingly about a week after the soil dries, on a mild day.
Light and placement for Baby rubber plant
Anywhere from bright shade to a sheer-curtained window is about right; it tolerates some shade, but stretches when dark, variegated forms lose color, and direct sun scorches.
Overwintering Baby rubber plant
Overwintering guide: 8°C (46°F) or above
Move it to a bright spot indoors once nights fall below about 10°C; keeping the soil on the dry side helps it tolerate cold, and it should stay above roughly 8°C, out of heater drafts.
Fertilizing and repotting Baby rubber plant
Fertilizer
It needs little feeding: diluted liquid fertilizer about once a month from May to September, kept light to avoid leggy growth, and none in winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Baby rubber plant
- Overwatering blackens and rots the stems at the base.
- In a dark spot the stems stretch and the leaves thin out.
- Winter cold drops the leaves and weakens the plant.
Tips for growing Baby rubber plant
- Limp, thinning leaves signal it needs water.
- Trim overlong stems and root the cuttings in soil or water; they take easily.
- A smallish pot and a free-draining mix make root rot less likely.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
