Peperomia obtusifolia (Baby Rubber Plant)

Peperomia obtusifolia (Baby Rubber Plant) is an erect and bushy evergreen perennial with thick, waxy, broadly elliptic, dark green leaves, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm). Blooming periodically throughout the year, tiny creamy-white flowers borne in slender spikes, up to 5 in. long (12 cm), appear above the leaves. They are not particularly showy. The main attraction of this plant is its lush foliage. The stems are branched, stoloniferous and succulent in texture. Low-growing, Baby Rubber Plant quickly forms spreading clumps, making it ideal as a groundcover in tropical locations. It also makes a low-maintenance houseplant and will cascade over the side of a hanging basket.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 6-12 in. tall and wide (15-30 cm).
• Performs best in partial to deep shade in moist, rich, organic soils or less fertile sandy soils. If grown indoor, plant it in a peatty potting mix in bright indirect light. Water moderately but regularly, allowing the soils to almost dry between waterings. Reduce watering from fall to late winter. Although preferring high humidity, this plant must have well-drained conditions to avoid stem and root rot.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for mites, stem and root rots and leaf spot diseases.
• No pruning required.
• Propagate by seed, softwood, leaf or bud cuttings.
• Native to Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean.