Alphabetical Plant Listing

Peperomia obtusifolia (Baby Rubber Plant)

Baby Rubberplant, Baby Rubber Plant, American Rubber Plant, Pepper Face, Peperomia floridana, Piper obtusifolium, Rhynchophorum floridanum, Rhynchophorum obtusifolium


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.

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Requirements

Hardiness 9 – 12
Plant Type Perennials
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm)
Spread 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm)
Spacing 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Florida
Garden Uses Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets, Patio and Containers

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Sharohyip, Alexandre Laprise, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 9 – 12
Plant Type Perennials
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm)
Spread 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm)
Spacing 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Florida
Garden Uses Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets, Patio and Containers

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