How to Grow Baby Rubber Plant | Growing Peperomia Obtusifolia

If you want a compact indoor plant, then Peperomia Obtusifolia is the way to go! Here’s all you need to know about How to Grow Baby Rubber Plant!

Peperomia obtusifolia is one of the best choices if you are looking for a plant that can be kept easily on tables and windowsills. It looks fantastic with its glossy green leaves! Let’s have a look at How to Grow Baby Rubber Plant.

Check out our article on how to grow variegated rubber plant here

Baby Rubber Plant

The baby rubber plant is prized for glossy round leaves with deep green color. It is a flowering epiphyte with thick, succulent-like foliage that store water as well. The plant also bears dainty white or green flowers occasionally that look stellar with the stunning foliage!

How to Propagate Baby Rubber Plant?

Take 3-4 inches long cutting from a healthy plant during summer.
Dip the end in a rooting hormone.
Plant the cutting in a pot with a mixture of equal parts of perlite and peat moss.
Mist the soil evenly and place the pot in bright but indirect sunlight.
The cutting will form new shoots in around 4-5 weeks.

Note: To save time, purchase a well-grown plant from a local nursery.

Best Pot Size for Baby Rubber Plant

The plant will do well in a 4-6 inches pot. As it stays compact, you don’t have to grow it in a large pot. Go for breathable pots like terracotta and ceramic. Make sure the pot has drainage holes in the bottom.

Growing Requirements of Baby Rubber Plant

Sunlight

The plant thrives well in bright indirect sunlight. Avoid keeping it in the dark as it will affect its growth adversely. Also, do not expose it to the harsh afternoon sun of Indian summers. The best spot would be an east-facing window.

Water

Water the plant moderately when the topsoil feels a little dry to the touch. If the soil feels dry, water it deeply and thoroughly until it starts flushing out of the drainage holes. Do not overwater the plant as it will result in root rot.

Soil

The plant does best in well-draining soil. Make your own potting mix by blending 1-part peat moss, 1-part pine bark, and 1-part coarse sand or perlite.

Humidity

A slightly humid environment will do wonders for the plant’s growth. Keep its pot on a pebble tray filled with water for best results.

Taking Care of Baby Rubber Plant

Fertilizer

You can feed it with a balanced fertilizer diluted half to its strength once in 5-6 weeks during the growing period. Refer to package label for instructions. Avoid overfertilizing the plant, as it may burn the delicate roots.

Avoid fertilizing the plant in winter.

Pruning

Pinch out growing shoots in spring and summer—it will stimulate more side-shoots, lending a bushier look to the plant.

Pests and Diseases

Baby rubber plant is pretty much resistant to pests. However, be careful of spider mites or mealybugs. You can easily knock them off with a weekly application of neem oil solution.

Avoid overwatering the plant to keep all the potential diseases at bay.

Toxicity

Although the baby rubber plant is non-toxic to dogs and cats, it can cause irritation if ingested. It’s best to keep it away from the reach of pets and kids.