Care of the indoor plant Peperomia obtusifolia or Baby rubberplant |
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The genus Peperomia, family Piperaceae, includes more than 1000 species of perennial plants native to tropical regions around the globe. Some species are: Peperomia obtusifolia, Peperomia polybotrya, Peperomia magnoliifolia, Peperomia dolabriformis, Peperomia angulata, Peperomia caperata, Peperomia argyreia, Peperomia orba. Common names: Baby rubberplant, Pepper face. This species is native to Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean. They are herbaceous perennial plants that reach 25 cm (9.84") in height. The leathery, rounded leaves are shiny dark green and have a waxy texture. They produce flower spikes 12 cm (4.7") long with small white flowers. They are used as indoor, greenhouse and terrace, balcony and patio plants protected from direct sunlight. The Peperomia obtusifolia needs semi-shade exposure, avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day. The temperature should not be lower than 15 ºC (59 ºF). The soil can be a commercial, well-drained houseplant potting mix with a bit of coarse sand. Transplanting is done in early spring. Water moderately with water without lime, waiting for the substrate to dry completely. The environmental humidity must be medium-high: it is advisable to place a plate with wet pebbles under the pot Fertilize in spring and summer every 20 days with mineral fertilizer for indoor plants at half the usual dose. Prune wilted flowers and remove dead leaves. They are quite resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. Sometimes they can be attacked by aphids and mealybugs (if the ambient humidity is low) and by root rot if there is excess irrigation. They are propagated in spring by stem cuttings; use rooting hormones. |
Images of the indoor plant Peperomia obtusifolia or Baby rubberplant |
 Peperomia obtusifolia  Peperomia obtusifolia |