Baby Rubber Plant

The Baby Rubber Plant needs to be consistently watered when its soil is dry. When the top two inches of soil is dry it's time to give it a drink. Place the pot in a sink or small tray filled with water so that the plant can soak up the water from the bottom. Allow the pot to sit in water for about 20 minutes and then place the pot back in its regular spot. Water your plant once every 2 weeks, allowing the soil to become dry between waterings.

Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent scorching of the foliage. If you lack direct sunlight, you can supplement with a fluorescent lamp or LED grow light that offers a balance of cool and warm lighting.

The Baby Rubber Plant grows best in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid temperatures below 55°F (12°C) to prevent the plant from becoming damaged. In the summer, the plant can be moved outdoors, but keep in mind that full sun will scorch the leaves and temperatures below 45°F (7°C) can cause damage.

The Baby Rubber Plant enjoys humid environments, but dry or cool air may cause the leaves to dry out or drop. Misting the foliage with a spray bottle 1-2 times a week can help keep humidity levels optimal and reduce dry air.

For the Baby Rubber Plant, use a light, well-draining potting mix. An ideal mix could be equal parts perlite or coarse sand, houseplant potting mix, and peat moss. Avoid soil mixes for tropical plants because they hold too much water and can cause root rot.

Fertilize the Baby Rubber Plant every three months during the spring and summer. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength and apply directly to the soil. Reduce applications in the fall and winter months when the plant is not actively growing.

The Baby Rubber Plant is prone to infestations with spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. Spider mites appear as tiny red dots that are trapped in spider webs. Mealybugs look like white cottony masses which may look like roots if found along the soil line. Thrips are tiny, gray or black insects that congregate in sticky clusters. To eliminate these pests, mix a 0.5 percent solution of insecticidal soap and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on top and underneath the leaves, being sure to treat all visible pests. After treatment, place the plant in bright indirect sunlight and allow the leaves to dry off before returning the plant to its regular spot.

The Baby Rubber Plant should be replanted every 2-3 years to give it the nutrients needed to thrive. When repotting, make sure to use a well-draining soil. Avoid soil mixes formulated for tropical plants because they will hold too much water and can cause root rot. Repot your Baby Rubber Plant during the spring in a pot that's one to two sizes larger.

The Baby Rubber Plant can benefit from occasional pruning to remove dead leaves and improve air circulation. Prune the plant by pinching off dead or browned leaves at the stem. Pinch back leggy stems to encourage branching and fullness of the foliage.

Mulching adds organic matter to the soil and helps the soil retain moisture. For Baby Rubber Plant, use a thin layer of coco coir, bark mulch, or compost in the potting soil.

The Baby Rubber Plant can be propagated from either seeds or stem tip cuttings. To propagate from cuttings, use a clean, sharp knife or pair of scissors to make a 45 degree angled cut near the stem tip. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and warm and place in a bright, indirect location. The cuttings should take root in about two weeks.

The Baby Rubber Plant does not require any additional support to maintain its upright form, however a moss, moss-filled, or wicker stake can be used to hide unsightly stems and encourage new growth.

The Baby Rubber Plant does not require a rest period and will continue to grow all year round. You may need to reduce the amount of water and number of fertilizer applications during the fall and winter months when plants naturally go dormant.

The Baby Rubber Plant is not toxic to humans or pets. It is generally considered safe to keep in homes with animals and children.