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Not only Peperomia Obtusifolia is cute and compact plant, but it is also suitable for anyone to grow no matter how skilled they are at gardening. Baby Rubber Plant is the perfect plant to use as an indoor tabletop plant and outdoor patio feature or to accentuate a living wall. Its versatility, hardiness, and good looks make this a highly desirable plant to grow.
How to Identify Baby Rubber Plant
The key identifier of this plant is its leaves. The leaves of a Baby Rubber Plant are typically a solid dark green, but they can also be marbled with white or yellow streaks or specks. The leaves are also glossy and have a plastic-like texture. Plus, they are spectacularly oversized compared to the size of the stems.
How to Grow Baby Rubber Plant from Seed
While it is more common to grow these plants from stem cuttings, it is still possible to propagate one from seeds. To grow a Baby Rubber Plant from seed, follow these steps:
- Purchase seeds from a reputable seller (sellers who price their seeds between $1 and $2)
- Fill a container with a seed starting soil mix
- Plant the seeds in the soil mix
- Water the soil so that it is moist but not soggy
- Place plastic wrap over the top of the container
- Set the container in a warm spot that gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight
- Once sprouts appear above the soil level, acclimatize them to open-air
- Once the plants have established roots, move them to a more permanent plant container
How to Propagate Baby Rubber Plant
The easiest way to grow a new Baby Rubber Plant is via stem cuttings. This can be done during pruning sessions or anytime a new plant is desired. The steps for doing this are as follows:
- Using a sterile cutting utensil, cut off a healthy stem that includes a leaf and a node
- Set the stem in a container filled with water
- Set the container in a place that gets bright but indirect sunlight
- Change the water every other week
- Once roots are an inch long, plant the stem in a container filled with potting soil that contains a mixture of perlite
- Water the potting soil and keep it moist but not soggy
It is also easy to propagate this plant via leaf cuttings, but this method may cause the leaf to lose its color variegation. The steps for doing this are as follows:
- Using a sterile cutting utensil, cut off a healthy leaf
- Dip the petiole of the leaf in a rooting powder
- Plant the leaf in a container filled with potting soil that contains a mixture of perlite
- Water the potting soil and keep it moist but not soggy
- Set the container in a warm spot that gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight
Baby Rubber Plant Growing Conditions
While this is a tropical plant that naturally grows in an environment that is warm and humid, it is also hardy and an adaptable plant.
It can withstand and even thrive in environments that are less humid and warm than its natural habitat. If, however, it begins to look pale and weak, it may need contact with a little more moisture. A plant humidifier or pebble tray are excellent ways to provide humidity for plants without making the rest of the household miserable.
How to Plant Baby Rubber Plant
On average, this plant may need to be repotted every five years. Repotting will provide it with new, fresh soil. The steps for repotting a Baby Rubber Plant are:
- Fill a new container that is two inches larger than its previous container with potting soil
- Create a hole in the soil for the plant to set inside
- Carefully remove the plant from its current container
- Gently dust off any excess soil from its roots
- Set the plant into the hole in the new container
- Spread the soil around so that the plant is secure in its new container
- Water the plant
- Set it in a warm spot with indirect sunlight
Baby Rubber Plant Potting & Soil
This plant requires soil that is well-draining and well aerated. It is best to use a soil mix that contains two parts peat and one part perlite or sand.
Baby Rubber Plant Water Requirements
The best way to water this plant is to test the soil moisture level before giving it a drink. If the top two inches of its soil is dry, it can use a drink, if however, the top two inches are still moist, it does not need any more water. Due to Baby Rubber Plants’ ability to store water during some seasons of the year, it is best to err on the side of under watering rather than overwatering.
For peace of mind, try using a plant watering app to track when a plant has been watered, set reminders to water it, and get answers to common plant care questions.
Baby Rubber Plant Light Requirements
While this plant can adapt to low light, it does grow better and look better when placed in a spot that gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. Try using a light meter to test indoor light capacity and ensure that the plant is receiving an adequate amount of sunlight.
When this plant gets access to bright, indirect sunlight, it also gets its need for warm temperatures met. Baby Rubber Plant should not be allowed to sit in temperatures lower than fifty degrees Fahrenheit.
Best Baby Rubber Plant Fertilizer
This plant does not need feedings during autumn or winter; however, it can benefit from being fed in the spring and the summer. During springtime, it should be fed every other week, while during the summer it will only need monthly feedings. The best type of fertilizer to give a Baby Rubber Plant is Eleanor’s VF-03 Plant Food.
Best Baby Rubber Plant Companion Plantings
Because this is a plant that grows naturally alongside many other types of plants, it is amicable to a companion planting. Consider setting two or three other tropical plants next to a Baby Rubber Plant to create a jungle hideaway at home.
Neon Pothos
This is a luminescent plant from the rainforests of South America. It grows as a trailing vine and is capable of growing in environments that may be difficult for other types of plants. It is hardy and easy to care for.
Common Ground
- Both plants are easy to propagate via stem cuttings
- Both plants grow well in bright, indirect sunlight
- Both plants prefer soil that is well-draining but full of organic materials
- Both plants prefer warm, humid climates
Pros:
- It is a beautiful plant to set in a hanging basket or on a shelf
- It is easy to learn how to care for
Cons:
- It is toxic
- It is susceptible to root rot
- It is susceptible to infestations of mealybugs
Philodendron Birkin
This is a gorgeous plant that features large leaves that are variegated with dark green and creamy yellow color. It is definitely a plant that is perfect to use as a piece of home décor, and both it, and Baby Rubber Plant will benefit from being placed next to each other.
Common Ground
- Both plants require soil that is well-draining and full of organic nutrients
- Both plants require a lot of bright but indirect sunlight
- Both plants grow best in warm, humid climates
Pros:
- It is easy to propagate via stem cuttings
- It is easy to learn how to care for and grow
- It can grow under natural sunlight or a grow light
Cons:
- It is toxic
- It is susceptible to root rot
- It requires fertilization to keep its leaves looking healthy
- It can grow quickly when given good care and this will require repotting regularly
Maranta Leuconeura
This plant is known colloquially as a prayer plant because its leaves fold up at night to resemble hands in a praying position. Once morning arrives, the leaves will unfold to greet the sun. It is a beautiful plant that requires similar types of care as Baby Rubber Plants.
Common Ground
- Both plants require well-draining soil
- Both plants require a lot of bright but indirect sunlight
- Both plants grow best in warm, humid climates
Pros:
- It is not known to be toxic to pets
- It can grow well in normal levels of humidity
Cons:
- It is sensitive to hard water
- It is susceptible to root rot
- It can get burnt when placed in direct sunlight
Baby Rubber Plant Diseases and Common Problems
While this plant is hardy and easy to care for, it is susceptible to a few types of infestations and diseases. The most common problems it faces are:
- Loss of Color
- Root Rot
- Mealybugs
- Spider Mites
- Wilted Leaves
Baby Rubber Plant Treatments and Maintenance
When a plant is facing an infestation or a common problem, it is best to act quickly to save the plant. These are the steps to treat the most common problems faced by Baby Rubber Plant.
Loss of Color
If leaves begin to lose their color or variegation, it is usually a sign that the plant is not getting enough light. Simply move the plant to a place where it will receive more access to indirect light.
Root Rot
Evidence of this problem is leaves that have turned brown or black. To treat this problem, let the soil dry out completely and set the plant in a place where it will get plenty of airflow. If it is still struggling with too much water in its container, follow these steps:
- Remove the plant from its container
- Wash off all the dirt from its roots
- Cut off any rotten roots
- Replant the plant in a clean container with fresh soil
- Wait to water it for a few days
Mealybugs
Evidence of an infestation of mealybugs is small white spots that look like cotton on leaves and stems. To deal with an infestation of mealybugs, follow these steps:
- Spray a solution of alcohol and water on the leaves
- Rub the leaves with a cotton ball
- Coat the leaves in neem oil or insecticidal soap every few days
Spider Mites
Evidence of a spider mite infestation will show up as webbing on the leaves and stems. Sometimes the tiny insects will even be visible crawling around the plant. To treat this type of infestation, follow these steps:
- Fill a spray bottle with a quart of warm water, 1 tsp. of dish soap, and 2 tsp. Of neem oil
- Spray and wipe the leaves and stems of the plant clean
- Repeat as necessary
Wilted Leaves
If leaves begin to wilt, it could be a sign of either under watering, over-fertilizing, or too much sunlight. This problem is best solved by a process of elimination.
Where to Buy Baby Rubber Plant Seeds Online
Purchasing Baby Rubber Plant seeds can be slightly complicated since most gardeners propagate this type of plant from cuttings. Some of the best places to look for rare seeds online are these shops:
Where to Buy Mature Baby Rubber Plant Online
While seeds for Baby Rubber Plant are often difficult to come by, mature plants are not. These online shops are great places to search for this plant.
Peperomia Obtusifolia: Concluding Thoughts
Baby Rubber Plant is an amazing plant to own and propagate for a garden space. It looks beautiful and has a pleasant personality; there’s no fussiness with this plant. For every gardener who longs for tropical spaces, Baby Rubber Plant is there to create that dreamy atmosphere.