The Obtusifolia boasts thick, upright stems and glossy oversized leaves. It can be found in a dark green coloring, or with a white or yellow variegation. The large, oval, succulent-like leaves grow upright, and have the ability to store water in its leaves and stem, enabling them to handle drought-like conditions.

• Light –Bright, indirect light to medium light
• Water – Water when 50% of soil is dry
• Difficulty – Beginner
• Pet Friendly – Non-toxic

Grow pot plant sizes: small [4” ], medium [6”], large [8”], extra-large [10”] – All these are diameter measurements

Corresponding pot measurements: small [5-6” pot], medium [7-8” pot], large [9-11” pot], extra large [11-13” pot]

BOTANICAL NAME: Peperomia obtusifolia

COMMON NAME: Peperomia Green, Baby Rubber plant, Radiator Plant

ORIGIN: Central and South America

GOOD FOR: Beginner plant parents

HEIGHT: 6-7” tall

LIGHT: Bright, indirect light. Some cultivars  may tolerate medium to bright light conditions. Peperomias also do well under fluorescent grow lights. Too little light will cause slow growth, less variegation and smaller leaves. Too much direct sun may burn leaves.

WINDOW PREFERENCE: East and west windows work best.

WATER: Allow the top 50% of the soil to dry and then water around the base of the plant until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot. At this point you can stop. Peperomias are semi-succulent and will hold water in their thicker leaves, which allows these plants to withstand longer periods of dry soil.  

HUMIDITY: Enjoys a humid environment but will adapt to regular household humidity.  Keep on a pebble tray or use a humidifier. Plant collectors can group with other plants for some self-made humidity. 

TEMPERATURE: Prefers to be between 60-80 degrees. Keep away from drafts and heat vents.

SOIL / REPOTTING: Needs a loose, well-draining, aerated soil, preferably orchid bark. Prefers to be root bound. Repot into a container one size larger.

PLANT FOOD: In spring and summer, feed once a month. We recommend using Joyful Dirt Houseplant Plant Food. Stop feeding in fall and winter due to slower growth and dormancy.

PRUNING: Prune away dead leaves anywhere along the stems. New growth will develop from the nodes just below the cut stem.    

PESTS: Aphids, mealybugs 

TOXICITY: Non-toxic

ANGRY PLANT PROBLEMS: Ringspot marks on leaves – these are round marks that develop in highly humid environments. There is no treatment, so damaged leaves should be removed. Keep leaves dry and provide good air circulation to prevent disease.  Leaf drop – soil is staying too wet. Let the top half of the soil dry out before watering. Brown leaf tips – temperature maybe too cold, or too much plant food.