Cultivar guide · Peperomia obtusifolia
Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia Obtusifolia)
Compact, bushy plant with thick, glossy, spoon-shaped leaves on short stems. NOT actually a rubber plant — it is a Peperomia in a completely different family (Piperaceae, the pepper family). Variegated forms have cream-and-green leaves.
Family
Piperaceae
Classification
species
Mature size
8–12 inches tall; leaves 2–4 inches
Pet safety
non-toxic to cats and dogs
Care at a glance
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect light
- Water
- Water when top inch of soil is dry; thick leaves store water so it tolerates missed watering
- Humidity
- 40–50% (tolerates household humidity)
- Temperature
- 65–80°F (18–27°C)
How to tell it apart from look-alikes
Not related to Ficus elastica (the real Rubber Plant) despite the common name. Peperomia obtusifolia is classified as NON-TOXIC by ASPCA, while Ficus elastica IS toxic — important for pet owners.
Pet safety: Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia Obtusifolia) is non-toxic to cats and dogs per the ASPCA. Verify on ASPCA.
Botanical reference: NC State Extension — Peperomia obtusifolia
For full care of the parent species, see the Rubber Plant care guide.