Peperomia Obtusifolia
Peperomia obtusifolia plants (baby rubber plants) are wonderful succulent-like plants from the Piperaceae family. Native to South America, these durable small houseplants are perfect for tabletops and windowsills. They can live in medium to low light, but a bright indirect light source is ideal. These are very popular as houseplants because they are easy to maintain and are a great beginner plant.
Peperomia obtusifolia has thick upright stems and rounded glossy leaves that grow from petioles. Some cultivars of peperomia obtusifolia have thinner, rounder leaves, and some have thicker leaves with a very slight wave to the sides of the leaf. Under the right conditions, this plant will bloom tiny white flowers that grow along their long flower spikes. You can prune some leaves or the top petioles off the stems to encourage fuller growth.
Fun fact: Peperomia obtusifolia plants are also known as baby rubber plants or American rubber plants. The nicknames come from the fact that they are a distant cousin to Hevea brasiliensis – the Pará rubber tree!
