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American Rubber Plant

Peperomia obtusifolia

Flower
Foliage
American Rubber Plant

Baby Rubber Plant brings the glossy confidence of a larger tropical shrub into a form that fits on any desk, its cupped, obovate leaves flushed with cream and carried on stems lightly blushed pink.

Peperomia obtusifolia is native to South America and has adapted seamlessly to indoor life, where its erect, branching habit can reach up to 2 feet given time and good conditions. The leaves are notably cupped and glossy, a particular quality that catches overhead light in a way the flatter peperomias don't, and the pinkish tinge on the petioles and stems provides a warm counterpoint to the cream-and-green foliage.

It is tolerant of low light for extended periods without visible stress, which gives it genuine versatility in interior spaces. Direct sun will scorch the leaves; a north or east-facing windowsill, or a position set back from a bright window, suits it well. Keep the soil on the drier side — overwatering is the classic mistake, causing leaves to yellow and roots to rot before any other symptom appears. Variegated cultivars are somewhat more light-hungry than the straight species but reward the extra effort with cream-edged foliage worth pausing over.

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Zone10 - 12
TypeHerbaceous perennial
GrowthModerate
Height6 in - 2 ft
Spread0 in - 1 ft
MaintenanceLow
SunDappled sun
SoilClay
DrainageGood drainage
FormErect
TextureCoarse
PropagationLeaf cutting
DesignSpecimen
FamilyPiperaceae
LocationsContainer
Palettes