Peperomia obtusifolia aka American Rubberplant
Taxonomy
Peperomia obtusifolia, also known as the baby rubberplant, American rubber plant, or pepper face, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Peperomia under the family Piperaceae. The specific epithet obtusifolia means "blunt-leaved", and the plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. These plants are native to Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean. Peperomia obtusifolia are impressive with their various hues of green, ivory or cream and rosy-pink edges that are bordered in red. If not located in bright or filtered sunlight, the lighter shades may not appear as vibrant. Additionally, Peperomia clusiifolia has large, dark green concave leaves with red margins. Peperomia are part of the pepper family, and are incredibly easy to propagate via leaf cuttings, making them ideal for sharing with friends and family.
Common names
American Rubberplant, Baby RubberplantHow to care for American Rubberplant
Difficulty
American Rubberplant presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Water
American Rubberplant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
American Rubberplant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the American Rubberplant prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it's common for American Rubberplant to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
Humidity
No additional humidity is required for the American Rubberplant. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
Repotting the American Rubberplant is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
American Rubberplant’s native range is Worldwide.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Peperomia Genus
Peperomia dolabriformis Prayer Pepper
Peperomia verschaffeltii Peperomia Dwarf Watermelon
Peperomia marmorata
Peperomia deppeana Fourleaf Peperomia
Peperomia clusiifolia Baby Rubberplant
