All About Peperomia Obtusifolia Variegata Care
Variegated Baby Rubber Plant
The Variegated Baby Rubber Plant has thick succulent-like leaves that are almost perfectly round. Variegata is the most common cultivator of Obtusifolia next to the solid green, Baby Rubber Plant. Some cultivators are marbled and others have red-margins.
Obtusifolia is a small, compact peperomia originating in the South American rainforest. The name Obtusifolia means “blunt leaved”. They get their nickname Baby Rubber Plant due to their shared appearance with Ficus Elastica but the two plants are not related.
The prominent variegation makes these slightly more difficult to care for because the white and yellow parts of the leaves lack chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize. Nonetheless, they are extremely popular houseplants due to their bright foliage, compact growth, and being Pet Safe.
How To Care for Peperomia Obtusifolia Variegata
Obtusifolia is one of over a thousand species of peperomia that grow in many different conditions all over the world. The Baby Rubber Plant is an epiphytic plant native to the rainforest of South America. In the wild, they grow on trees and decaying wood.
Obtusifolia Variegata needs more light than its solid green sibling. Only the green parts of the leaves are able to photosynthesize and they have to support the entire plant. Which is why it’s important to make sure it gets bright, indirect light. An east-facing window sill is ideal. You can also supplement with a grow light.
You can pot them up an inch or two once the roots start growing out of the bottom of the pot. Remember that these plants stay relatively small and won’t need potting up very often. Because they won’t need fresh soil as often as fast-growing plants, be sure to fertilize during the growing season so they don’t lack nutrients.
The average temperature and humidity in most home environments is perfect for these tropical plants. They love a bright, sunny window, especially during the cooler months but avoid direct summer sun.
Read on to learn more about caring for The Variegated Baby Rubber Plant ……
USDA Zone 10-12
They don’t like to completely dry out so water when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry. If you are unsure, stick your finger in the soil. Too much water can cause root rot and spotting on the leaves.
These are typically small plants growing to around 12 inches wide but can grow larger as they start to trail. Normal peperomia obtusifolia pot size is 3-6 inches.
They prefer bright, indirect light. Direct summer sun can cause burnt leaves.
Use a rich potting mix that drains well. Incorporate small pieces of orchid bark and perlite into regular or succulent soil to create more airflow. Compost will add much-needed nutrients.
They are native to subtropical regions and like 50% or higher humidity levels.
Peperomia Obtusifolia Variegata is non-toxic and safe for children and pets. Find more pet-safe plants here.
Fertilize every three months during the growing season with Green Grub Insect Frass. You can either make a compost tea to water with every time or sprinkle a layer of fertilizer on top of the soil. If using synthetic, use an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer with a balanced ratio.
Propagate by stem or leaf cuttings and division. Read on for propagation instructions.
How to Propagate Peperomia Obtusifolia Variegata
Propagating Peperomia Obtusifolia Variegata is a piece of cake. Obtusifolia can be propagated by cuttings and division. Regular pruning encourages a more bushy plant and division allows the current pot size to be maintained. Pruning and propagating are best done in the spring during active growth.
Division
1. This is easily done while repotting your plant and allows the current pot size to be maintained. Instead of potting up, you divide the plant into 2-3 sections. Once you have the rootball out of the pot, use a sharp knife to cut individual offsets away from the main plant. Make sure to get enough roots to support the new offset.
2. Likewise you can also loosen the rootball with your fingers and gently separate the offset from the main plant.
3. Plant your new offset into a rooting medium, keep moist and wait for the plant to establish.
4. Once your offset is established and growing well. Repot into a pot that is 1 inch larger than the rootball and enjoy your new plant!
Stem Cuttings
1. Take cuttings of healthy stems that have 3-4 leaves. I prefer each stem to be 3-4 inches tall.
2. Plant the stem(s) into a rooting medium and keep the medium moist, not wet. You may also use a clear jar of water for water rooting.
3. Cover with a clear plastic or glass dome so that the leaves do not dry out. Seed starting kits and propagation boxes work well for this.
4. Place your cuttings/ prop box in a warm area with bright indirect light and keep medium moist, not wet.
5. Wait for new growth. Once you have a thriving plant, repot, and slowly acclimate to a less humid environment.
Get your very own Peperomia Obtusifolia here.
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