Baby Rubber Plant 'Thailand' (Peperomia obtusifolia)
Baby Rubber Plant 'Thailand' (Peperomia obtusifolia)
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The 'Thailand' baby rubber plant has thick, glossy, spoon-shaped leaves on red-tinged stems, and it's one of the easiest houseplants you can own. Its leaves store water like a succulent, so it shrugs off missed waterings. It stays compact at 6 to 12 inches, perfect for a desk, shelf or windowsill, and the ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Quick facts
| Botanical name | Peperomia obtusifolia 'Thailand' |
| Also called | Baby rubber plant, blunt leaf peperomia, pepper face, American rubber plant |
| Pets | Non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA listing) |
| Light | Medium to bright indirect light |
| Water | When the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry, about every 1 to 2 weeks |
| Size | 6 to 12 inches tall and wide |
| Care level | Very easy, great for beginners |
Why you'll love it
- Hard to kill: thick leaves hold water, so a missed week won't hurt it.
- Small-space friendly: it grows slowly and stays compact.
- Pet-safe: a safe swap for toxic lookalikes like jade plant and rubber plant (Ficus elastica).
Care guide
Light: Bright, indirect light keeps the leaves glossy and the stems their reddest. It handles medium light too. Avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Water: Let the top inch or two of soil dry out, then water thoroughly and let it drain. Water less in winter. Overwatering is the only common way to kill it.
Humidity and temperature: Normal household air is fine. Keep it between 65 and 80°F and away from cold drafts.
Soil and feeding: Use a fast-draining mix (potting soil with perlite). Feed at half strength monthly in spring and summer. Repot only every 2 to 3 years.
Questions
Is baby rubber plant safe for cats and dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A pet that eats a lot of any plant may get a mild upset stomach, but it won't be poisoned. More in our peperomia pet safety guide.
Is baby rubber plant the same as a rubber plant?
No, and the difference matters. Baby rubber plant is a peperomia and is non-toxic. Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is a fig and is listed as toxic to cats and dogs.
Why are the leaves turning yellow?
Almost always overwatering. Let the soil dry out more between waterings and make sure the pot drains.
Can it grow in low light?
It tolerates medium to lower light, but grows fuller and glossier in bright, indirect light. See more low light plants.
How big will it get?
Usually 6 to 12 inches tall and wide. It grows slowly, so it stays a good size for desks and shelves.
Explore more pet-safe peperomias or plants for beginners.
My peperomia was wrapped very carefully. It is very healthy and has big beautiful shiny leaves and strong stems. I'm very happy with this purchase.
Love the Baby Rubber Plant easy to care for beautiful color green my cats stay away from this plant also non toxic to cats this would make a beautiful gift or just a place in your home very happy with this plant will buy from this company again Theresa S
You guys did it again. My Peperomia Obtusifolia Thailand arrived in perfect condition! Thanks again.
Beautiful plants! I got a 4in and 6in and both arrived in great condition!
cutest plant - was perfectly packaged - will definitely order again
This is so pretty! Very healthy plant. Much more than I expected. Love and support the niche!
The 6 inch Peperomia Thailand is well worth the price if you are hesitant!! It's so lush and beautiful. It was packaged so carefully and arrived in excellent condition.
I got the 6 inch Peperomia Obtusifolia Thailand. Shipping was very quick. It's a beautiful plant and was packaged with so much care.
Gorgeous plant, it was shipped with great care.
I was a little hesitant about ordering plants online in the winter, especially because where I live is very cold, but my Peperomia Obtusifolia Thailand arrived in perfect condition. It was packaged very securely so the leaves couldn't get hurt and had heat packs in the box to ensure it arrived alive and well. I will be buying more from this shop.
Exactly as pictured! Arrived healthy and thriving. I will be adding more to my collection from this shop.
This peperomia has become one of my favorite plants. It's even more striking in person than in the photos. It arrived well-packaged with plenty of moisture in the soil, and I could tell it had been carefully prepared for shipping. It's the perfect size for my desk, and it's been incredibly low-maintenance so far. Really happy with this purchase!
Healthy and packaged very well. Quick delivery.
My Thailand baby rubber plant arrived healthy and full. I'm starting to get into plants, and this is a great beginner option! I replanted it into a 10-inch pot and am so excited to watch grow.
