Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Gynelle Leon

Houseplant of the week: baby rubber plant

Variegated Baby Rubber Plant or Radiator plant houseplant. Isolated

Why will I love it?
The baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) is a supermarket staple with glossy, oval leaves. Its resilience to neglect and low light allows it to survive the fluorescent lights of the supermarket, making it an ideal choice for novice browsers looking for a hassle-free addition to their collection.

Light or shade?
It thrives in bright, indirect light. Lower light conditions may cause slower growth and fewer leaves.

Where should I put it?
Since it doesn’t require much space or attention, it’s a nice easy way to add a touch of nature to your home or office.

How do I keep it alive?
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. It adapts well to average indoor humidity but benefits from occasional misting or a tray of water-filled pebbles. Keep it between 18-27C and use well-draining cacti/succulent compost. Feed with liquid fertiliser every four to six weeks during the growing season.

Did you know …
This isn’t a relative of the rubber plant; it belongs to the Peperomia genus, which includes more than 1,000 species. Variations include heart-, oval- or almond-shaped leaves, in colours ranging from solid green to variegated or striped.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.