Peperomia care: light, water, and pet safety

Peperomia obtusifolia and others

Care table

Light	Medium light to bright indirect light. Medium to bright indirect.
Water	Let half the pot dry. Water when the top half of the pot is dry.
Humidity	Average room air is fine
Repotting	Every 2 to 3 years. Small root systems, so keep pots small.

Winter care

Growth slows. Let the soil dry a little further between waterings, stop fertilizer until spring, and keep it away from cold drafts and heat vents.

Pet safety

Non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA). ASPCA entry: Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)

Pet safety comes from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list. The list is not exhaustive, and a plant marked non-toxic can still upset a pet stomach. If a pet eats a plant and you are worried, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply). ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list.

Common problems

Soft, mushy base or black roots: Root rot from soil that stays wet too long. Common in winter.
Drooping, thick leaves: Most often wet soil, not dry.

How to check the soil

Finger test: push a finger into the soil up to the first knuckle, about an inch. Dry and crumbly means that layer is dry. Cool or damp means wait. For deeper checks use a wooden skewer: it comes out clean when the soil is dry.

All houseplants and the Light and Water tool