Peperomia Plants

For an upright desk plant, compare Baby Rubber Plant, with its fleshy leaves, or the striped, rounded foliage of Watermelon Peperomia. Rosso adds pointed leaves with red undersides. Leave room around the pot for the foliage rather than choosing by container size alone.

For stems that spill over a shelf edge, choose between the round leaves of Hope and the smaller patterned leaves of String of Turtles. Both give a different display from an upright plant. Check that the shelf receives the light required by your chosen variety, including where the trailing foliage will hang.

A spot with medium to bright indirect light suits our Watermelon, Obtusifolia and Hope listings. Protect the leaves from harsh direct sun and avoid a dark shelf far from daylight. Keep the plant away from cold drafts and heating vents. The nickname radiator plant does not mean it should sit against a hot radiator.

Check the soil first. Our Watermelon, Obtusifolia and Hope care guides recommend watering when the soil is mostly dry, then letting excess water drain away. Their fleshy leaves do not mean they should sit in wet soil or go without checks for weeks. Pot size, light and room temperature change how quickly soil dries, so follow the exact plant's care guide instead of a fixed schedule.

Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) and Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Check the botanical identity and pet guidance for the particular plant you choose. Even non-toxic plants are not intended as pet food, so discourage chewing. Browse our pet friendly collection for more options.

No. Baby Rubber Plant is Peperomia obtusifolia, a compact houseplant. The larger rubber plants sold as Ficus elastica belong to a different genus and have different growth and pet-safety considerations. Use the botanical name when comparing them, especially if you are choosing a plant for a home with pets.