Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
Peperomia obtusifolia (Pipericeae)
Also called Pepper Face, American Rubber Plant.
Cats and dogs
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Not expected to poison cats or dogs. Eating any plant can still cause vomiting or an upset stomach, so keep it out of reach of chewers.
Source: ASPCA entry "Baby Rubber Plant", checked October 3, 2026.
Light
- Low light 3+ mol Copes
- Medium light 6+ mol Copes
- Bright indirect 10+ mol Best
- Direct sun 12+ mol
Prefers bright indirect light but can sit in low light for several months without stress, especially the plain green types. Strong direct sun scorches the leaves.
Direct sun: best kept out of it.
On our scale it grows well from about 10 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 0.5 (how these numbers are set).
Care
Care level: Easy. Water: Let the soil dry between waterings; overwatering is the main problem and causes yellow leaves and root rot.
Non-variegated plants handle low light better than variegated ones.
More pet-safe plants for similar light
- Aluminum plant (Pilea cadierei) bright indirect light
- Baby's tears (Soleirolia) bright indirect light
- Grape ivy bright indirect light
- Lady palm bright indirect light
- Money tree bright indirect light
- Parlor palm bright indirect light