The baby rubber plant, or Peperomia obtusifolia, not to be confused with the rubber tree, is a perfect houseplant for beginners with a lovely upright growth pattern. Its round paddles and unique weaving branches makes for a charming addition to your houseplant family. And there’s more to love as it is low drama! It grows up while keeping a full base, making it perfect for a narrow space that needs some vertical eye candy. Check out the variegated obtusifolia for a little extra visual stimulation!

When we say low-drama, we mean it! It’s one of those plants you can set up once and do nothing but water it once a week from then on. Give it low light or indirect bright light, and loose, sandy soil. Like most tropicals, it appreciates high humidity. It’s also an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants and absorbs moisture and nutrients through its foliage. Ideal locations include a steamy bathroom window or a windowsill above the kitchen sink.

Though you’ll want to treat this plant like a baby because it’s so cute, beware of over care. Overwatering is the number one mistake houseplant owners make. Soggy soil leads to limp, discolored leaves and rotten roots. Yikes! Really make it a point to let the first 2 inches of soil dry out before its next drink.

While their blooms are rather underwhelming little spikes of white flowers, the foliage is pretty enough to charm you through the rest of  your houseplant journey!