Obtusifolia Variegated, known as Baby Rubber Tree or Radiator Plant, is an herbaceous perennial native to tropical South America. This plant offers olive-green and cream variegated foliage with brown-red stems on an upright habit 10-12" tall. Spoon-shaped, glossy, smooth leaves flourish in medium to bright indirect light with moderate to high humidity and little water. Grow this plant in the landscape in zones 10-12, or add tropical flair to houseplant collections. For another unique Peperomia, try growing Caperata Emerald Ripple.
Obtusifolia Variegated Selling Tips
Sell Obtusifolia Variegated to customers looking for a unique, low-maintenance houseplant. Peperomia was the National Garden Bureau's houseplant of the year, and for good reason. This plant is compact, easy to maintain, offers attractive foliage in terrariums or containers, and flourishes in medium to bright indirect light. It even grows in the landscape in zones 10-12. Create a tropical paradise indoors by growing this plant alongside Spider Plant, Pothos, Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, and Fittonia.
Coach Your Customer
1. Grow this plant in well-draining, aerated soil under fluorescent or bright, indirect light. Peperomia grows best in clay pots, which wick away moisture.
2. Provide high humidity by misting the plant daily, putting its container on a pebble tray, or using a humidifier.
3. Water when the soil is dry, providing consistent water and temperatures between 60-80 degrees.
4. Keep this plant away from drafty vents or windows and make any temperature or lighting changes gradually.
General Growing Tips For Your Rooted Cutting Liner
For best results with Obtusifolia Variegated, grow three rooted liners per 4-inch container or five per 10-inch container. Use a well-drained succulent media with good aeration and drainage and a pH of 5.8-6.2. Provide temperatures between 60-80 degrees and 40-50% humidity. Use a constant liquid feed program of 75-100 ppm N with a 10-10-10 fertilizer. This plant isn't prone to pests or disease, but root rot and leaf spot can develop in overly wet conditions. You may see whiteflies, mealybugs, or spider mites. This plant grows best with minimal water in bright, indirect light. Pinch once 5-10 days after transplant and as needed to shape. Don't use PGRs.
Flowering
This plant is grown for its attractive foliage.
Pinching
We recommend pinching Obtusifolia Variegated once, 5-10 days after transplanting. Pinch additional times to shape the final pot as needed.
Spacing
Space containers for adequate airflow and sunlight penetration around the base and foliage of each plant. We recommend 18-24" between 10-inch baskets.
Height Control
Use pinching and bright light to control height. Don't use PGRs.
Pests
Scout for whiteflies, mealybugs, and spider mites as part of your commercial greenhouse's Integrated Pest Management program.
Whiteflies are small, winged insects that eat plant sap and cause yellowed leaves and stunted growth. Severe infestations can lead to plants dying. Prevent infestations by sanitizing surfaces and tools and removing debris. Introduce natural predators and use sticky traps to control populations. Insecticidal soaps and oils are also effective against this pest.
Mealybugs are small, white, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. They are covered in powdery wax, which gives them a cottony appearance. They reproduce and spread rapidly. Inspect plants regularly for signs of an infestation, including white, cottony masses on foliage. Always check new plants before bringing them into the greenhouse. Remove any highly infested plants from the greenhouse for quarantine or disposal. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps as biological controls for mealybug populations and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oils to disrupt lifecycles and feeding. Maintaining a sanitary greenhouse and eliminating debris can deter pest infestations.
Spider Mites are tiny pests that cause stippling, yellowing, and webbing on foliage by feeding on plant sap. They flourish in warm, dry environments. Use correct water and fertilizing practices; over-fertilizing can attract spider mites. Proper humidity levels, predatory mites or ladybugs, and insecticidal soaps or oils may prevent or address a spider mite infestation.
Disease
Obtusifolia Variegated isn't prone to disease but always take preventative measures in your greenhouse. Use sanitary growing media, containers, and tools. Water at the base of each plant and allow the soil to dry between waterings. Provide good airflow and adequate spacing between containers. You may see root rot and leaf spot with Peperomia.
Root Rot occurs in poorly drained or overly wet soil, which becomes the host for several types of fungi. It causes stunted growth, wilting, and root system decay. Prevention is the best treatment, and you will avoid most root rot problems by using clean, well-draining media, appropriate containers, and good watering practices for finishing seedling plugs. Inspect plants for signs of disease regularly. Repot infected plants in well-draining soil, adjust your watering schedule, provide better airflow, and use a fungicide if needed.
Fungal Leaf Spot is a fungus-borne disease that causes water-soaked yellow or brown lesions on foliage, leading to defoliation and death. Fungal infection spreads via insects, splashing water, and contaminated equipment. Humid conditions create an inviting environment. Practice sanitation and good hygiene, water at the base of each plant, and space plants for adequate circulation and light penetration. At the first signs of infection, remove the affected leaves and treat the remaining plants with a copper-based fungicide like hydroxide, sulfate, oxychloride, or octanoate. Use fungicides carefully according to the label's instructions, and be aware that applying copper-based fungicides at high rates or during hot, dry weather can lead to phytotoxicity.
Planting Obtusifolia Variegated Liners
We recommend growing three rooted liners per 4-inch container or five per 10-inch basket. Evenly space the starter plants in well-drained soil. Pinch 5-10 days after transplanting.
Rooted Cuttings
Cuttings vary in size between different plant families. These rooted starter plants will arrive ready to be transplanted in to your final container. If they are to be used in a landscape application, you will need to establish them in a 4 inch pot or an 1801 before planting outside.
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