Hello, fellow plant lovers! Today, we’re diving into how to care for rubber plants, also known as Ficus elastica. This evergreen tropical tree hails from southern China, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia, and it’s called the rubber tree because its latex sap is used to produce rubber.
Rubber trees are excellent indoor plants since they thrive in low light and help purify the air, bringing a bit of that tropical vibe into your home. In this guide, I’ll share my own journey of growing a rubber tree plant indoors and provide some essential care tips on light, watering, and more. So, let’s get started!
Why Choose a Rubber Plant?
Before getting into the rubber plant care guide, I want to share why I fell in love with rubber trees and why I recommend you have one in your home. They’re way easier to take care of than other houseplants like Monstera Deliciosa, and they grow quickly when given the right environment. Plus, they come in different colors based on the variety and help reduce indoor air pollution.
Just make sure to keep your rubber tree out of reach of curious kids and pets, as the latex is toxic when ingested and can case some skin irritation.
Light Requirements
Moderately bright light conditions closely resembles their natural tropical environment and promotes healthy growth. My rubber tree plant has found a perfect spot in my living room, where it gets lots of bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch its leave, and not enough light can hinder its growth. Typically, a north- or east-facing window works best for them.
Can rubber tress tolerate low light?
Some rubber tree types can tolerate low light conditions, but inadequate lighting usually leads to leggy growth, loss of lower foliage, curling leaves, weakened stems, and can impact the color variegation on their leaves.
Watering Routine
Rubber trees prefer to dry out a bit but don’t like to become done dry. One of the most essential aspects of rubber plant care is finding the right watering balance.
Before watering, I usually check the soil moisture by sticking my finger about an inch deep into the soil, and if it feels dry, it’s time for a drink. For me, watering every 1-2 weeks works well, depending on the season.
After watering your rubber tree, don’t forget to get rid of any excess water that drains in the saucer. Letting it sit there and overwatering can lead to root rot, which are surefire ways to lose your beautiful plant.
Temperature and Humidity
Rubber plant prefers warm and humid environments similar to where they originally come from . Keep your home temperature between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 30°C), and avoid letting it drop below 60°F (15°C). If your area often gets colder than that, consider using a heating pad connected to a thermostat to maintain ideal growing temperatures.
These trees can retain moisture in their leaves, so typical indoor humidity levels are fine. If your thermo-hygrometer indicates low humidity, use a humidifier or mist the leaves with water.
Fertilizing
Rubber trees love fertilizer for better growth, so I fertilize them in the growing season (spring and summer). I use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, looking for the NPK on the package. This helps my plants grow lush and vigorous.
Be careful not to overdo it, as too much fertilizer can cause the plant to burn. If your suspect over-fertilization, water your rubber plant to flush the roots.
Pruning and Repotting
Rubber trees can grow very quickly and shoot up in height if not pruned. In their native habitat, they can reach heights of up to 200 feet. To help your rubber tree grow better, you need to regularly remove dead or yellowing leaves and trim back overgrown stems.
In addition, if you notice their roots growing out of the drainage holes, it’s time to repot. This gives the roots enough space to stretch and absorb nutrients. I usually repot every 1-2 years.
When you do, choose a pot that’s about 2 inches wider in diameter, ensure it has drainage holes, and fill it with well-drained soil like an all-purpose indoor soil mix and some perlite for extra aeration.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting Tips
I have had some minor hiccups here and there, but that’s just part of the growing process. A common issue is leaf drop, which can happen due to changes in temperature, lighting, or watering routines. If you notice this, don’t panic - just follow the rubber tree plant care guide above to readjust its growing environment and watering schedule.
Another concern could be pests, like the time I dealt with spider mites. Thankfully, a quick spray of insecticidal soap or neem oil did the trick. Also, regularly dusting the leaves helps your rubber tree get more light. When you wipe these leaves with a damp cloth, be sure to support them underneath by your hand to avoid breaking them.
