Rubber Plant: Indoor Care & Growing Guide
The Ficus elastica, commonly known as the rubber plant, is a unique species native to the tropics of Southeast Asia.
It’s known for its large, oval leaves with a deep emerald hue, and in its natural habitat, it can grow up to 30 meters tall. However, as a houseplant, it can be grown indoors throughout the year and kept at a manageable size.
Growing the Rubber Plant Indoors
When it comes to growing the rubber plant indoors, the process is relatively simple. With the right light, water, and warmth, this plant can be a tropical addition to your indoor garden.
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Quick Facts about Rubber Plant
- Botanical Name: Ficus elastica
- Common Name: Rubber plant, rubber tree, India rubber plant
- Plant Type: Evergreen tree
- Mature Size: 50–100 ft. tall (outdoors), 50–100 ft. wide (outdoors)
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
- Soil Type: Moist but well-drained
- Soil pH: Acidic
- Bloom Time: Rarely blooms
- Flower Color: Rarely blooms
- Hardiness Zone: 10–12 (USDA)
- Native Area: Asia
- Toxicity: Toxic to dogs and cats
Rubber Plant Care
The rubber plant is quite hardy but still requires specific care to thrive. It needs adequate light, moist soil, and a regular supply of fertilizer to grow healthy.
The leaves start as a coral-pink color before deepening to a rich green. As it grows taller, it may need support with a stake or bamboo stick to prevent it from bending.
Light
Rubber plants prefer bright, diffused light but can tolerate mild sunlight in the morning. However, they should be kept away from strong direct sunlight in the afternoon, as it can scorch the leaves.
Insufficient light can result in leggy growth, loss of lower leaves, and dull foliage.
Soil
Rubber plants are not picky about soil but prefer a well-draining potting mix. A cactus mix often works well. They also favor slightly acidic soil. Over time, as the plant grows, the roots may become exposed, so you should occasionally add more potting soil to the pot.
Watering
These plants need frequent watering to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Rubber plants do not tolerate drought well, so it’s important to check the soil regularly. If the top few inches feel dry, it’s time to water.
Temperature and Humidity
Rubber plants thrive in moderate to warm temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. They are sensitive to cold drafts and dry air, which can cause leaf yellowing and dropping. If your home is dry, consider using a room humidifier to maintain moderate humidity levels.
Fertilizing
Feed your rubber plant with a weak liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Fertilizing lightly helps prevent leggy growth and keeps the plant from becoming root-bound.
Is the Rubber Plant Toxic?
Yes, the rubber plant is toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. The plant contains a milky sap found in its leaves and stem, which can cause serious health issues if ingested.
Symptoms of Poisoning
- Gastrointestinal irritation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Oral irritation
- Renal damage
If you suspect that your pet has ingested any part of the rubber plant, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Propagating Rubber Plant
Rubber plants can be propagated from leaf tip cuttings, but the process can be challenging. It requires the use of rooting hormones, high humidity, and abundant heat. Even with careful propagation, success isn’t guaranteed, so patience is key.
Repotting Rubber Plant
Under the right conditions, rubber plants grow quickly and require annual repotting until they reach the desired height. For larger plants that are difficult to report, simply scrape off a few inches of the old soil and replace it with fresh potting mix.
Common Pests and Diseases
Rubber plants can be affected by common houseplant pests, including aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, scales, and thrips. It’s best to identify and treat infestations as early as possible using less toxic options, such as neem oil.
By following these care tips, you can enjoy a lush, healthy rubber plant that adds a touch of the tropics to your indoor space!
Enjoy This Video Tutorial About Rubber Plant Tricks You Must Know!
Source: Garden Up
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Last update on 2025-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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