How to care for your Rubber Tree
Rubber Trees are really easy to care for houseplants and great for beginners. Native to Asia and Africa Ficus trees can grow into massive trees in the wild.
Ficus Elastica loves bright filtered light, be sure to shield your plant from the hot afternoon sun as this can scorch the leaves.
Avoid placing your Rubber Tree in diminished light as this will result in stalled growth and a decline in the health of your plant.
An eastern exposure is usually ideal as the plant can take some morning sun and then enjoy the bright light that follows. Western exposures can also work, but you must shield your plant from the hot afternoon sun. In the Southern hemisphere, a northern exposure can also work well as long as your plant is not in the direct sun. a southern exposure might not have enough light and you might have to place your plant close to the window. In the northern hemisphere, a southern exposure might be too intense so make sure that you shield your plant from the hot sun. A northern exposer could work if you place your plant closer to the window.
Rubber trees should be watered thoroughly, allowing the excess water to drain out of the pot, and then allowed to dry out slightly before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be sure to check the soil moisture level before watering and only water as needed.
Rubber trees benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season (spring through fall). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer according to the package instructions, and be sure to flush the soil with water after fertilizing to prevent salt build-up. I apply worm castings over the surface of my plant’s soil as this will act as a slow-release fertilizer that will drench down into the soil over time. You can also use liquid kelp or regular houseplant fertilizer.
I haven’t noticed that my Rubber Tree is adversely affected by lower humidity. Ficus Elastica has quite leathery leaves which are resistant to drying from low humidity.
As far as pests go scale and spider mites could possibly be a problem. It’s always best to apply neem oil at the first sign of an infestation.
The best time to repot your plant would be in the spring as soon as the weather starts to warm up. This will also be the time that your plant is starting to come into active growth.
Rubber trees benefit from regular pruning to remove any yellow or damaged leaves and to shape the plant. Prune the plant by cutting back the stem to a leaf node (the point where the leaf attaches to the stem).
Rubber trees can be propagated by rooting stem cuttings in water or soil. To propagate in water, simply cut a 4–6 inch stem from the plant and place it in a jar of water. Be sure to change the water every few days and, once roots have formed, transplant the cutting into soil. To propagate in soil, follow the same steps but plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix instead of water.
Rubber trees prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are not tolerant of cold temperatures and should be protected from drafts.
Rubber trees can occasionally experience problems such as yellowing leaves, which can be caused by too much or too little water, or poor lighting conditions. If the leaves turn yellow, check the soil moisture level and adjust the watering schedule as needed. You may also need to move the plant to a location with brighter, indirect light.
By following these care tips, your rubber tree will thrive and bring a touch of tropical beauty to your home for years to come.
