The Ficus Elastica, more commonly known as the Rubber Plant, is an evergreen tropical plant that’s a joy to care for. Highly tolerant to indoor conditions, it’s a very popular houseplant—as much prized for its gorgeous, emerald green leaves as it is for its easy maintenance!
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the essential tips and tricks to ensure your rubber plant thrives indoors. We’ll cover everything from finding the perfect spot with ideal lighting, to mastering the art of watering and keeping your plant happy and healthy.
Read on for the ultimate guide to growing lush green rubber plants indoors!
These lovely plants hail from the rainforests of Southeast Asia, where they can grow to towering heights. The rubber plant is a scaled-down version of the rubber tree; a tropical evergreen that can grow up to an impressive 100 feet tall outdoors! The indoor plant can grow as tall as 6 feet to 10 feet in a few years. It spreads out to around 3 feet at a maximum indoors, which means that you need to allow enough space for their growth.
Some of the most common rubber plants are the Ficus elastica ‘Ruby’, Ficus elastica ‘Tineke’, Ficus elastica ‘Burgundy’, and Ficus elastica ‘Robusta’. The classic Ficus elastica boasts large, glossy leaves, while the ‘Burgundy‘ variety adds a dramatic touch with deep burgundy undersides to the leaves. If you like variegation, the ‘Tricolour’ features a splash of cream and pink alongside the green. The compact variety, Ficus elastica congesta, sits well on top of your desk or in a cosy corner.
Happy and healthy rubber plants will grow quickly and delight you with glossy, well-defined and large leaves.
There are many benefits of rubber plants, some of which are listed below:
From lighting to watering and repotting, here are the basics of rubber plant care:
A true tropical plant, the rubber plant appreciates plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. At least 6 to 8 hours of light is needed everyday.
For your indoor plant, East-facing windows are ideal, providing gentle morning light without the harsh rays of the afternoon sun. If you can only place it in an area that gets direct sunlight, you might want to filter the harshness with a sheer curtain, to keep your plant looking its best!
If your plant isn’t getting the light it needs, the colour of the leaves will start to fade, and the leaves might grow limp and start to drop.
It’s always a good idea to rotate the pot every couple of weeks so that all the leaves on all sides can get enough sunlight.
Your rubber plant needs soil that is consistently moist, but never overwatered. The soil should be well drained and not clayey or waterlogged, and you must ensure your pot has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling around the roots. Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely between waterings. Don’t take this lightly—if the roots sit in water all the time, root rot will set in which will ultimately kill your plant!
Your rubber plant will send up red flags when it’s thirsty. Drooping leaves or dry, crispy leaves indicate underwatering. Time to water!
Your rubber plant is generally a slow grower and won’t need frequent repotting. When the roots outgrow the current pot, which is indicated by roots circling the pot or pushing it up, move it to a pot that’s about 1-2 inches larger, and add a generous amount of potting mix for indoor plants.
Rubber plants prefer a well-draining potting mix, similar to what you’d use for most houseplants. The key is to achieve a good balance between moisture retention and drainage to prevent root rot. Look for a mix containing perlite to promote drainage, and peat moss or coconut coir to retain moisture. For even better drainage, you can add a few handfuls of orchid bark to your standard houseplant mix.
Choosing the right pot is equally important. Opt for a pot with drainage holes made of a breathable material like terracotta.
Occasional pruning throughout spring, the beginning of the growing season, keeps your rubber plant at a desired height and prevents it from becoming overgrown. If you would like your plant to grow to its maximum indoor height of 8 to 10 feet, then a long wooden dowel is needed for support, till the stem becomes thicker and can stand upright on its own.
Rubber plant leaves can become dusty over time. To maintain their shine, wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth occasionally. This will keep them looking their best.
Here are some more pointers:
Rubber plant trimming is essential to maintain the health of your plant. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and directs the plant’s energy towards new shoots. When trimming, identify leggy or overgrown stems and leaves. Use sharp, sterilised pruning shears to make clean cuts just above a node (the bump where a new leaf or stem emerges).
Don’t take off too much foliage at once, as this can stress your plant. Aim to remove no more than 1/3 of the total growth at a time. For bushier growth, pinch off new leaf tips on actively growing stems. The right trimming techniques, done regularly, will not only keep your plants looking neat but will also stimulate healthy new growth!
It’s important to detect pests early, before they can cause too much damage to your rubber plant, and deal with the infestation in the appropriate way. Regularly inspect your indoor plants for signs of pests like mealybugs, spider mites, or aphids. These tiny insects can damage leaves and hinder growth. Look for webbing, sticky secretions, or discoloured leaves.
Different indoor plants have varying nutritional needs, and you should carefully consider your plant’s specific requirements when choosing a fertiliser. A balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertiliser is a good starting point for most indoor plants.
While rubber plants do appreciate some fertiliser during their active growing season (spring and summer), you must adjust the frequency based on light conditions. For plants bathed in bright indirect sunlight, use a diluted balanced liquid fertiliser every two weeks. In areas with lower light, once a month should suffice.
You can also try natural compost made from organic kitchen waste for a chemical-free approach to gardening.
While a few leaves dropping off is always a natural occurrence, it isn’t normal for a bunch of leaves to drop at the same time. The most common reason for this is overwatering, which causes leaves to turn yellow, grow limp and eventually drop off.
The moment you notice this, stop watering your rubber plant. Make sure the soil is well drained, so that the roots are not rotting. Keep a close watch, and check to see if the leaves recover.
If it continues to happen, you’ll have to check the roots of the plant. If the roots are mushy or black, then they are waterlogged and root rot is setting in. Snip out the dead roots, and repot your plant in a new pot with well draining soil. With some TLC, it should recover!
If you’re a plant novice, the rubber plant is a forgiving plant that will help you get started on your gardening journey! Its tolerance for average conditions, and ability to recover from minor neglect, make it a good choice for a beginner.
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Yellowing leaves on your rubber plant can be a sign of a few things:
Here’s what you should do: Stick your finger into the soil a couple of inches deep. If it feels moist or wet, hold off on watering. If it’s dry to the touch, it’s time to water!
Rubber plants can tolerate lower light conditions, but they won’t thrive.
The plant won’t put out new leaves as quickly, and existing leaves may grow smaller. Also, the vibrant green colour of the leaves may fade or become dull—something you really don’t want! In very low light situations, the plant may even start to drop leaves.
Your rubber plants love bright light, but they can’t handle the harsh rays of direct sun all day. Direct sun can scorch the leaves, causing brown or yellow patches. The leaves may also start to curl inwards to try to protect themselves from the intense light.
Yes, rubber plants are generally considered hardy houseplants that can tolerate a range of indoor conditions. They adjust well to average indoor temperatures and humidity levels. These plants can tolerate lower light conditions compared to some houseplants, though their growth may slow down.
The occasional neglect, like missed waterings or lower light periods, is okay (don’t let it happen too often!) and your plant will bounce back. Also, they are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, as compared to other houseplants.
All you need to do is provide them with basic care, like bright indirect light, proper watering, and well-draining soil, and they’ll be able to thrive for years to come!
The ideal spot for your rubber plant is one that receives bright, indirect sunlight for most of the day.
Unfortunately, rubber plants are not safe for pets, or even for small children, for that matter! The sap can irritate the skin and mucous membranes of both cats and dogs. If ingested, it can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhoea. If you have pets, keep your rubber plant out of reach or consider a different pet-friendly houseplant. Keep your plant out of the reach of small kids, until they are old enough to know better.
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