Rubber Plant Care

Ficus elastica is also known as a rubber plant, and it is a well-known houseplant due to its waxy leaves and larger-than-life appearance. In their native Southeast Asia, these plants can reach 100 feet. Rubber plants can grow to be six to ten feet tall. You can grow rubber plants outside in zone 10 or 11. 

Rubber plants are tree-like plants that grow to heights and have beautiful leaves. These magnificent plants are available in various varieties and colours to touch any home decor theme. In this post, we will discuss the maintenance tips of rubber plant care. Keep reading!

Overview of the Rubber Plant

Rubber plants got their name from the sap they produce, sometimes used to make rubber. The leaves of the rubber plant are also shiny and rubbery. If you give these plants proper care, they will grow tall and produce beautiful leaves.

Rubber plants are most commonly seen in their dark green form but come in more colourful forms. For example, “black prince” or “burgundy” varieties have reddish-black leaves.

How to Care for Rubber Plants

Here are the tips for rubber plant care:

Balance Is Essential in Rubber Plant Care

It prefers a moderate amount of sun and water. You’ll have a happy, strong, tall rubber tree if you give it the correct amount. Rubber plants will let you know if they require more sunlight or water by dropping their lower leaves. Continue reading to learn about the best conditions and care for your rubber plant.

Light

Rubber plants prefer indirect, bright light that is not too hot. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. Keep it near a window with a sheer curtain to give your rubber plant the right amount of sunlight. The more diverse varieties require more light to bring out their colours, so make sure they get plenty of it.

Water

During the summer growing season, these plants require more water. Wipe the leaves with a wet cloth and help your plant soak up more sunlight. Mistreating is another option if you don’t want to wipe down every leaf. To avoid root rot, keep your rubber plant in very well soil at all times.

You want to keep the soil dry but not too dry during their dormant season in the winter. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry between waterings to avoid overwatering. If the leaves begin to droop, this is your rubber plant telling you that it needs more water.

Toxicity

Some people are sensitive to the sap of the rubber plant. After handling your plant, thoroughly wash your hands, especially if you come into contact with the sap. Depending on how much is consumed, this plant can cause mild stomach upset or more severe symptoms such as diarrhoea or vomiting.

Pests

Mealybugs, mites, scales, and aphids are a few common bugs that can live in your rubber plant. If you catch these bugs early enough, you can remove them by wiping them with a warm soap, water solvent, or insecticidal soap.

Pruning

You’ll need to prune your rubber plant to support itself, promote new growth, and keep it from growing too large. Pruning in the spring is preferable to the winter; you can prune these plants whenever you want. Be aware that cutting the branches will cause some of the plant’s sap to be released.

Rubber plant care is simple if you keep an eye on your plant and respect its need for balance. If you want to grow a tall houseplant to impress your guests, rubber plants are well worthy of the effort. When you buy rubber plants online, then make sure you check their maintenance tips also.

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