Learn how to care for your rubber tree. Rubber trees make great additions to the indoor garden. They’re easy to grow and create striking tall floor plants. Find out how to keep your Ficus elastica healthy and happy. This video stars Henry, the rubber tree that was saved from root rot in my root rot series.
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Today we’re going to talk about rubber tree plant care. I love the rubber tree; it’s so easy to grow! This is Henry, who is featured in my root rot series. I rescued him from root rot, and you can see his story in the playlist below.
Rubber trees, botanically known as Ficus elastica, are popular houseplants because of their waxy leaves and larger-than-life appearance. Rubber trees can grow up to 100 feet or more in their native habitat of Southeast Asia, but as houseplants, they generally grow from six to ten feet, or a little bit taller. The leaves come in various shades of green, with some including a burgundy color that can often be found on the underside of the leaves. They earned their name from the fact that their leaves are large, shiny, and rubbery looking, and they contain a latex-like sap.
So how do you grow these plants and provide them with the best care so that they grow healthy and happy for you?
Light: Rubber trees prefer bright, indirect light that isn’t too hot. You want to keep them away from direct, hot sunlight, as you might find in front of western windows. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, so if you only have western windows, grow them two or three feet back from the window. It’s also good if the window has a curtain or blinds. Southern and eastern windows are good choices for rubber trees as well, where they can get nice light. They also do really well under full-spectrum lighting, and there are plenty of full-spectrum lighting products on the market today, so there’s no reason why you can’t provide your rubber tree with excellent lighting to help it grow strong and healthy.
Watering: Rubber trees tend to be fairly heavy drinkers, especially during their active growth time, which is spring through early fall. On the moisture meter, you want the gauge to go to about four. When it gets to about four, it’s time to water your rubber tree. You want to avoid letting it drop to three because when rubber trees don’t get enough water—especially if the soil really dries out—they may drop leaves. So, you want to try to avoid that. As mentioned, you don’t want to overwater, which happened to Henry before I rescued him. Aim to keep the moisture meter around four, which is a safe place. You can also use the first inch to two inches of soil drying out as another indicator. When you do water, use warm to tepid water, not cold water. Cold water can cause root dieback and may also cause spotting on the leaves, as it’s too much of a shock for the plant’s system.
Fertilizing: For fertilizing your rubber tree, you want to fertilize monthly from spring through early fall. Use an organic fertilizer. I have a product, an organic option called My Green Gourmet Houseplant Food; I’ll put a link below. Organics are a safer option than chemical fertilizers because they tend to not burn plant roots. Chemical fertilizers are notorious for burning plant roots, which can lead to root dieback and ultimately root rot in that cycle. So, fertilizing monthly will keep your rubber tree happy and full of nutrients for good growth.
Temperature: Rubber trees generally prefer temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a common range for most homes. If your house is significantly colder than that, you may experience some leaf drop because it’s too cold. If that’s the case, try to get it to a warmer area. You can also use a seedling mat underneath the pot to keep the roots and soil warm, which can help if your home is on the colder side. However, if you’re trying to warm the plant up, be careful not to place it underneath a heating vent, as that will dry out the leaves. So, when using heating vents, just make sure the leaves aren’t in the direct line of fire.
Pruning: When you do any pruning on your rubber tree, which you may need to do now and then to keep it within bounds if it starts getting very big, keep in mind that the latex-like sap I mentioned can be irritating to some people’s skin. Therefore, it’s advisable to wear gloves when doing any pruning.
Pests and Diseases: Rubber trees aren’t typically magnets for pests and diseases. Every once in a while, you might see some scale or mealybugs, but because their foliage is very thick, those pests generally don’t get a good foothold. They usually prefer other types of plants. However, if you do notice any pests or diseases, it’s important to get rid of them right away because you don’t want anything minor to start spreading to your other plants.
Repotting: Rubber trees are fairly quick growers, and they will need repotting every one to two or three years, especially if you are taking good care of them and feeding them. When repotting, use a nice water-retentive yet well-draining soil; I’ll include some links below for some good options as well.
And that is about it for how to keep your rubber tree healthy and happy. Please let me know if you have any questions about your rubber trees or any other plant questions in the comments below.
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Rubber Tree Plant Care FAQ
What is a rubber tree?
Rubber trees, botanically known as Ficus elastica, are popular houseplants known for their waxy leaves and larger-than-life appearance. They can grow up to 100 feet or more in their native habitat of Southeast Asia, but typically grow six to ten feet indoors.
What type of light do rubber trees need?
Rubber trees prefer bright, indirect light that isn’t too hot. It’s best to keep them away from direct sunlight, especially from western windows, as it can scorch their leaves. Southern and eastern windows are ideal, and they also thrive under full-spectrum lighting.
How often should I water my rubber tree?
Rubber trees are fairly heavy drinkers, especially during their active growth period in spring through early fall. Water when the moisture meter reads about four. Avoid letting it drop to three, as this may cause leaf drop. Use warm to tepid water, as cold water can cause root dieback.
How often should I fertilize my rubber tree?
Fertilize your rubber tree monthly from spring through early fall using an organic fertilizer. Organic options are safer as they tend not to burn plant roots, unlike chemical fertilizers, which can lead to root rot.
What temperature is best for rubber trees?
Rubber trees thrive in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If your home is colder than this, you may experience leaf drop. Using a seedling mat can help keep the roots and soil warm, but avoid placing the plant under heating vents to prevent leaf drying.
Do rubber trees need pruning?
Yes, rubber trees may need pruning to maintain their size. Be cautious, as the latex-like sap can irritate the skin. It’s advisable to wear gloves while pruning.
Are rubber trees prone to pests and diseases?
Rubber trees are not typically magnets for pests, but they may occasionally attract scale or mealybugs. If you notice pests, it’s important to remove them promptly to prevent them from spreading to other plants.
How often should I repot my rubber tree?
Rubber trees should be repotted every one to three years, especially if well-cared for. Use a water-retentive yet well-draining soil mix when repotting.
Where can I find more information about rubber tree care?
For more information and guidance on rubber tree care and other indoor gardening topics, please visit HealthyHouseplants.com or leave your questions in the comments below.
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