Ficus elastica, also referred to as the India-rubber tree , is an unusual-looking varietal native to the tropics of Southeast Asia . It boasts oversized, oval-shaped leaves that are an upscale emerald hue, and may grow quickly, reaching up to 100 feet tall in its natural habitat. However, it’s more often grown indoors as a houseplant, where it are often planted and cared for year-round and its size kept more manageable.

When it involves caring for a India-rubber tree , your job is pretty straight-forward. Simply provides it enough light, water, and heat (it may be a tropical plant, after all), and you’ll be rewarded with an exotic addition to your indoor plant collection.

Watch Now: the way to Grow an India-rubber tree (Ficus Elastica) Indoors

Rubber Plant Care

While rubber plants are a reasonably hardy varietal, they are doing have a couple of specific care requirements so as to seek out the proper balance in their environment. meaning providing many light, moist (but not soggy) soil, and enough fertilizer to stay it healthy.

The India-rubber tree has waxy-looking leaves that start out a pink-coral hue, eventually deepening to a dark rich green. because the India-rubber tree grows it’ll begin to droop, so it’s important that you simply help support them by employing a long wooden dowel (or bamboo stalk) to assist keep them upright.

Light

Like most plants in their genus, rubber plants love many bright, diffused light. they will tolerate soft morning sunlight but should be removed from the road of harsh direct rays within the afternoon as they will singe the leaves. Plants that don’t receive sufficient light will become leggy, lose their lower leaves, and their leaf color will become dull rather than glossy and vibrant.

Soil

When it involves their soil composition, rubber plants aren’t picky. Typically, any good, fast-draining potting soil will likely do—many indoor gardeners choose a cactus mix. additionally, rubber plants prefer an acidic soil mixture. Like fiddle leaf fig trees (which many believe they resemble), they also “eat” their soil and can eventually have their roots exposed. When this happens, simply top your pot with additional soil and it’ll not be a problem.

Water

Ater your India-rubber tree frequently—they wish to be kept steadily moist but not soaked. Rubber plants are also susceptible to excessive dryness and don’t tolerate drought well. to see if its time for additional watering, check the moisture levels within the first few inches of soil—if they’re dry and crumbly, it’s time to water your plant again.

Temperature and Humidity

Like other sorts of ficus trees, these plants are susceptible to cool drafts. Unhealthy plants will become leggy, with stretching internodes, and therefore the leaves might first turn yellow then brown before dropping off entirely. Generally, rubber trees are best kept in moderate to warm temperatures between 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with moderate humidity also. If your home tends to be dry, invest during a space humidifier to extend the amount.

Fertilizer

Feed the plant a weak liquid fertilizer throughout the season. they’re relatively heavy feeders when healthy. Some experts recommend only lightly fertilizing indoor plants to stop stretching and plants becoming root-bound because they grow too fast.

Is India-rubber tree Toxic?

Rubber plants are toxic to pets (specifically dogs and cats), but what proportion so depends on the dimensions and age of both your plant and your pet. the difficulty lies within the plant’s milky sap, which is present in its leaves and stems. If you notice your pet exhibiting any of the below symptoms, contact a vet immediately.

• Symptoms of Poisoning
• Gastrointestinal irritation
• Vomiting
• Diahrrea
• Oral irritation

Propagating India-rubber tree

Rubber plants are often propagated from leaf-tip cuttings, but it’s not particularly straightforward and is perhaps easier to only buy a potted plant. If you’re taking cuttings, use a rooting hormone and be vigilant about high humidity and much of the heat. don’t be discouraged if they are doing not propagate easily. it’s an inexact science that takes a while.

Repotting India-rubber tree

Rubber plants grow fairly quickly under the proper conditions and can get to be repotted per annum until the plant reaches the peak you would like. Larger plants are often difficult to report, so if you can’t move the container, scrape off a couple of inches of potting media and replace it with new potting soil.

Common Pests and Diseases

Rubber plants are susceptible to a spread of pests that typically infest indoor houseplants, including aphids, mealy bugs, mites, scale, and whitefly. If possible, identify the infestation as early as possible and treat it with the smallest amount of toxic options, like neem oil.