Table of Contents
Rubber Tree General Care. Sunlight. Thrives in medium to bright indirect light, and can tolerate bright direct light. Water. Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Humidity. Any humidity level will do. Temperature. 65°F-85°F (18°C-30°C). Size. Common Problems. Precautions.
Do rubber plants need direct sunlight?
Bright, indirect light is ideal for growing the Rubber Plant, however they are unusually tolerant of lower light spaces for a ficus. To keep the plant happiest though, it is commonly recommended to place it by a southern facing window with sheer curtains for the brighter light to filter through.
Why are the leaves on my rubber plant turning brown and falling off?
You can tell that a rubber tree plant is getting too much water by looking at it carefully. Brown, drooping leaves indicate the plant is being over-watered. The soil may become saturated when the plant cannot absorb anymore water. The soil may also have a damp, musty smell if root rot has invaded the plant.
Where should I place my rubber plant?
Rubber plants thrive with bright, indirect sunlight. Ideally, they should receive morning light from an east-facing window. Place your plant near a window where a sheer drape or curtain filters the light. Avoid placing your rubber plant in a spot that receives direct sunlight because the leaves can begin to burn.
How do you encourage rubber plants to grow?
Other ways to encourage rubber tree branching, or to use in combination with the cuts, include freshening the soil with a composted mixture, watering and feeding, and providing proper light. Upgrade Soil: If your rubber tree is large, you might not want to totally remove it from the pot.
Are rubber plants easy to care for?
Rubber plant care is easy if you remember to keep an eye on your plant and honor its need for balance. Rubber plants are well worth the care if you’re looking to grow a tall houseplant to impress your guests.
How often should I water rubber plant?
Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Increase frequency with increased light.
Is rubber plant indoor or outdoor?
Rubber plants do well indoors and outdoors, provided gardeners offer them the proper growing conditions. These trees are relatively hardy, and established plants can survive cold winter nights without protection. In the United States, rubber trees suit gardens in USDA Zones 9 to 11.
Can rubber plant grow in full sun?
Rubber plants need bright light to thrive, but don’t put them in the sunniest spot you have just yet—too much hot, direct sunlight can scorch your plant’s leaves, according to ProFlowers. Your best bet is to keep your rubber plant in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight, but filtered with a sheer curtain.
Should you cut off brown leaves on a rubber plant?
Rubber Plants are far from being succulents, but they do have some tolerance for dry spells. Let them dry out slightly between waterings to let their roots breathe. Sadly, brown leaves won’t return to health. The good news is the plant can grow quickly to replace the damage once the problem is remedied.
Should I mist my rubber plant?
As a native to the tropics, your Rubber Tree will appreciate you misting its leaves to increase humidity—especially when it gets very warm in the summer. Misting regularly also helps to keep mites (damaging insects) from making themselves at home on the leaves.
How do I know if my rubber plant needs water?
Watch for droopy leaves, which indicate a need for more water. Leaves that turn yellow and brown and drop signal over-watering. Mist during any season if they air is too dry, especially heated dry air like that which might occur during winter indoors.
Why is my rubber plant dying?
The main reasons why your rubber plant might be dying are a change in light conditions, over or underwatering, dry air and pests.
When should you repot a rubber plant?
You should repot your rubber plant when it becomes root-bound and the roots fill the entire pot. Or when you see the roots growing through the drainage holes on the bottom of the pot. To prevent root rot, use a well-draining potting soil. Even better if you mix in some perlite, sand or vermiculite.
Can rubber plant be kept in bedroom?
The rubber plant is low maintenance, hardy and does very well indoors. With its striking leaves, it’s a great addition to your bedroom. It purifies the air, according to NASA, but is toxic.
How do I make my rubber plant bushier?
Pruning A Rubber Plant to Promote Bushiness Step 1: Make a plan. Step back and observe your rubber plant. Step 2: Remove any branches which seem out of place. Step 3: Cut to your desired height. Step 4: Encourage leaf coverage by pruning often. Step 5: Propagate new cuttings back into the pot.
Do rubber plants like coffee grounds?
Although coffee grounds can have an instant positive effect on rubber plants, as beneficial microorganisms in the soil use it to produce nitrogen, too much of it will actually kill those same microbes. Instead of using coffee grounds you should feed a rubber plant with an appropriate fertilizer.
Is rubber plant poisonous?
Yes, rubber tree plants are toxic along with its cousin Ficus Benjamina. The plant is dangerous not only to cats and dogs but also to humans and horses if consumed. Plants in this classification typically cause only minor irritation. While poisonous, the rubber tree is one of the least dangerous toxic houseplants.
