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 trees 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.
Do rubber trees like to be misted?
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.
Why are the leaves of my rubber plant falling off?
Light Change – A common reason for a rubber plant losing leaves is a change in the light. Humidity – Rubber tree plants need higher humidity. Houses can be dry, especially in the winter when the heat is on. This lack of humidity can cause leaves falling off rubber tree plant.
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.
How often should you water a rubber plant?
Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Increase frequency with increased light.
Can a rubber tree live in low light?
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) also is known as India Rubber Tree or Fig. The Rubber Plant grows well in full sun or low light in warm to average indoor temperatures. Just make sure you don’t move it from one extreme to the other rapidly or it will lose its leaves.
Are rubber trees hard to care for?
When learning how to care for a rubber tree plant, there are a few key things to remember, but rubber plant care isn’t as difficult as one might think. Starting with a young rubber tree houseplant will allow it to adapt to being an indoor plant better than starting with a more mature plant.
How do I know if my rubber plant needs water?
Rubber plants need to be checked weekly during the growing season. A good sign that you are overwatering is yellow leaves. At the first sign of yellowing, decrease watering slightly and healthy green, glossy leaves should appear.
How do you encourage the growth of a rubber plant?
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.
Will rubber tree leaves grow back?
Rubber plants do not regrow leaves from the lower parts of their stalks, only from the top. So there is no way to make a plant less leggy. To make your Rubber Plant appear fuller you’ll need to replant smaller stalks in the planter with the larger ones.
How do you fix a sagging rubber plant?
Leaf droop – over or underwatering Cause – most likely underwatering, but could also be overwatering. Remedy – always check the soil before watering a Rubber Tree. It should be dry to the touch before watering again. If you suspect it’s been overwatered, allow soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Why are the leaves on my rubber tree turning yellow?
The most common cause of yellowing leaves among Rubber Trees is improper soil moisture–in particular, overwatering. Only water your Rubber Tree when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Soil should remain damp, but not wet. In the winter, you can allow your plant to dry out a little more between waterings.
Where should I place a rubber plant in my house?
Place your rubber tree in a south-facing, light-flooded window. It just loves loads of bright indirect light every day. In low-light conditions, this indoor plant will become leggy in search of sunlight.
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 long does a rubber plant live?
“With the right care, a rubber tree houseplant can live for 10 years or more,” says Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, author of Houseplants: The Complete Guide to Choosing, Growing, and Caring for Indoor Plants.
What does an overwatered rubber plant look like?
If the older leaves (usually the largest ones, at the bottom) are becoming yellow or brown, that’s a sign of overwatering. Let it dry out fully during longer periods of time between waterings. If the yellow/brown spots are spreading from the inner part of the leaf and out, that’s again a sign of overwatering.
What temperature do rubber plants like?
Rubber plants prefer bright light but are adaptable to low light. They grow best with the morning light from an east window. They do well in warm to average room temperatures. The ideal temperatures are 60 to 65 °F at night and 75 to 80 °F during the day.
