Rubber Plant Care – The Complete Guide
The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is one of the most popular houseplants and one of the easiest to care for. It needs the right location, proper watering and occasional care to keep it healthy and its leaves glossy. Read on to find out all you need to know about rubber plant care.
Location of the rubber plant
The right location is very important for the rubber plant to grow well. Keep the following points in mind:
- Light: The rubber plant needs plenty of light, but should not be exposed to direct midday sun. The more colourful the leaves, the more light it needs.
- Temperature: Temperatures between 18 and 24°C are optimal. Cold draughts should be avoided. Do not place them near windows that are often opened for ventilation.
- Humidity: As a tropical plant, the rubber plant needs high humidity. Wipe the leaves regularly with a damp pot. Smaller specimens that you can easily carry around will enjoy an occasional shower.
Watering rubber plants – how often is the right amount?
You need to find the right balance when watering your rubber plant.
- Watering schedule: Only water when the top layer of soil is dry.
- Quantity: It’s better to water less often but more thoroughly. Avoid waterlogging and make sure there is no excess water in the pot.
- Winter dormancy: The rubber plant needs less water during the winter months.
Rubber plant fertiliser – nutrients for healthy growth
To help your rubber plant grow vigorously, feed it every two weeks in spring and summer with a liquid fertiliser for green plants. Ficus elastica does not need any fertiliser in autumn and winter.
Pruning a rubber plant – how to keep it compact
A rubber plant doesn’t need to be pruned. But sometimes it just gets too big, or looks untidy because it has become too bare at the bottom. This is when you need to use the pruning shears.
- The best time for pruning is in spring.
- Cut off any shoots that are too long or in the way with clean, sharp pruning shears.
- The milky sap can cause skin irritation – so wear gloves!
Propagating rubber plants – how to use cuttings
The easiest way to propagate a rubber plant is from cuttings:
- In spring, cut a shoot about 15 cm long.
- Allow the cut surface to dry briefly and place it in a glass of water or damp soil.
- In a warm, humid environment, roots will form within a few weeks.
- Plant the rooted cutting in a pot with loose soil.
Pests and diseases
The rubber plant is hardy but can be attacked by pests:
- Mealybugs & scale insects: Identified by yellow or sticky leaves. Wipe the insects off with a damp cloth or treat the rubber plant with neem oil.
- Fungus gnats: Can be reduced by dry soil and yellow traps. Click here for a guide to controlling fungus gnats.
Varieties of rubber plant (Ficus elastica)
The most beautiful varieties of this popular houseplant include:
- Ficus elastica Black Knight – black-green leaves
- Ficus elastica Melany – deep green to soft reddish leaves
- Ficus elastica Schrijveriana – creamy white patterned leaves with a pink tinge
- Ficus elastica Variegata – multi-coloured leaves in creamy white and pale yellow