BOTANICAL NAME: Ficus elastica
ORIGIN: Native to the rainforests of India and South America
GOOD FOR: Intermediate plant parents
HEIGHT: In nature, can grow to 50 ft tall, but can maintain height by pruning
LIGHT: Bright, indirect light. Be careful to keep out of direct sun, as the leaves burn easily. The more variegated the colors in the leaves, the more light it will need.
WINDOW PREFERENCE: East and West exposure. Can tolerate morning sun.
WATER: Prefers to stay steadily moist, but not wet. Wait until the top two inches of soil is dry and then water around the base of the plant until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot. At this point you can stop. Be sure to allow water to drain thoroughly to avoid overly soggy roots. Be sure not to splash leaves while watering, as the leaves stain.
HUMIDITY: Basic household humidity.
TEMPERATURE: Prefers to be above 60 degrees. Keep away from drafts and heat vents.
SOIL / REPOTTING: Well aerated, quick draining soil. The Rubber Tree will grow quickly, so it may require repotting yearly until the plant reaches your desired height.
PLANT FOOD: Use plant food sparingly, as the Rubber Tree tends to grow quickly. Feed monthly in the spring and summer months. We recommend using Joyful Dirt Houseplant Plant Food. Stop feeding in fall and winter due to slower growth and dormancy.
PRUNING: To keep it at your desired height, prune off the top branches. To help your tree grow fuller, you can prune off side branches.
PESTS: Aphids, mealybugs, mites, scale, whitefly are common pest issues.
TOXICITY: Contains a milky white sap that is poisonous to pets and people.
ANGRY PLANT PROBLEMS: Fading leaf color - Not enough sunlight. Move to a location with brighter, indirect light. Leaves curling or turning brown and crispy - Your tree is under watered. Leaves dropping - Overwatering. Scale back on your watering schedule. You can also aerate the soil with a stick before watering, to break up compacted soil and provide oxygen to the roots.
