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Ficus elastica or rubber plant is
a member of the fig family and was once grown for the rubber that was produced from
its sap. Today it is a very popular indoor houseplant. It has 5”-12” large
thick glossy leaves that can be green, dark burgundy, or variegated; once damaged, these leaves cannot be trimmed and must
be cut off of the plant. A rubber tree can be a small plant for the table, a full lush bush on the floor, or a ten-foot tree in
a room with tall ceilings. This plant is poisonous and is not a good choice for homes with small pets or children who might
chew on the leaves.
Houseplant 411 for the iPhone & i Pod Touch
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CARE OF RUBBER PLANTS
Light: Rubber plants do best in medium to bright indirect light: . The solid green and dark burgundy varieties can adapt to less light, but the stems will be weak and the leaves small.
Water: Rubber plants are a little difficult to water. The soil should be moist
but not soggy, and the top few inches should dry out before you water. Keep the soil even drier in less light and cool rooms.
The leaves will turn yellow from under water and perfectly fine green, burgundy, or variegated leaves will fall off from over
water.
Temperature: Rubber plants do well in temperatures between 65-80
degrees. Keep it away from cold drafts, air conditioners, heaters, and fireplaces.
Fertilizer:
Rubber plants do not need much fertilizer. Feed your plant every other month when it is actively growing.
Cleaning: These plants are relatively pest free; but not dust free. It’s important
to keep the dust off of the broad leaves, both for aesthetics and for the health of the plant. Two commercial products I find
very helpful are Pokon and Foliglo. Never use milk or mayonnaise to clean the leaves of your houseplants.; this attracts bugs and clogs the pores in
the leaves.
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RUBBER PLANT FAQ’S
1. I have my rubber plant in a very bright window and it’s getting lots of new leaves
but some of the leaves have brown spots on them. Does it have some kind of bug?
I would guess that the sun is
burning the leaves. Move your plant away from the window.
2. The bottom leaves
of my rubber plant turn yellow and keep dropping off. Should I fertilize it more?
Your rubber plant doesn’t
need more food; it needs more water.
3. My rubber plant has leaves at the top but
bare stems; how can I make it look better?
You can cut the stems back and the plant will branch out again. Use
the stem tops to start new plants. Another way is to make small slits above the notches where the old leaves fell off and
new leaves will grow from each slit.
4. I got a beautiful rubber plant for my birthday
but the green leaves keep falling off. The florist said to keep it wet and I am.
You are definitely over watering
your plant. let it totally dry out or the roots are going to die.
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