So you want to know how to take care of a Rubber Tree. I can help you with that! If you’ve ever owned a Ficus you know that they can be quite finicky. I have owned Ficus for several years and there are some that I just don’t mess with anymore. The Ficus Elastica however is a pretty easy houseplant to grow.
First. Your rubber tree must be in a pot with drainage. I cannot stress this enough. They do not like soggy roots and soil. I would also consider planting them in Terra Cotta. It will help your Rubber Tree soil dry quicker.
Second. You have to put your rubber tree into bright indirect light. Meaning sun should not be directly hitting the foliage all day. They can get sunburned and that would not be good. You can train your Rubber Tree to be in brighter light by gradually giving it more and more direct light each day.
Third. If you want to grow a Rubber tree big and healthy they like to be watered regularly during the growing season and infrequently during the winter months. So during spring and summer water your rubber tree when the top two inches of soil are dry. That’s about every week to week and a half. In winter water when half of the soil has dried.
Fourth. Fertilize during the growing season. I use a basic fish fertilizer on all of my houseplants and they love it! Warning! It does smell but It doesn’t last more than a few hours.
Fifth. Be consistent. With consistent care you will see your little baby plants grow into big giant plants. Be prepared that as they grow they may require staking to support the branches.
Happy Gardening
Ciearra
