Rubber Plant Care Guide - Garden Plant Terra

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) is a true classic when it comes to indoor greenery. Its rich, glossy leaves make it an absolute centerpiece in any room. Luckily, caring for it is not complicated at all. In this Rubber Plant Care Guide, you’ll find everything you need to keep your Rubber Plant happy, healthy, and growing like a champion.

Close-up of healthy rubber plant leaves indoors.

Watering

Rubber Plants do best when their soil is allowed to partially dry between waterings. How do you know when to water?
Stick your finger into the top two inches of the soil — if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Always use room-temperature water. Overwatering is a common mistake and may lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause leaf drop.

Watering Tip:
During the active growing season (spring and summer), water your Rubber Plant more frequently — usually once a week. In fall and winter, let the soil dry out a bit more between waterings.

Sunlight

Rubber Plants love bright, indirect light. Exposure to direct sunlight may burn the leaves, leading to brown spots.
Place your plant near a sunny window with sheer curtains or slightly pulled back blinds. If your Rubber Plant’s leaves are losing their shine or the plant seems leggy, it’s a sign that it needs more light.

With our app, you can measure the light levels perfectly! The ideal range for a thriving Rubber Plant is 800–1500 Lux. Measure Light.

A rubber plant placed near a window indoors to receive bright, indirect sunlight. — Near a window for healthy light exposure.

Fertilization

Rubber Plants are not heavy feeders but appreciate a little boost during the growing season.
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks from early spring through early fall. Skip fertilizing in the winter when the plant’s growth slows.

Important:
Water the plant before applying fertilizer to avoid burning the roots. Yellowing leaves and scorched edges are indicators of excessive fertilization. Start with half-strength fertilizer the first time.

Recommended Fertilizers:

Balanced Liquid Fertilizer (NPK 10-10-10 or 20-20-20)
Organic Options:
- Seaweed Extract
- Worm Castings Tea

Temperature & Humidity

Rubber Plants thrive in warm, stable environments.
Keep the temperature between 60–80°F (16–27°C). Rubber Plants dislike sudden changes, drafts, and very cold temperatures.

As for humidity, they prefer moderate levels. If the air is too dry (especially in winter), mist the leaves occasionally or use a humidifier.

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Soil

A well-draining, aerated soil mix is a must.
Use a potting mix formulated for houseplants and add perlite or coarse sand to boost drainage.
A chunky, breathable soil mix prevents waterlogging and root rot.

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Pruning

Keeps your Rubber Plant tidy and encourages fuller growth.
Cut back any leggy stems to maintain a bushy shape. If leaves turn yellow or damaged, trim them off with sterilized scissors.

Tip: Always wear gloves when pruning Rubber Plants. The sap can be sticky and may irritate sensitive skin.

Pests and Diseases

Rubber Plants are generally robust but can still encounter some pests like:

Spider mites
Mealybugs
Scale insects

Check your plant regularly! If you notice pests, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to address the issue. Always wipe the leaves gently after spraying.

Diseases are rare but overwatering can cause fungal problems, so remember: less is more when watering!

Is It Toxic?

Yes, Rubber Plants are mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested.
The sap can cause mouth and stomach irritation, so it’s best to keep the plant out of reach of curious pets and children.

Propagation

Want another Rubber Plant? Propagating is easier than you think!

Take a healthy stem cutting with at least one node.
Place the cutting in water or moist soil.
New roots should start developing within 2–5 weeks.

Growing a new plant from your own Rubber Plant is so rewarding — give it a try!

A small plant placed in a glass jar filled with water for propagation. — A tiny plant begins its propagation journey inside a water-filled jar.

Rubber Plant General Care Tips

Repot every 1–2 years to refresh the soil and give roots more space.
Clean the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust.
Rotate the pot occasionally so all sides of the plant get equal light.
Use a moss pole or stake if your plant becomes too tall and needs support.

FAQ

Why are my Rubber Plant’s leaves dropping?

Leaf drop can result from overwatering, sudden temperature changes, or low light. Identify the cause and adjust care accordingly.

Can Rubber Plants survive in low light?

They tolerate low light for a short period but truly thrive in bright, indirect light.

How fast does a Rubber Plant grow?

With the right care, Rubber Plants can grow 24 inches (60 cm) or more per year during the active growing season.

External Resource

For more detailed scientific care information, you can visit the University of Florida’s plant guide: University of Florida IFAS Extension – Rubber Plant Care

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