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What Is a Rubber Tree Plant?
Rubber Tree, also known as “Ficus Elastica,” is a perennial shrub endemic to Southeast Asia which falls to the Moraceae family and generates latexy sap once cut, which is then used to generate Rubber Tree. It has large, oval shaped, emerald green leaves but changes in different stages of its life span. Rubber Trees can reach a height of 50 feet. One may place it in a little container or pitcher if you really want to make it smaller. It is also recommended to start out with younger plants so it will adapt better in an indoor environment compared to mature plants.
5 Rubber Tree Plant Care Instructions
1. Rubber Tree Plants Need Proper Temperature and Humidity
Because the Rubber Tree is a tropical species, it prefers a hotter, higher humid climate. They can’t tolerate cold and dry conditions as well. So ideally it needs to stay between 65°-85°F and not to be below 60°F. This is also a wise idea to sprinkle your Rubber Tree Plant on a regular basis to ensure the moisture levels around 40-50 percent.
2. Sunlight for your Rubber Tree Plant
Bright light, but not intense sunshine, is required for rubber tree plants. As a result, it is preferable to set the plant near the window with curtains that receive a minimum of 6-8 hours of good light every day.
3. Soil for your Rubber Tree Plant
Rubber Tree plants can be grown in high quality potting soil. Ideally, you can use a peat-based potting soil that is formulated for tropical indoor plants as it retains moisture without drying out quickly.
4. Rubber Tree Plants Need Water
Rubber Tree plants, like every other tropical tree, need further moisture but never become wet. Enable the soil to dry out at least moderately below before watering your plant again, as this is preferable to overwatering it. Recommended to water it every 1-2 weeks during the growing season. You can also mist the plants or use a damp sponge on the leaves.
5. Feeding Your Rubber Tree Plants
You can use a water soluble fertilizer in feeding your Rubber Tree Plants every 2 weeks during the growing stage at Spring and Summer but less for plants with lower light and Winter season.
Common Problems
- Yellow Leaf with crispy brown tips: most likely the reason for this is the plants not getting enough water and moisture or even low humidity levels. Keeping the soil consistently moist will prevent this. You can mist or use a humidifier regularly to increase the level of the humidity.
- Leaves fall with browning: Over-watering and inadequate drainage of the container, as well as too much water, are the major causes of plant leaves dropping in the bottom section.To avoid this, make sure that there is proper drainage at the bottom of the pot or use a container with several draining holes.
Rubber Tree Plants can indeed be cultivated as a standard size plant or as a focal point for your living area visual design. Rubber Tree plant treatment isn’t quite as complicated as one would believe with these clear and effective care tips. You can have this as a striking part of your home decor and have it for years to come!