Rubber Plant

Ficus elastica

Light: Medium light to bright, indirect light. Best spot: close to a bright window but out of the sun's direct rays.
Water: Water when the top of the mix is dry
Humidity: Fine in ordinary indoor air
Temperature: Keep it above 55°F
Potting mix: An indoor potting mix with good drainage
Size: Usually kept to 2 to 10 feet indoors
Pets: Keep away from pets

How to care for a rubber plant

Grow it in a soil-based mix in bright, indirect light, sheltered from afternoon sun, with medium humidity and temperatures above 55°F. Water regularly but don't overwater, and cut back hard from fall to late winter while it rests. It does not like being moved or sitting in a draft. Prune the main stems for a bushier plant, or leave them for a tall, narrow tree. Wipe the big leaves with a damp cloth.

Common problems

Overwatering, sudden cold and drafts all make it drop leaves; losing a few bottom leaves is normal. Mealybugs, scale and spider mites can be a problem.

Questions people ask

How much light does a rubber plant need?

Medium light to bright, indirect light. Best spot: close to a bright window but out of the sun's direct rays.

How often should I water a rubber plant?

Water when the top of the mix is dry.

Is rubber plant toxic to cats and dogs?

Treat it as unsafe. Not on the ASPCA list under this species. The ASPCA lists the related weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) as toxic to dogs and cats, and cut rubber plant leaves drip milky sap, so keep it away from pets that chew.

Sources

← All house plants

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