Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) is a beginner-friendly plant that needs only a simple routine. Bold, thick, glossy leaves on an upright stem. A statement plant that grows into a small indoor tree.
Buy rubber plant online from our store, and use this guide for everything from light and watering to common problems and propagation.
Table of Contents
Why Choose This Plant?
Key benefits: statement look, air-purifying. Place a tall one beside a sofa as a living room statement piece, close to a bright window.
Rubber plant is a beginner-friendly plant that needs only a simple routine, and it stays a manageable size: a mature plant reaches about 1-2 m indoors. Good spots include: living room corner, near window.
Every plant we ship is healthy, well rooted and supplied in a nursery pot, so you can start growing it as soon as it arrives.
Plant Details at a Glance
- Botanical name: Ficus elastica
- Also known as: Rubber Fig
- Care level: Easy
- Mature size: 1-2 m indoors
- Best placement: Living room corner, near window
- Light: Bright indirect
- Watering: Every 7-10 days; let top 3 cm dry
- Pet safety: Mildly toxic
Rubber Plant Care Guide
Light Requirements
Light requirement: bright indirect. Place it about a metre from a bright window, away from harsh afternoon sun that can scorch the leaves. Rotate the pot every couple of weeks so every side gets even light and the plant grows straight.
Watering Schedule
Recommended watering: every 7-10 days; let top 3 cm dry. Always check the soil with a finger before watering: if the top 2-3 cm is still damp, wait a few more days. Water thoroughly until it drains from the holes, then empty the saucer. Reduce watering in winter, when growth slows.
Soil and Potting Mix
Recommended mix: Well-draining mix: 40% garden soil, 30% cocopeat, 20% vermicompost, 10% perlite. Choose a pot only 2-3 cm wider than the root ball, with drainage holes. Repot every one to two years in spring or early monsoon, when roots start circling the pot or growing out of the holes.
Fertilizer and Feeding
Diluted organic liquid feed or 1 tbsp vermicompost every 4-6 weeks in growing season (Mar-Sep); none in winter. Always water the plant before feeding, and never apply more than the recommended amount.
Temperature and Climate
Ideal temperature range: 18-32?C. Indoor plants enjoy the same temperatures we do. Keep it away from air-conditioner vents, heaters and cold drafts, and avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause leaf drop.
How to Propagate It at Home
Air layering or a stem cutting with a leaf and node works, though it is slower than most houseplants. Rooting hormone improves success.
Propagating is a simple, low-cost way to fill more pots or share plants with friends and family.
Common Rubber Plant Problems and Solutions
The most common issue is leaf drop from sudden light or water change. Our pro tip: wipe leaves monthly to keep them glossy.
Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks and check the undersides for mealybugs and spider mites. If you spot pests, spray a mild neem oil solution every 7-10 days until they are gone.
Where to Place It and Pet Safety
Best spots: living room corner, near window. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children, and contact a vet if any part is chewed or swallowed.
What You Will Receive
You will receive one live, healthy plant in a nursery pot, packed securely to arrive in good condition. Plants are natural products, so leaf size, shape and pattern can vary slightly from the photos.
To keep it thriving, we suggest pairing it with: potting mix + vermicompost + perlite from our store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my rubber plant dropping leaves?
Sudden light changes, overwatering or cold drafts are the usual causes. Keep conditions steady, water only when the top layer dries, and avoid moving the plant often.
How often should I water this plant?
Our recommended schedule: every 7-10 days; let top 3 cm dry. Always adjust to the season and check the soil first.
Is this plant good for beginners?
Rubber plant is a beginner-friendly plant that needs only a simple routine. Follow the care guide above and you should see steady growth.
Want to learn more about the botany? Read the Ficus elastica overview on Wikipedia.
Explore more indoor plants in our store, or pair rubber plant with Areca Palm and Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen).
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