The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is a popular ornamental plant from the Ficus genus. For the indoor grower looking for a tree type plant species with attractive foliage, this is an excellent choice.
These tropical plants generally have thick stems and fleshy, variegated leaves. Gardeners value this small, compact plant for its thick, waxy foliage, ornamental flowers and ease of care. It has broad shiny oval leaves. Leaf size is largest on young plants.
The leaves develop inside a reddish sheath at the tip of branches, which looks very attractive. The tree can yield a milky white latex, which has been used to make rubber.
Rubber Tree Care
Cut below the thinner parts, just above the thick part of the branches. Cut right above leaf nodes. Try to prune the over all size of the plant. Everywhere you prune, new branches will spring up. Think of it as giving your Rubber Tree a haircut. Always keep one set of leaves, at least, so it can continue to make food for itself and regrow.
| Sunlight | Needs bright light but prefers indirect light that isn t too hot. |
| Watering | Susceptible to rot, so water only when completely dry. |
| Soil | Place in a light, well-drained compost. |
| Temperature | For ideal growing conditions, plants grown indoors need temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees Farenheight during the night and 85 degrees during the day. |
| Fertilizer | Implement a balanced liquid fertilizer on a monthly basis between spring and summer. |
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.