How to care for a Rubber Plant

The Rubber Plant — Ficus elastica — is one of the better large houseplants available. It grows steadily, has large, glossy leaves that make an architectural statement in a room, and is considerably more tolerant than its Ficus relatives like the Fiddle Leaf Fig.

The main thing to know is that it dislikes being moved. Find it a good spot and leave it there.

Light

Rubber Plants prefer bright, indirect light. A spot near a window that doesn’t get direct sun is ideal. They’ll cope with moderate light but grow more slowly and the leaves may become less vivid.

Variegated varieties — those with pink, cream, or burgundy markings — need more light than plain green ones to keep their colouring.

Avoid direct sunlight, which scorches the large leaves and is difficult to reverse cosmetically.

Watering

Water when the top inch or two of soil is dry. In practice, that’s every ten to fourteen days in summer and roughly once every three weeks in winter.

Like most Ficus, Rubber Plants are more vulnerable to overwatering than underwatering. The leaves will droop if the plant is thirsty — that’s your prompt to water. If the leaves are yellowing and the soil has been consistently wet, you’ve been overwatering.

When you water, do it thoroughly and let the excess drain away completely. Don’t leave it sitting in water in a saucer.

Feeding

Monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Stop in autumn and winter.

Leaf care

The large leaves accumulate dust fairly quickly, which blocks light and makes the plant look dull. Wipe them down occasionally with a damp cloth — one hand supporting the leaf from underneath, wiping gently from stem to tip. This is also a good time to inspect for pests.

Don’t use leaf shine products — they can block the stomata the plant uses to breathe.

Common problems

Dropping leaves: The most dramatic thing a Rubber Plant does, and it can be alarming when it happens. The causes in rough order of likelihood:

• Overwatering — check the soil. If it’s been consistently wet, let it dry out and check the roots.
• Being moved — Rubber Plants dislike change of location, particularly sudden changes in light or temperature. If you’ve recently moved it, that’s probably why.
• Cold draught — keep away from doors and windows that are opened regularly in winter.
• Underwatering — less common, but possible. Check if the soil is bone dry.

Yellow leaves: Usually overwatering or natural ageing. Old leaves at the base of the plant will naturally yellow and drop — that’s normal. If multiple leaves are yellowing simultaneously and the soil is wet, reduce watering.

Brown patches on leaves: Sunburn from direct light, or cold damage. Move the plant away from the problem source. Damaged leaves won’t recover but new growth will be healthy.

Leggy growth: Not enough light. Move the plant to a brighter spot. You can encourage bushier growth by pinching out the growing tip — this causes the plant to branch.

The milky sap

When you cut or damage a Rubber Plant — when pruning or propagating — it releases a milky white latex sap. This sap can irritate skin and is toxic if ingested. Wear gloves when pruning and keep the plant away from pets and children.

Repotting

Every one to two years in spring, or when roots are coming out of the drainage holes. Go up one pot size. Standard houseplant compost with some perlite added works well.

Pruning

Rubber Plants can be pruned to control height or encourage bushier growth. Cut just above a leaf node using clean, sharp scissors. The plant will produce new growth from that point. Do this in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.

Wipe the cut with a damp cloth to remove the latex sap, and let it dry before putting the plant back in its spot.