Ficus elastica aka Rubberplant
Taxonomy
Common names
RubberplantHow to care for Rubberplant
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Rubberplant is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Rubberplant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Rubberplant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Rubberplant requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Rubberplant is always in the right place to thrive.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Rubberplant to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Rubberplant is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
No extra humidity is necessary for the Rubberplant. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
Repotting the Rubberplant should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Rubberplant’s native range is worldwide Tropics.
More info:
Wikipedia