If you are looking for a new houseplant to add to your home, the rubber plant is one of them The best indoor plants which you can choose. Not only are they one of the easiest plants to care for, making them ideal for beginners or those who have struggled to keep certain plants alive in the past, but they also have some incredibly glossy and interesting leaves.
Although rubber plants are incredibly hardy and low-maintenance, you’ll need to take some steps to ensure they thrive indoors. And thanks to the experts sharing their top tricks and tips with us below.
How to take care of rubber plants according to experts
1. Place in bright, indirect light
While there are rubber plants Simple house plants and can tolerate low light conditions, this can slow their growth and lead to leg cramps. Therefore, it is best to aim for a room or location in your home that has bright but indirect light, as placing the plant in direct sunlight can burn its leaves.
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Kelly Dyer
Kelly is an RHS trained horticulturist and lover of the plant world, having honed her skills through nearly a decade of study and work, sharing her expertise through approachable and informative care and advice.
2. Provide a warm and humid environment
(Image credit: Patch Plants)
According to Kelly Dyer, indoor houseplant expert at Patch plants“A good rule of thumb is that if you are at a comfortable temperature indoors, your rubber plant will be comfortable as well.” And they generally prefer a consistently warm environment. Experts agree that any temperature between 15°C and 25°C is optimal for them indoors. Just make sure not to place your rubber plant anywhere too drafty or next to heating or cooling vents.
In terms of humidity, since rubber plants are native to more tropical climates, they “appreciate moderate humidity levels,” says Chris Bonnet, founder and plant expert. Gardening Expressadmits. “If the air is too dry, the edges of the leaves start to brown. But you can increase the humidity by placing a humidifier nearby or placing the plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles.”
3. Normal water
“Regular pruning helps maintain the shape of your rubber plant and encourages new growth,” says Camilla Lesser, Development Manager. essential lifeNotes.
And in general, the best time to prune is “spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut above a node or leaf joint. You can also remove any dead or yellow leaves to keep your plant looking its best.”
Camilla Lesser
Camilla Lesser oversees interior design and development projects across Essential Living’s residential portfolio. With a passion for sustainable living and an extensive portfolio of property developments, Camilla is dedicated to creating spaces where you feel at home.
4. Fertilize during the growing season
Experts all agree that during the spring and summer growing season, you should aim to feed your rubber plants “a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength,” suggests Chris. Plant growth slows down in the winter, so there is no need to continue it in the colder months.
5. Spray when needed
(Image credit: Patch Plants)
You may want to prune your rubber plant if you notice any dead or damaged leaves. The same can be said if it starts growing slightly out of control or can give some shape. “Cutting also encourages bushier growth,” confirms Chris.
A pair of sharp scissors, pruning shears or secateurs will do the trick. Just remember to wear a pair of gardening gloves as you do this as the sap of the plant can irritate sensitive skin.
Chris Bonnet
Chris is the founder of the online garden center GardeningExpress and has been in the horticulture industry for over 20 years. When he was a teenager he combined his passion for the outdoors with the internet to deliver quality plants across the UK and Europe.
6. Stir regularly
“Rubber plants are fast growers,” admits Kelly. So, if their roots are starting to grow out of their original pot, this is a tell-tale sign that it’s time to repot. “If you feel your rubber plant needs to be repotted in the spring, do so using a houseplant compost. And remember to drain your rubber plant well before putting it back in the decorative pot so water doesn’t sit at the bottom, as this can cause root rot,” she continues.
Otherwise, you’ll probably only need to “repot your rubber plants every 1-2 years or when they become root-bound,” adds Chris. Just “choose a pot 1-2 inches larger than the current one” to give it enough room to grow.
8. Dust the leaves regularly
As you might expect, because of their large leaves, rubber plants can get dusty if you don’t keep your tops down. Cleaning checklist. And this can “block light absorption,” and prevent plants from breathing freely, warns Chris. All you need to do is give them a quick wipe with a clean cloth every now and then to prevent any dust from building up.
9. Watch out for insects
There are a couple Pests of houseplants that may be dangerous to the rubber plant, i.e. “Spider mites, mealybugs and scale insects,” advises Chris. If you see any insects, especially on the undersides of leaves, treat them as soon as possible with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
(Image credit: Patch Plants)
10. Provide support for growth
As rubber plants grow taller, they may require support stakes Keep them healthy and directly. Wooden dowels or poles should keep them upright. All you need to do is “tie the stem gently to the stem to prevent it from falling off,” concludes Chris.
FAQs
Why are the leaves falling off my rubber plant?
There are a few different reasons why your rubber plant might lose its leaves. For example, Kelly explains, “If a plant doesn’t have enough energy to thrive, it will drop its leaves.” And frustratingly, overwatering and overwatering can cause its leaves to drop, so getting the balance right is key.
What you will need
Best Choice Products Galvanized Steel Watering Cans
Trifabric Garden Gloves for Women
Fiskers Steel Bypass Hand Pruner with Standard Handle
