Want a lush rubber plant?
It’s easier than you think!
Check out these 8 simple tactics to help your rubber plant thrive. Soon, you’ll have a beautiful, healthy plant.
Ready to grow?
Let’s get started!
Choose the Right Pot
First things first, pick a pot with drainage holes. Rubber plants don’t like sitting in water, so good drainage is a must.
You can go for a plastic, ceramic, or even clay pot – just make sure it’s got a way to let that water escape. The size matters too.
Start with a smaller pot and upgrade as the plant grows. This keeps the roots happy and avoids waterlogging.
Pick the Perfect Spot
Rubber plants love light, but not direct sunlight. Find a spot where it gets bright, indirect light for most of the day.
Too much sun, and the leaves might scorch; too little, and it’ll grow all leggy trying to find more light. A good window spot with curtains or a spot away from the direct sun would be ideal.
Water Wisely
These plants don’t need daily watering. Let the top inch of soil dry out before you give it another drink.
Over-watering is a big no-no. Keep an eye out for drooping leaves – that’s usually an SOS signal.
In winter, your plant will need even less water, so adjust accordingly.
Humidity and Temperature
Rubber plants are tropical, so they love humid environments but can do fine in average home humidity levels. If your home is super dry, consider misting the leaves occasionally.
Keep it in a warm spot, ideally between 60-75°F. Avoid chilly draughts and sudden temperature changes – your plant won’t appreciate it.
Feed Me, Seymour!
Okay, joking aside, your rubber plant needs feeding during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month.
Skip the feed in winter when the plant’s taking a break. Over-fertilizing can hurt your plant, so stick to the schedule and don’t overdo it.
Prune and Shine
Pruning helps keep your rubber plant in shape and encourages bushier growth. Trim back any leggy stems or dead leaves.
Also, clean the leaves to keep them dust-free – a soft, damp cloth does the trick. Your plant will look fresher and photosynthesize better.
Repot When Needed
As your rubber plant grows, it’ll eventually need a bigger home. Repotting every couple of years in spring is a good rule of thumb.
Look for signs like roots poking out of the drainage holes or the soil drying out too fast. When you repot, use fresh soil to give it a nutrient boost.
Watch for Pests
Keep an eye out for common pests like spider mites and aphids. If you spot any, treat your plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regularly checking your plant can stop an infestation before it gets out of hand. A healthy rubber plant is usually pretty good at fending off pests, so keep it strong!