Rubber plant care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Rubber plant

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 7 days

Water thoroughly a day or two after the topsoil dries, as a guide; the thick leaves store water, so it tolerates a little drought.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 10 days

Generally water about three days after the soil dries, watering less often as growth slows.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 14 days

Water sparingly about a week after the soil dries; on the dry side it withstands low temperatures better.

Light and placement for Rubber plant

A bright window is about right for this tough, sun-loving tree; it tolerates dim spots but loses leaf color there, and midsummer sun can scorch it.

Overwintering Rubber plant

Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above

Fairly hardy: it generally overwinters in a bright room down to around 5°C if kept dryish, with the leaves not touching cold window glass.

Fertilizing and repotting Rubber plant

Fertilizer

Slow-release fertilizer about every two months from May to September; it grows fast and overfeeding makes it outgrow its space, and it needs none in winter.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Common problems with Rubber plant

• Overwatering rots the roots and the lower leaves yellow and drop.
• In a dark spot the leaf spacing widens and it grows tall and thin.
• Chilled at a winter window, the leaves blacken and fall.

Tips for growing Rubber plant

• If the single trunk grows too tall, cutting it back in spring brings side branches.
• Wiping the leaves with a damp cloth restores their gloss and deters spider mites.
• The white sap from pruning is hard to remove once dry, so keep it off floors and clothes.

More foliage plant care guides

• Sago palmCycas revoluta
• Satin pothosScindapsus pictus
• Small-leaf spiderwortTradescantia fluminensis
• Snake plantDracaena trifasciata
• Song of IndiaDracaena reflexa
• Spider plantChlorophytum comosum