The Easy Care Indoor Tree: Ficus Elastica (Rubber Plant, Rubber Tree)
2 Materials
$8
2 Months
Easy
Do you want an easy care indoor tree that grows tall & has large, glossy leaves? Well, look no further. These Ficus elastica (Rubber Plant, Rubber Tree) growing tips will keep yours looking great.
In my horticultural book, the Rubber Plant is the easiest of the ficus trifecta to maintain and keep alive. It’s been slightly pushed aside and I think now’s the time for the Ficus elastica gets the attention it deserves. That’s why I want to share these Ficus elastica, or Rubber Plant and Rubber Tree, growing tips with you.
In the summer I water mine thoroughly even 7 days. In the winter it’s every 10-14 days because the sun can be out every day here in the Sonoran Desert. You’ll have to adjust the watering frequency according to your growing conditions. Houseplant watering 101 will shed some light on factors to consider. You basically want a happy medium with this plant – not bone dry but not soggy wet.
I use worm compost & compost to feed all my houseplants in early spring. Worm compost is my favorite amendment & am currently using Worm Gold Plus. You want to apply these sparingly indoors; easy does it.
If combo’s not your thing, you might prefer a balanced liquid it. If combo’s not your thing, you might prefer a balanced liquid fertilizer... You can use this 1 outdoors too so when it comes to your houseplants, dilute it to half strength. Use this in spring & maybe again in late summer but don’t overdo it because too much fertilizer causes burn.
Don’t be concerned about the dried up roots at the base of the trunk. Those are aerial roots which are how this plant grows in nature.
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
My rubber tree is to tall. Can it be cut back and how do I do it?
All of my bottom leaves turned a yellowish green and dropped off. Now the bottom of the tree is bare. Any suggestions?