Rubber Plant Plant Care

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Ficus genus. Rubber Plant is native to Himalayas to Malaysia, Sumatra, and Java. Rubber Plant is also known as Rubber Fig, Indian Rubber Plant, Indian Rubber Tree.

Rubber Plant displays a tree, shrub growth habit, reaching up to 100 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Rubber Plant produces produces tiny green flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Rubber Plant every 7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Rubber Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Rubber Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Ficus elastica tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Rubber Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Airy peat-based soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Rubber Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Rubber Plant every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and airy peat-based soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Rubber Plant is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Rubber Plant can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 100 ft (30 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Rubber Plant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Rubber Plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Rubber Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to weeping fig plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Rubber Plant is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Rubber Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Rubber Plant is native to Himalayas to Malaysia, Sumatra, and Java. In cooler regions, grow Rubber Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.