Bentham's rubber tree Plant Care

Bentham's rubber tree (Hevea benthamiana) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Hevea genus. Bentham's rubber tree is native to the rainforests of northern Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela. Bentham's rubber tree is also known as Pará rubber tree.

Bentham's rubber tree displays a tall, straight tree growth habit, reaching up to 80 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Bentham's rubber tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bentham's rubber tree every 7–14 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.

Bentham's rubber tree thrives in full sun.

Hevea benthamiana tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Bentham's rubber tree prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Bentham's rubber tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bentham's rubber tree every 8 months 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 full sun and well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bentham's rubber tree is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 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.

Bentham's rubber tree can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 80 ft (24 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 Bentham's rubber tree 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.

Bentham's rubber tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Bentham's rubber tree can be propagated through seeds, air-layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to para rubber tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Bentham's rubber tree is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects. 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.

Bentham's rubber tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Bentham's rubber tree is native to the rainforests of northern Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela. In cooler regions, grow Bentham's rubber tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.