Para rubber tree Plant Care

Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A.Juss.) Müll.Arg.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Hevea brasiliensis, the Pará rubber tree, sharinga tree, seringueira, or, most commonly, rubber tree or rubber plant, is a flowering plant belonging to the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. It is originally native to the Amazon basin, but is now pantropical in distribution due to introductions.

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Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Para rubber tree?

Plant Para rubber tree in full sun (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Para rubber tree Native To?

Native range9 countries

What Is the Para rubber tree?

Para rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Hevea genus. Para rubber tree is native to the Amazon basin. Para rubber tree is also known as Rubber tree, Rubber, Ceara rubber tree.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Para rubber tree?

Water a young or newly planted Para 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Para rubber tree Need?

Para rubber tree thrives in full sun.

Light Requirement

Full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Para rubber tree Prefer?

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

Temperature

65–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Para rubber tree?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Para rubber tree?

Feed Para 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.

Fertilizing

Every 8 months

During the growing season

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

Where Should You Plant a Para rubber tree?

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Para rubber tree is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Para rubber tree?

Para 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.

How Do You Prune a Para rubber tree?

Prune Para 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.

How Do You Care for a Para rubber tree in Winter?

Para rubber tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Para rubber tree?

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

Is the Para rubber tree Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Para rubber tree, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Para rubber tree?

Para 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Para rubber tree Need?

Para rubber tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Para rubber tree is native to the Amazon basin. In cooler regions, grow Para rubber tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Para rubber tree is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Hevea genus — compare its care with other Hevea species on PlantoScan.

Hevea is part of the Euphorbiaceae plant family — browse all Euphorbiaceae genera and species.

Para rubber tree thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Hevea Species

Other Hevea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A.Juss.) Müll.Arg., family Euphorbiaceae (first published in Linnaea 34: 204 (1865)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Para rubber tree, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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