Variegated Rubber Plant Plant Care

Wallenia lamarckiana (A.DC.) Mez

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Wallenia lamarckiana is a striking plant known for its large, glossy green leaves with creamy white variegation. Originating from tropical regions, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its unique foliage pattern and easy care requirements.

🌼Perennials🌻Annuals
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Variegated Rubber Plant?

Water Variegated Rubber Plant every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65°F (18°C) and above and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.

What Is the Variegated Rubber Plant?

Variegated Rubber Plant (Wallenia lamarckiana) belongs to the Primulaceae family within the Wallenia genus. Variegated Rubber Plant is native to Brazil, Colombia. Variegated Rubber Plant is also known as Wallenia.

Variegated Rubber Plant displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 8 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Variegated Rubber Plant produces small, delicate flowers in various colors.

How Often Should You Water a Variegated Rubber Plant?

Wallenia lamarckiana requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Variegated Rubber Plant Need?

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

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Variegated Rubber Plant Prefer?

Wallenia lamarckiana grows best at temperatures of 65°F. Variegated Rubber Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Variegated Rubber Plant?

Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Variegated Rubber Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Variegated Rubber Plant?

Feed Variegated Rubber Plant every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every month

During the growing season

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

How Do You Repot a Variegated Rubber Plant?

Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Variegated Rubber Plant?

Variegated Rubber Plant can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wallenia calyptrata plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Variegated Rubber Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Variegated Rubber Plant, 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 Variegated Rubber Plant?

Variegated Rubber Plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. 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 Variegated Rubber Plant Need?

Variegated Rubber Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Variegated Rubber Plant is native to Brazil, Colombia. In cooler regions, grow Variegated Rubber Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 11a – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Variegated Rubber Plant 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 Wallenia genus — compare its care with other Wallenia species on PlantoScan.

Wallenia is part of the Primulaceae plant family — browse all Primulaceae genera and species.

Variegated Rubber Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Wallenia Species

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

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Wallenia lamarckiana (A.DC.) Mez, family Primulaceae (first published in Symb. Antill. 2: 414 (1901)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Variegated Rubber Plant, 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 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • 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.

PlantoScan app icon

Identify Plants Like the
Variegated Rubber Plant Instantly

Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Free

to download

iOS & Android

platforms

Light & dark

mode

100,000+

species