Rubber Plant Care Guide
Ficus elastica
Also known as: Rubber Tree, Ficus Elastica, Burgundy Rubber Plant
Watering
Summer
Every 10 days
Winter
Every 14 days
Water when the top cm feels dry. These plants like consistency but not soggy roots.
Light
Bright indirect
Near a window but no direct rays hitting the leaves
Humidity
40-50%
Average home humidity is fine.
Pet & Child Safety
Mildly toxic - may cause irritation
Harmful to: cats, dogs
Pot & Soil
Tolerates being slightly rootbound. Use well-draining mix - heavy pots help balance the top growth.
Pot-size watering
The 10-14 day range is a starting point. A 5cm pot usually dries faster than a 22cm pot; use the dry-down check as the final signal, not the calendar alone.
Prefers snug roots
This plant usually prefers a snug root zone. Size up only when roots are circling, the plant dries out much faster than usual, or growth has clearly stalled.
Soil refresh
Top up or loosen the surface yearly, and plan a fuller soil refresh when the mix compacts, smells sour, drains poorly, or the plant needs repotting.
Good to Know
Comes in dark green, burgundy, ruby, and tineke varieties.
Frequently asked
How often should I water Rubber Plant?▾
Every 10 days in summer and every 14 days in winter is the reference range. The 10-14 day range is a starting point. A 5cm pot usually dries faster than a 22cm pot; use the dry-down check as the final signal, not the calendar alone. Water when the top cm feels dry. These plants like consistency but not soggy roots.
What light does Rubber Plant need?▾
Bright indirect. Near a window but no direct rays hitting the leaves.
Is Rubber Plant safe for pets and children?▾
Mildly toxic - may cause irritation if chewed. Keep out of reach of curious pets and small children.
What humidity does Rubber Plant prefer?▾
40-50%. Average home humidity is fine.
What soil and pot does Rubber Plant need?▾
Tolerates being slightly rootbound. Use well-draining mix - heavy pots help balance the top growth. This plant usually prefers a snug root zone. Size up only when roots are circling, the plant dries out much faster than usual, or growth has clearly stalled. Top up or loosen the surface yearly, and plan a fuller soil refresh when the mix compacts, smells sour, drains poorly, or the plant needs repotting.
Is Rubber Plant beginner-friendly?▾
Yes - Rubber Plant is a tree well-suited to beginners.
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