Rubber Plant
Ficus elastic decora is a popular indoor plant best known simply as the ‘Rubber Plant’. As a house plant it is generally tough and adaptable. Thick glossy foliage, and insignificant flowers this plant is from warmer climates, India through to Malaysia and this gives us a clue to its cultivation requirements.
Variegated forms of Ficus elastic decora are also available and different foliage color can also be found.
In the natural environment this can be a large plant, when grown in containers with restricted root space, plants will reach 2 – 3m in height. Widely used in offices and commercial buildings.
How to Grow the Rubber Plant
If you want height Ficus elastic decora can be left unpruned as the plant grows to a nice shape with a good central leader. Although many choose maintain size and height and create a bushier habit by tip pruning.
The main factors in proper care relate to drainage, light and warmth. A humus rich moist but well drained soil is best. Over watering can cause root problems where the foliage will tend to yellow and drop off.
Good filtered light (indirect light) and a warm position are essential for good growth, cool draughts will cause problems.
Foliage is the main attraction especially with the newer cultivars and the variety of colors available. Clean with a damp cloth to remove dust.
We suggest that you fertilize the rubber tree, with a liquid seaweed fertilizer every month, and use a water retentive potting mix. Repot every 4 – 5 years.
Problems
A common problem is Black edges on leaves. This can be caused by a number of factors.
- Overwatering.
- Heat damage.
- Overfertilising
- Poor water quality (hard water)
Yellow Foliage
- Usually caused by overwatering, although these plants like moisture they do not like wet or soggy soil. This can happen if the potting mix becomes to old.
Lose of foliage is another problem again caused by a number of issues.
Rubber Plant Losing Leaves
This common and there are a number of reasons why Ficus elastic (Rubber Plants) lose or drop leaves
Both under watering and overwatering can cause leaf lose. Always allow the soil to partly dry before watering. Check the dryness of the top layers of soil with you finger and if its dry,
Poor drainage, although the top of the soil may feel dry it may bet wet below. Improve the drainage OR repot into a potting mix that drains well.
Lack of light, good filtered light is required. These are a tropical plant and understory, so not hot direct sun through a window
Over fertilising, usually fertilise once a year.
Rubber Plant Losing Leaves
This common and there are a number of reasons why Ficus elastic (Rubber Plants) lose or drop leaves
- Both under watering and overwatering can cause leaf lose. Always allow the soil to partly dry before watering. Check the dryness of the top layers of soil with you finger and if its dry,
- Poor drainage, although the top of the soil may feel dry it may bet wet below. Improve the drainage OR repot into a potting mix that drains well.
- Lack of light, good filtered light is required. These are a tropical plant and understory, so not hot direct sun through a window
- Over fertilising, usually fertilise once a year.
- Changes in temperature, light as well as an irregular watering regime can also be causes.Changes in temperature, light as well as an irregular watering regime can also be causes.
- They can also drop foliage if placed in drafts, so keep them away from air conditioners and heaters.
Other ficus species include :