HouseplantsDiscover the right indoor plants for your home.
Chroma ® Chloe caoutchouc industrial plant . Photo by : Proven succeeder
If you ’re previous enough to remember the song " High Hopes , " first popularize by Frank Sinatra in 1959 , the chorus “ Oops , there goes another rubber tree plant ” is indisputable to come up to heed , humorously describe an ant ’s determination to move a big rubber tree all by himself .
With their braggart , bold leaves and telling stature , rubber works ( Ficus elastica ) are as democratic today as they were back in the fifties . But now houseplant lover have a much wider raiment of India rubber Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree varieties to choose from , include compact versions perfect for desk and tabletops and striking cultivars with multicolored foliage .
aboriginal to tropic regions of Southeast Asia , Ficushave adjust well to indoor surroundings and will expand with minimal care as long as you give them plenty of hopeful visible light and uniform moisture . Not only are they expectant plants for contribute a tropical vibration to an indoor space , they are also super - efficient aviation purifier , using their large leaves to filtrate out harmful pollutant .
On this Sir Frederick Handley Page : Basics|Growing Tips|Care|Varieties|Common Problems|FAQs
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BASICS
Botanical name:
Ficus elastica
Common names:
Rubber flora , India gum elastic plant , golosh tree diagram , rubber fig
Light requirements:
Medium to bright lightness
Growth rate:
tight
Size:
In their aboriginal tropic habitat , Ficuscan reach heights of 50 feet or more . But do n’t worry ; as houseplants , they seldom develop marvellous than 10 foot .
Foliage:
lustrous oval - shaped leaves , ranging in size from 5 to over 12 inches long , may be dark green , burgundy , or variegated . Some varieties sport sheathes and midribs in contrasting color .
Are rubber plants toxic?
Ficusleaves and stems secrete a milky latex sap that is toxic when ingested , so keep out of reach of children and pets . pic to the sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive hoi polloi . See moreCommon toxicant Plants for Dogs and Cats .
GROWING RUBBER PLANTS
Where to grow:
Be certain to aim yourFicusin a brightly lit localization , such as near an east- or west - facing windowpane or several feet back from a south - look window . variegate smorgasbord will benefit from a few hours of direct sunlight , which will bring out the best foliage color .
Temperature and humidity:
Like its close proportional thefiddle - leaf Libyan Fighting Group , rubber plant life loves a warm and humid environment , with temperature ranging from 60 ° to 85 ° F and humidness levels of 40 % or higher . Avoid exposing plants to cold-blooded draught or sudden temperature fluctuations . ( See morehouseplants that like humidness . )
Soil type:
Use a well - draining potting mix with some perlite or orchid bark add to improve drain and aeration .
Pot requirements:
Plant in a pot about 1 to 2 inches wide than the rootball , with drain holes to facilitate forbid tooth root rot . To prevent toppling , grow big rubber trees in a heavy container , or snuggle a formative container with drainage yap inside a sturdier one made of clay or ceramic .
Can you grow rubber plant outdoors?
If you live in zona 10 - 12 , you’re able to growFicus elasticaoutdoors year - one shot in a shady localisation with percolate sunshine . Keep in mind that they can acquire 20 to 30 human foot tall outdoors and may necessitate regular pruning to keep it compact .
In colder mood , you’re able to move your indoor rubber tree diagram outdoors in summertime once the temperatures warm up up , making sure to keep it out of direct sunlight . ( Placing the pot on a wheeled caddy will allow you to move it more easily . ) play your flora back indoors in fall when the temperatures dip below 50 ° F.
Chroma ® Tineke safety works , elephant ear , and arrowhead industrial plant . Photo by : Proven Winners
RUBBER PLANT CARE
Watering:
Ficusare very fussy about their moisture need and should not be overwatered . give up the top 2 to 3 inches of soil to dry out out between each watering to avoid oversaturation . In winter , when plant growth slows , permit the soil go a bit drier . Never permit your rubber eraser Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree to sit in stand up water .
Fertilizing:
Feed once a month while your plant is actively originate with a liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half - strength . you’re able to also add someworm castingsto the soil to give your plants a nutritionary boost .
Pruning:
If your safe plant is threatening to outgrow its outer space , you could keep it in bridle by cut back the central stem back to a folio knob , which will encourage the growth of side branches . You should also reduce off any dead or damaged leaves to keep your plant looking its best and monish the exploitation of disease . Be indisputable to wear gloves and long arm when handling your plant so you do n’t get the milky sap on your hide .
Leaf care:
To keep the foliage nice and sheeny , wipe it with a damp cloth or parazoan as needed to bump off dust buildup . Keeping your plant debris - free is unspoilt for its health , too , because the leaves will be able to photosynthesize more efficiently . Avoid using leaf shine nebulizer , which can clog the pores ( or stomata ) .
Repotting:
safe industrial plant can bourgeon up tight under the right conditions and will usually need repot every 2 or 3 class , or whenever you see the roots begin to grow out of the mountain ’s drainage muddle . The honorable time to repot is in spring , when your plant emerges from semi - quiescency .
Choose a new container 2 inches prominent than the current one and fill it partway with fresh potting intermixture . Place the top of the plant ’s rootball about an inch below the rim and fill up in around it with more soil . If your condom industrial plant has become too unwieldy for repotting , top dress it instead by trump out the top 2 to 3 inches of soil and replacing it with refreshed potting admixture .
Tip : If you recently purchased your rubber plant , avoid repotting it for several month to give it time to adjust to its environment . Ficus plants do n’t wish change and too much strain can induce the leaves to swing .
Propagation:
The easy method of generation is by stem cutting , taken in former spring . Another technique you may judge is air layering , which involve rooting a plant stem while it ’s still sequester to the parent works . ( * See greenback below on propagating patented plants ( see your flora tags for ® or ™ symbols next to the plant name ) .
Pests and diseases:
Be on the outlook out forcommon houseplant pests , such as aphids , mealybugs , spider touch , thrips , and scale insect . Rubber plant life can also suffer from fungal infection , especially root buncombe and folio office .
RUBBER PLANT VARIETIES
picture by : Proven Winners
Chroma ® Abidjan — Buy now from Proven WinnersFicus elastica
Chroma ® Abidjan boasts deep , nigh fatal leaves with crimson accent on new growth . It thrives in bright light , prefers to dry out between waterings , and grows best at 60 - 85 ° F . Regularly dust leaves and prune for a fuller conformation .
suppurate height:4 to 10 foot
More Info & happen a Local leafjoy ® Retailer
Chroma ® Belize — bribe now from Proven WinnersFicus elastica
A beautiful motley cultivar , with leathery green leaves crimson with cream and pink . Like other variegatedFicus elastica , this plant needs ample sunshine for the best color loudness .
Chroma ® Chloe — Buy now from Proven WinnersFicus elastica
Features huge , shiny olive - gullible leaves with contrasting pinkish sheathes on the emerging foliation . The all-encompassing parting will run to collect dust , so clean house them often by wiping with a damp sponge .
Chroma ® TinekeFicus elastica
Glossy green leafage with splashing of creamy yellow are accented by prominent pinkish midribs . A with child statement while for tabletop and narrow spaces .
Chroma ® Ghost Rider ™ Ficus elastica
The vary parting of this uniqueFicus elasticaare splattered in vary shades of green , with a ghostly sheathing of creamy white . Reddish - orangeness leafage petioles sum a transcendent lambency . To to the full unveil the beautiful colouration , arise this plant life in bright light .
Photo by : MaLija / Shutterstock
' Ruby’Ficus elastica’Ruby '
A striking variegatedFicus elasticawith leaves that commute colour as they mature , commence off a deep deep red scarlet and step by step mellowing to dark green with streak of creamy white and light pink .
Mature height:6 to 8 ft
exposure by : AngieYeoh / Shutterstock
' Burgundy’Ficus elastica’Burgundy '
Also lie with as ‘ Black Prince , ’ this boldFicusdazzles with glossy leaves that come forth deep red and then turn a deep nuance of green that appears almost grim . Bright red sheathes and midribs create a dramatic contrast with the dark foliation .
get on height:10 feet
Photo by : Mouse Family / Shutterstock
' Robusta’Ficus elastica’Robusta '
This modern twist on the Graeco-Roman rubber plant amps up the wow - agent with extra - large emerald green leaves measuring up to 18 inch long . Will thrive in various light conditions , but prefers bright , collateral light .
get on height:8 to 10 feet
TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON PROBLEMS: RUBBER PLANTS
Even with the right care , a rubber eraser industrial plant may from time to time show signboard of suffering when it ’s unhappy in its environment . Most problems are easy to amend if you act ahead of time to prevent further damage . Here are the most vulgar problem to watch out for and some potential solutions .
- REGARDING multiplication : When it comes to circulate patent plants , there are rigid rules in seat prohibiting breeding or propagation of these plant in any elbow room . This means you ca n’t multiply them ( even for use in your own garden ) , sell them , or bring them into the country without permission . The law does not make exceptions for what some might debate small infringements . Any unauthorised utilization of patent flora is considered an misdemeanor .
