Legal Rubber Plant
The tricolor rubber tree (Ficus elastica `Tricolor`) has beautiful leaves spotted with green, cream and pink. Photo by Barbara H. Smith, HGIC Clemson Extension In order for the rubber tree to look particularly beautiful, it needs a little attention from time to time. In addition to watering, fertilizing and pruning, special leaves also need your attention. Don`t let your rubber plant gather dust. Unfortunately, the large and wide leaves of the plant are an ideal place for dust to settle. So if you want to do something good for your rubber plant, take a damp cloth and wipe the leaves with it from time to time. But if that`s too much work for you, you can just take a cold shower on the tree. It will thank you and will be much more visually appealing. Well, these little babies may seem quite delicate, but in nature, these plants become absolutely huge trees (about 30 meters tall!). Thankfully, the crappy weather here in the UK means it`s pretty easy to keep them under control in a variety of different pot sizes, depending on your needs. Rubber plants can grow tall and slender indoors.
You can support them with a stake or prune them in the spring to rejuvenate. Propagate new plants by stem or tip cuttings or aerial stratification. Repot in late winter or early spring if necessary. This information is provided on the understanding that no discrimination is intentional and that no endorsement of brand names or trademarks by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied, nor is there any discrimination to exclude anonymous products or manufacturers. All recommendations apply to conditions in South Carolina and may not apply to other areas. Use pesticides only as directed on the label. All recommendations for pesticide use apply only to South Carolina and were legal at the time of publication, but registration status and usage patterns may change due to actions taken by state and federal regulators. Follow all listed instructions, precautions and restrictions.
Keep in mind that it`s always easier to fix your plant if you keep it underwater than if you water it. The rubber plant is very economical when it comes to feeding. Therefore, you should never fertilize it too often. Liquid fertilizer every six weeks should suffice. Better yet, a fertilizer supply with long-term effects. This would be sufficient fertilization every three months. But not only do you need to fertilize less often with slow-release fertilizer, but if it is a fertilizer with a long-term effect, but it is also more environmentally friendly. Our plant-based all-purpose plant-based food Plantura with long-term effect optimally provides your rubber tree with all the important nutrients and is also made from natural raw materials.
The most common culprits of problems with rubber crops are improper watering and poor growing conditions. If problems such as undulating yellow leaves or hanging leaves occur suddenly, look for sudden changes in the environment. These include a new location, changes in irrigation or feeding, or seasonal changes – such as when summer cooling or winter heating come into play. And in spring and summer it is best to treat your plant with liquid fertilizer about once a month. Be sure to dilute your fertilizer with water so as not to shock your plant. This will help give it the nutrients it needs to keep growing and looking good. With eye-catching foliage, gorgeous waxy textures, and amazing versatility, no matter how you want to show off your rubber tree, it`s sure to be a conversation start in your home. Perfect for use in terrariums or as a bold interior, these plants are a lot of fun.
You can buy rubber trees in hardware stores, garden centers, many housewares stores or on the Internet. It`s worth researching and comparing prices before buying, as price differences between individual retailers can be significant. The size of the tree is, of course, a decisive factor for the price. The tree grows quite slowly, which is why it can take a few years for a small tree to become a majestic plant. As with other members of the genus ficus, the flowers need a certain type of fig wasp to pollinate them in a jointly developed symbiosis. Because of this relationship, rubber does not produce very colorful or fragrant flowers to attract other pollinators. Ficus elastica produces small yellowish figs as a fruit, but they have nothing to do with the delicious figs we know from the Mediterranean, they are also inedible. First, mix a suitable substrate for the rubber plant. It is important that the substrate is as rich as possible with good permeability. Otherwise, the pot can be soaked, causing damage to the tree.
If the nutrient content of the substrate is too high, you will not be doing your rubber tree any favours; It is better that it is low in nutrients. As a suitable substrate, you can mix conventional potting soil with perlite, lava pellets or coconut fibers to structure the soil and make it more permeable. If you`re looking for a low-maintenance plant that`s a bit more unique than the usual plants that end up on the “hard to kill” lists, the Ficus elastica, or rubber plant, is a great option. They have bright leaves, can come in different colors and can reach 60 meters high in nature (don`t worry, they won`t grow as high inside). They behave more like trees than regular plants, making them a great statement plant for your home. To avoid overwatering, be sure to water your plant evenly and drain it completely so that the roots don`t stay in a puddle. This can cause root rot and eventually kill your plant. With large, thick, shiny leaves, rubber plants can add a lot of drama to your home décor. Like their close relative, the violin-leaved fig, rubber plants prefer certain conditions. Nevertheless, these tropical plants are easy to grow. By learning how to care for rubber plants, you can keep your plant at its peak and enjoy the show.
It is natural for rubber plants to sometimes have an older, lower leaf that turns yellow and falls off, but widespread yellowing or leaf fall signals greater problems. Overwatering is the most common problem with rubber trees – and almost every other houseplant.
