5 min readIt’s no secret that the glossy leaves of a rubber tree are so desirable for interiors. These houseplants can grow to mini-tree size and are great for moodier spaces. The indoor rubber tree differs from the commercial plants that industrial rubber is derived from, though they share a similar sticky sap. The ficus elastica plant is the one you’ll find in most plant nurseries, and it’s native to Southeast Asia. It’s a great way to bring that majestic tropical look into your home, as long as it’s cared for properly.
Luckily, rubber tree plants are relatively low-maintenance. Under the right conditions, they’re not prone to dramatic bouts of wilting or pest infestations. You need to know the right lighting, ideal humidity levels, and how often it likes to be watered. We’ve got all the expert advice below, after testing it out in our own homes and consulting expert sources like the USDA’s official plant database. Discover everything you need to get those moody plants to thrive below.
Lighting Needs
The rubber plant comes from the ficus family, just like its cousin the fiddle leaf fig. Similarly, it needs bright light to thrive, but don't put it in the sunniest spot you have just yet. Too much hot, direct sunlight can scorch your plant's leaves.
Your best bet is to keep your rubber plant in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight, but indirectly or filtered through a sheer curtain. Colorful or variegated rubber trees will need a little extra light to bring out the colors in the leaves, but in lower light conditions (which they can tolerate, don't worry!), they’ll just look a bit more dull.
When to Water
In summer, keep your rubber plant's soil moist but not totally soaked. They’re hardy plants, but they’re not succulents, so they still need a steady amount of moisture, especially if it’s a younger plant. Remember, overwatering is not about volume, but frequency of watering. Try letting the top two inches of soil dry out between waterings. Just feel the soil with your fingers, a popsicle stick, or a moisture meter to check when it's dry. In winter, during the plant’s dormant season, you'll want to water it less.
Temperature & Humidity
Since rubber trees are native to the tropics, they thrive in warmer, more humid climates and don't handle cold, dry environments well. They're best kept between 60 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and you'll want to avoid any major cold drafts from an air vent or quick temperature drops. To keep humidity up, run a humidifier nearby a few times a week, or group it with other tropical plants to create their own mini ecosystem. In a pinch, you can mist your rubber plant with a spray bottle, but be wary of leaving its leaves too moist, which can create a breeding ground for fungus.
Pruning, Repotting, and Propagating
Pruning your rubber plant can help it stay hard, healthy, and help foster new growth. Prune your rubber plant any time of the year besides winter (its dormant season), and remove dead leaves and branches as you see them.
As with any plant, you'll want to use pruning shears or sharp, clean scissors (and wipe them off with isopropyl alcohol as you go!) and make cuts just above the plant's nodes. You may also want to wear gloves while you prune, since rubber trees will release sap when cut. This sap can be especially toxic to children and pets if ingested or exposed to the skin, causing irritation. So if you have curious little ones in the house, keep these plants on a high shelf.
As far as repotting goes, you won’t have to repot this plant as often as others—it likes to stay in its environment. Until the roots are bursting out of the pot, leave it alone. To pot a rubber tree, choose one no more than a third larger than the root ball of the plant. Once you have your pot, fill it a third of the way with potting soil, then place the plant inside so that the top of the root ball is around an inch below the rim, fill in around it with more soil, and water until you see moisture start to run out through the drainage hole.
If you'd like to propagate a new rubber plant from your current rubber tree, simply snip a small branch from your existing plant, let the sap dry out, and then let it root in soil or water. As a reminder, new growth on your plant might come in bright red. Don’t panic: it’s supposed to look like that! This is one of the coolest features of a rubber plant, so enjoy the vibrancy. It’ll darken to that glossy green over time.
Signs of Trouble (and How to Fix Them)
Every plant parent runs into the occasional problem with their babies. Below, you’ll find a few of the common warning signs to watch for on your rubber plant, plus tried-and-true advice on how to treat them.
Brown, crispy tips: Browning on the edges of your leaves is a telltale sign that the environment is too dry. Increase the humidity in your air, and check if the soil is due for water. It’ll be dry and crumbly or compacted.
Light patches on leaves: Lighter splotches, especially in the center of the leaf, usually point to sun scorch. Move your rubber plant further back from the window, or relocate it to a spot with less direct light.
Dust build-up on leaves: The broad leaves of the rubber plant are especially prone to dust. It’s more than a cosmetic issue; it impairs the plant’s ability to photosynthesize and get nutrients. Establish a cleaning routine using microfiber gloves and an optional leaf cleaning spray.
Drooping, squishy leaves: Squishy leaves usually point to overwatering and potential root rot. Check for mushy brown or foul-smelling roots, and prune them if you find them. Be sure that the plant is potted in well-draining, chunky soil, so it dries out well between waterings.
Leaf drop: According to the experts behind editor-trusted plant care brand We the Wild, light deficiency is one of the main causes of leaves dropping prematurely. So if you see a few leaves falling off of your rubber plant, get it to a brighter spot.
