Rubber Plant/Rubber Tree
Scientific name: Ficus elastica
Common Names: Rubber plant, Rubber tree, India Rubber tree
Plant Type: Ligneous/Woody plants
Genus: Ficus spp
Family: Moraceae, Fig family
Ficus elastica (Rubber Plant / Rubber Tree)
The Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) could be the ideal houseplant if you want an attractive, tough but easy-to-care indoor plant that can reach staggering heights within just a few years.
The shiny glossy leaves look great in most homes and although young plants start off small they will fill the space in an empty corner quickly. The "rubber" aspect of its name comes from the "rubber" white sap that oozes out of the glossy leaves and woody stems if they're scratched or cut. Also the milky latex is not particularly pleasant to humans or pets if the sap is swallowed. It's also an irritant to the eyes and skin so handle the plant carefully and if you do happen to get any on you, make sure you wash it off afterwards and you shouldn't have any issues.
The rubber plant, or Ficus elastica, is a plant species in the in the fig family, Moraceae. It is native to Southeast Asia and is widely used as a houseplant and decorative tree throughout the world. The rubber plant has large, glossy leaves that are typically dark green in color, while some varieties have variegated leaves with yellow or white markings. The leaves are thick and leathery, and can grow up to 12 inches (30cm) long. In the wild, the rubber plant can grow to be quite large, reaching heights of up to 100 feet (30 meters). However, when grown as a houseplant, it normally grows to a height of 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters). Additionally, the plant produces tiny, unnoticeable flowers that are followed by fig-like fruits.
Besides its ornamental value, the rubber plant is also planted for its latex, which can be harvested by making incisions in the bark of the tree. However, the rubber plant is not as widely cultivated for rubber production as the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis.
Air Purifying: Rubber Plant is one of the very best houseplants to clean the air. It also scores really well with resistance to pests and diseases and has a high transpiration rate which increases the humidity of the room it lives in. In other words it's good for your health as well as low maintenance.
Light: A rubber tree houseplant requires little maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It needs bright light but prefers indirect light that isn’t too hot. Some people recommend putting it near a window that has sheer curtains. This allows plenty of light, but hopefully not too much heat. Stay away from continuous direct sunlight. Instead give your Rubber Plant a well light spot with some indirect sun if possible.
The all green types will take some shade and poorly light spaces, but too much for too long and the plant will become lanky and spindly. However, if you have a variegated type you must provide bright indirect light, otherwise if you opt for shade, you'll lose the markings.
Water: The rubber tree plant also needs the right balance of water. During the growing season, it needs to be kept moist and watered at least once a week. It is also a good idea to wipe off the leaves with a damp cloth or spray them with water. If you water the rubber tree plant too much, it will signal you by the leaves turning yellow and brown and falling off.
Rubber Plant watering needs is simple - they love a good soaking when they're growing, but dislike constantly damp roots. The best way to treat them is to water the plant really well once the soil surface and top inch (2.5cm) of soil has dried out, then wait until it dries out in the same way before watering again. You can mist the leaves from time to time when the air is very dry, but really you don't need to worry about humidity levels. In order to promote new leaves on a rubber tree houseplant, cut a slit in the node where a leaf fell off. This will allow a new leaf to grow quicker.
Overwatering can cause the plant's leaves to turn yellow and fall off, whereas underwatering can cause the foliage to wilt. The rubber plant is also sensitive to cold temperatures and should be kept in a warm, humid environment. During the dormant season, it may only need watered once or twice a month. If the leaves begin to drop, but not fall off, increase the water you give the rubber tree gradually until the leaves perk back up again.
Temperature: The Rubber Plant will be quite happy to grow in a broad range of temperatures between 10°C (50°F) to 29°C (85°F). Ideally, the plant should be kept in a room with temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) during the day and 55-65°F (13-18°C) at night. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause damage to rubber plant's leaves and stem, and prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can even cause the plant to die.
It's quite important to keep the rubber plant away from drafty areas, such as near windows or doors, as unexpected temperature drops might be harmful to the plant. If you live in a cooler region or have a drafty home, keep the rubber plant near a source of extra heat, such as a space heater, to keep it warm and healthy.
Soil: Rubber plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A good potting mix for rubber plants should be composed of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite, with some added compost or other organic matter to help retain moisture and provide nutrients.
When potting a rubber plant, make sure to pick a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water can drain away from the roots. The plant's roots do not like to sit in water, so it's important to avoid overwatering the plant or letting it sit in standing water. You can also add a layer of small stones or gravel to the bottom of the pot to help increase drainage. This can be especially helpful if you are using a pot with a saucer to catch excess water, as it will prevent the roots from sitting in standing water.
Propagation: Like many other ficus species, the rubber plant can be propagated through several methods, like Tissue culture seedlings, Stem cuttings, Air layering, or by seeds. Here are some details on each method:
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