Rubber plant
Water him whenever the top two inches of soil are dry. He needs a lot less water in winter than in summer.
He loves a bright room but he’s not partial to direct sun, so if your room is very sunny, place him away from the window.
His leaves can absorb a lot of moisture, so spraying him with a mister every few days will encourage healthy growth.
If you notice dust building up on those lovely leaves, gently wipe it off. It will keep his pores clean and let his leaves breathe freely.
Botanical name
Ficus elastica
Nickname
Rubber plant; Rubber tree; Rubber fig; Indian Rubber bush
Plant type
Indoor
Air purifying?
Yes
Plant height (including pot)
30-40cm; 90-100cm
Pet/baby safe?
Toxic if ingested
Nursery pot size
12cm; 27cm
The rubber plant gets its name from the white latex coursing through its veins, which was once used to make rubber. Even its handsome, glossy leaves have a thick, rubber-like look.
In its native habitat in southern parts of Asia, this plant can grow as tall as 60 metres, with its trunk getting as thick as two metres in diameter. It won’t get anywhere near as lofty as that indoors, thankfully.
Give it all the care it needs - don’t forget it loves a regular misting - and you’ll be rewarded with a striking plant that will be a focal point in any room. It likes a medium level of light and watering only when the top two inches of soil are dry. It will also appreciate a feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer.
Did you know?
In parts of India, the rubber tree’s incredibly strong roots have been trained to form ‘living bridges’ over small rivers.
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