The Rubber Plant
Ficus Elastica Robusta
This retro indoor plant whoâs popularity has hardly dwindled - since it was one of the most prominent plants in the 70s - remains timeless in modern homes and offices worldwide.
Native to India, Indonesia, and Eastern Africa, the Rubber Plant is a tree type plant with attractive foliage, that showcases sturdy stems that hold up oval broad glossy leaves.
The Rubber Plant is tough and low maintenance, and is available in 4 striking varieties with varying colouring and variegation.
The Right Environment for The Rubber Plant:
The Rubber Plant prefers bright light away from direct sunlight.
Abidjan (rich tones of burgundy and green) can cope in moderate light. The variegated varieties Belize (Pink edges and veins with dark green patterned leaves) and Tineke (cream edges with mottled green and pink tones) need bright light in order to maintain their beautifully textured leaves.
Dust can accumulate very easily on the broad leaves of your Rubber Plant, and this affects the ability of your plant to photosynthesise and take in the nutrients that it needs. Clean the shiny leaves with a damp cloth regularly to remove the accumulated dust. You can also use a leaf shine on these gorgeous houseplants every few months to showcase the gorgeous glossy leaves.
Normal room humidity should be sufficient for your Rubber Plant. If you have a very dry home or an office with air conditioning and heaters constantly on, your Rubber Plant will appreciate a misting every now and then to increase the humidity in the air around them.
Watering The Rubber Plant:
The size of the lush leaves is in indication that they can hold water, so do not over water your Rubber Plant. Only water when the soil becomes dry.
Give your Rubber Plant a really good soaking once a week and allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Avoid small amounts of water often, as The Rubber Plant doesnât enjoy being in soggy soil.Â
Water thoroughly wetting all the soil until water drains out the holes at the bottom of the nursery pot.
Feeding The Rubber Plant:
Fertilise your Rubber Plant once every 2 weeks during Spring, Summer and Autumn (the growing season). You can stop fertilising during Winter.
Knowing Your Rubber Plant:
The Rubber Plant can grow to 3 meters tall indoors within the ideal conditions. So it will require pruning in order to maintain it's shape or to restrict its growth.
A sudden drop in temperature will affect your Rubber Plant and it will not be happy if it is exposed to cold drafts. So even though the Rubber Plant is a tough and easy to care for indoor plant, consider the position carefully.
Your Rubber Plant will drop its leaves as an indication of insufficient light or incorrect watering. So always keep an eye out for these signs of a less than ideal environment. Then adjust accordingly and watch your Rubber Plant flourish!
Interesting:
The ârubberâ in the common name comes from the rubbery white sap that both the leaves and stems produce when broken. This sap can be an irritant to humans and it is as such advised to avoid exposure to pets and children.
Take Home Your Own Rubber Plant:
The Rubber Plant is relatively easy to care for and its lush leaf makes this hardy indoor plant a top pick for plant lovers and newbie plant parents...
With various colours and variegated textures to choose from, the Rubber Plant comes to you in either a 15cm or 30cm nursery pot. Shop for your own Rubber Plant HERE.