This dark, leafy green beauty will thrive in your home with these pro tips.
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Rubber trees, orFicus elastica, are a pretty ubiquitous houseplant nowadays, alongsidefiddle leaf figsandmonsteras.
Here, experts share their best advice for a rubber tree plant thats happy and healthy.
Photo:Nadya So/Getty Images
attempt to mimic this at home!
Put them in a bright room, but not for hours under harsh, direct sun.
They will tolerate some periods of low light, but do best in bright, indirect sun.
This is your plants way of telling you to stop watering, she says.
While they can tolerate average humidity levels, they may benefit from slightly increased humidity.
Fertilizer
As for fertilizer, your rubber tree doesntneedit to survive, but itll certainly appreciate it!
During the spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing, fertilize every two to four weeks.
Pruning and Maintenance
As your plant grows, you may need to cut it back periodically.
Use pruning shears to trim plants just above buds or side shoots for best results, Bibb instructs.
Removing dying and yellow leaves and fading flowers is also important for helping your plant grow.
Dust your rubber trees leavesevery once in a while, too.
Miller adds that cleaning off your plants leaves also gives you an opportunity to check for pests.
Both experts recommend a soft, slightly damp cloth.
No need for any funky cleaners, waxes, etc.
that will clog the leaf surface, Miller says.
Keep your plant away from windows, especially during the winter.
Under or overwatering might also be the cause.
Miller wisely says, Keep temperatures and water steadythis plant likes consistency!
Continuing to water can lead to root rot, which is the kiss of death for most plants.
Pause on watering until the top soil is dry to the touch.
If you spot any critters, spray your plant weekly with Neem oil.
Are Rubber Tree Plants Toxic to Pets?
Yes, they can be toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs if ingested.
According to Bibb, The sap contains compounds that may cause irritation or allergic reactions.
So it’s essential to keep rubber trees out of reach of pets!
