1. Getting started with your Rubber Plant
Where to place your Rubber Plant
Place it somewhere bright but never under direct sunlight
If your plant is casting a sharp & defined shadow, the light is too hard. We're looking for a shadow that's soft and blurred
You can place your rubber plant by the entrance
Rubber plants are tolerant to brief changes in temperature and getting knocked around a little, which tends to happen often by an entrance door
Potting your Rubber Plant
Leave it in its nursery pot
Your plant is comfy in its nursery pot. It's best to let it acclimate to the lighting, temperature, and humidity in its new home (for at least 2 weeks) before repotting it.
Pro tip: if you purchased a planter with your plant, you can simply place the nursery pot in that planter
2. Continually caring for your Rubber Plant
Watering your Rubber Plant
Water when the soil is completely dry
Like cacti, rubber plants like their soil to dry out completely between waterings. We like to use a chopstick to check. Gently insert the chopstick all the way down to the bottom; if the chopstick comes out:
1) Clean: your soil is dry and needs a watering
2) Dirty: you'll know the soil is still moist and doesn't need a watering
Rule of thumb: expect to water your plant every 1-2 weeks, and more often with more light. Having said that, soil moisture should be your primary indicator for when you should water your plant, as the time may vary
When watering, gently pour until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom and discard any excess water. Remember, never use cold water as this will shock your plant's roots
Finding your Rubber Plant's favorite temperature
Like most houseplants, Rubber Plant are happiest between 18°C - 30°C.
Repotting your Rubber Plant
When placed until bright indirect light, and care for well, Rubber Plants can grow quite quickly and may need to be repotted up to once a year.
When it's time, remember that like cactuses, Rubber Plants like soil with a lot of aeration (because they don't retain as much water/moisture). When your plant is ready for repotting, use a well-drained potting mix that includes ingredients such as perlite or lava rocks.
Transfer your Rubber Plant into a pot that's a about 1-2 inches in diameters larger than its current one to give it ample room to grow.
Cleaning/pruning your Rubber Plant
As with their dramatic cousin, the Fiddle Leaf Fig, Rubber Plants have big glossy leaves that collect dust. When you see this, gently wipe off each leaf top with a damp rag to reveal a healthy shine. This will help your plant soak in more light and breathe through the little pores on its leaves (stomata).
Some common problems with Rubber Plants
1. Yellow or Brown leaves (usually at the bottom of the tree)
Usually caused by overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out completely (sometimes this can take 2-3 weeks), then slowly rewater it, following the watering guide above.
2. Leaves falling off
Usually caused by either:
a) Dry climate: if your plant is placed next to an AC vent, try moving it to an area with less dry air flow, or
b) Not enough light: if your plant is placed in the shade, try moving it closer to the window, remembering to avoid direct sunlight
3. Leaves drooping or sagging
Usually caused by underwatering. Follow the watering guide above, and if the soil is dry, time to give your plant a drink!
Tempted? Gets yours delivered now.
Tough? Check. Large, thick, glossy leaves? Yep. Resilient to brief changes in temperature? You bet. This plant's hardiness makes it perfectly suited for a spot by the entrance of your home, setting the tone for anybody who comes to visit.
