The Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) is a popular indoor and ornamental tree known for its glossy, large, dark green leaves and its easy-to-care-for nature. Here's a detailed description:
General Characteristics:
Scientific Name: Ficus elastica.
Common Names: Rubber Tree, Rubber Plant, Indian Rubber Plant.
Family: Moraceae.
Type: Evergreen tree or shrub.
Height: In its natural habitat, the rubber plant can grow up to 100 feet (30 meters) tall, but as a houseplant, it typically stays between 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters), depending on care and the container size.
Leaves: The plant is known for its large, glossy, leathery leaves that are dark green, oval-shaped, and can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long. The undersides of the leaves are often a lighter green. New leaves emerge with a reddish tint, gradually turning green as they mature.
Trunk: In a mature rubber plant, the trunk can become thick and woody. Young plants typically have a slender, flexible stem.
Flowers: While it is capable of flowering in its native tropical environment, rubber plants grown indoors rarely produce flowers. If they do, they form small, unremarkable flowers within a fig-like structure (syconium).
Fruit: The fruit is a fig-like structure, but, as mentioned, it rarely appears on indoor plants.
Growth Conditions:
Light: Rubber plants thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. However, they will grow more slowly and may have fewer leaves in low light.
Temperature: They prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 60-75°F (15-24°C). They are sensitive to cold drafts and should be kept away from air conditioners or heaters.
Soil: Well-draining soil is essential, typically a standard potting mix with added perlite or sand for good aeration.
Watering: Rubber plants prefer to be watered when the top 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) of soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important not to let the plant sit in water. During winter months, the plant needs less frequent watering.
Humidity: They prefer moderate to high humidity but can tolerate average indoor humidity levels.
Care Tips:
Pruning: Rubber plants benefit from occasional pruning to maintain their shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead or damaged leaves.
Fertilizing: Regular feeding during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer can promote healthy growth. Avoid fertilizing in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant.
Repotting: Rubber plants can grow quite large, so they may need to be repotted every 1-2 years to ensure the roots have enough space to grow.
Benefits and Uses:
Air Purification: Like many houseplants, the rubber plant is believed to improve indoor air quality by removing toxins from the air.
Ornamental Value: Its large, glossy leaves make it an attractive choice for both homes and offices. It’s commonly used as a decorative plant in interior spaces.
Low Maintenance: Rubber plants are generally considered low-maintenance, making them perfect for beginners or those with busy schedules.
Common Problems:
Yellowing Leaves: This is often a sign of overwatering or underwatering. It can also indicate poor light conditions.
Leaf Drop: If the plant sheds leaves, it could be due to stress factors like sudden temperature changes, drafts, or overwatering.
Pests: Rubber plants can be susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects, though they are relatively pest-resistant compared to other houseplants.
The rubber plant is not only a great addition to any interior space but also an easy-to-care-for plant that can thrive with minimal attention, making it a favorite among plant enthusiasts.
REC: After getting (( VERY VERY IMPORTANT )) the plants, AVOID exposing them to direct sunlight as it can cause leaf BURN. AVOID overwatering your plants. The primary reason for outdoor plant demise is excessive watering.
Planting: Excavate a hole double the size in width and depth compared to the polybag that contains your plant. Fill it up, blending compost with the topsoil. Insert the plant into the newly loosened soil. It is essential to water both Rare Live Plant & Regular (Morning 300ml).
NOTE 1: The plant may appear dry due to transportation time.Joyofplants However, the plant is still healthy because it is an outdoor plant. Place it back in the soil, apply the included fertilizer, water it, and monitor it for a week. It will restore its freshness.
Note 2: image is for reference only. Appearance of actual product may vary based on factors such as climate, age, and height.
✅ Easy To Grow
✅Hybrid Varient
✅Suitable for Indian Climate
✅best plant for garden.
✅Safe and Good Packaging
✅Easy Grow in pot