Rubber Plant Care

Common Name: Rubber Plant
Scientific Name: Ficus elastica
Lighting: Moderate to Low
Watering: Heavy

The rubber plant is a popular houseplant found in many homes. Characterized by its thick, shiny, oval shaped foliage in either a deep green or burgundy color. The rubber plant requires medium to low light so keep within 5 to 8 feet of a window for best results. The rubber plant also requires heavy watering. It should be watered once or twice a week, keeping the soil moist at all times.

If lower leaves begin to yellow or die your rubber plant may be pot bound. The rubber plant is know for having extensive root development in some cases. Another cause of yellowing of leaves may be over watering. Be sure that your pot has the ability to drain excess water. You do not want your plants roots sitting in water. Placing 1 to 2 inches of pebble stones at the bottom of your pot usually prevents this problem.

The rubber plant is usually one of the easiest houseplants to care for. As long as the plant receives the recommended water levels, this plant can survive in low light environments. I say this plant is usually one of the easiest to care for because even though I have been told I have an excellent green thumb, this is the one houseplant I struggle to keep alive.

This houseplant is toxic if eaten by animals or children. It is one of many poisonous houseplants that are common in many homes.