Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica · Houseplant
A bold indoor tree with large, thick, glossy leaves in deep green, burgundy or variegated forms. It is sturdier than its fiddle-leaf cousin and adapts well to life indoors, growing tall unless pruned.
💧WaterEvery 7–14 days, when top 2 in is dry (estimated)
☀️LightBright indirect light
🐾PetsToxic to cats and dogs
Care at a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect light; a little direct morning sun is fine
- Water
- When the top 2 in of soil is dry
- Soil
- Well-drained potting mix, pH 6.0–7.0
- Temperature
- Best 60–80 °F; keep above 55 °F
- Pot size
- Increase 2 in in diameter per repotting
- Pot
- Heavy pot with drainage holes
- Growth
- Moderate; 1–2 ft per year in good light (estimated)
- Lifespan
- Decades
When?
Repot in spring every 1–2 years while young. Prune in spring or early summer to encourage branching; new shoots grow just below the cut.
Step by step
- Place near a bright window, out of strong afternoon sun.
- Water deeply when the top 2 in is dry.
- Water less in winter when growth slows.
- Feed monthly in spring and summer with balanced fertilizer.
- Wipe the large leaves regularly to keep them glossy.
- Cut the top in spring if you want a bushier plant; wear gloves for the milky sap.
- Avoid moving it often; it may drop leaves after big changes.
Common problems
Sudden leaf dropShock from moving, cold drafts or overwatering; keep conditions steady.
Drooping leavesUsually underwatering; give a deep drink.
Leggy plant, few leavesToo little light; move to a brighter spot and prune to branch.
Pets
Toxic to cats and dogs; the milky sap irritates the mouth, skin and stomach. If in doubt, ask your vet.
Related tools
Similar plants
Sources
This page is general guidance; no pesticide doses are given.