PlantWhy

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.

Rubber Plant
Photo: B.navez, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
💧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

  1. Place near a bright window, out of strong afternoon sun.
  2. Water deeply when the top 2 in is dry.
  3. Water less in winter when growth slows.
  4. Feed monthly in spring and summer with balanced fertilizer.
  5. Wipe the large leaves regularly to keep them glossy.
  6. Cut the top in spring if you want a bushier plant; wear gloves for the milky sap.
  7. 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

Soil and mulch calculator

Similar plants

Fiddle-Leaf FigMonsteraDragon Tree

Sources

This page is general guidance; no pesticide doses are given.