Rubber Plant, Ficus Elastica Plant

Description

The rubber plant, Ficus Elastica, is a stylish and enduring houseplant with broad, shiny leaves that also purifies air. It is a favorite for indoor gardening in Southeast Asia, as it has a bold, tropical presentation and requires easy care. It is available in deep green, burgundy, and variegated forms, thus making it a versatile choice in home and office decorations.

Key features:

• Beautiful Foliage: Large, thick, and glossy leaves with a waxy texture, rich green, burgundy, or variegated patterns.
• Growth Habit: Upright and bushy, growing to several feet tall indoors with proper care.
• Air-Purifying Benefits: Removes airborne toxins, improving indoor air quality.
• Easy to Maintain: Adaptable and low-maintenance, perfect for beginners and experienced plant lovers alike.

Care Guide:

Light Requirements:

• Prefers bright, indirect light for optimal growth.
• Can tolerate medium light, but may grow less.
• Avoid more direct sunlight for long periods of time as it can burn leaves.

Watering:

• Water when the top 1-2 inches of the soil feels dry.
• Water less during the winter.
• Do not water too much as Rubber Plants tend to have problems with root rot.

Soil:

• Use a potting mix that drains well such as peat, perlite, and sand.
• A good quality, indoor potting mix is ideal

Temperature & Humidity:

• Will do great in temperatures between 60–80°F (16–27°C).
• Favorable moderate humid condition; even infrequent misting is an advantage in very dry areas
• Away from drafty cold breezes and fluctuating temperatures.

Feeding:

• Feeding a liquid fertilizer, a balanced type for once a month in growing conditions, that’s spring and summer
• Fall and winter: feed not necessary.

Pruning & Keeping:

• Pruning leggy leaves and dead foliage to shape well.
• Clean up dust off with damp cloth that helps brighten up leaves’ appearance.

Repotting:

• Repot every 1-2 years or when the roots outgrow the pot.
• Use a pot with good drainage to prevent water retention.

Propagation:

• Stem cuttings placed in water or soil will easily propagate.

Pet Safety:

• Toxic to pets if ingested. Keep away from cats and dogs.

The Rubber Plant is a statement piece for any indoor space as it brings that splash of nature to your room with its luscious, glossy leaves. It has very low maintenance requirements and excellent air purifying capabilities, making it a great addition to both homes and offices, bringing beauty along with functionality.