A Ficus Elastica needs bright and indirect sunlight.
Ideally, you should place it close to a window or near an area where there is plenty of natural light, but away from direct sunlight.
This means that you should avoid placing it close to windows with direct afternoon sunlight, as this could burn the leaves.
A Ficus Elastica is quite sensitive to overwatering.
It also doesn't like to dry out, so it's best to water it when the top inch of the soil is dry.
This helps your Rubber Tree to stay in a moist environment, without being too wet or dry.
The sap of a Ficus Elastica contains latex which makes it toxic and it should be kept away from both pets and young children.
When handling this houseplant, make sure to wash your hands afterward, in case of any possible allergic reactions due to its latex content.
If you want your houseplant to reach its full potential and grow healthy you should fertilize it once every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
This will give your houseplant enough energy to produce new leaves and reach its full-size potential indoors.
To create the ideal soil mixture for a Ficus Elastica, combine 1 part peat moss with 1 part perlite, and 1 part general potting soil.
This will retain the necessary moisture while draining any excess away to prevent overwatering.
When your Ficus Elastica has been growing bigger than expected or there is simply not enough room in its current pot, it’s time to repot it.
Signs that your Ficus needs repotting include yellowing or wilted leaves, roots poking through the drainage holes of its pot, and slow growth.
Pruning your Rubber Tree is not always necessary but it can help control the size and shape of your plant.
If you want to prune your Rubber Tree, remove only dead or diseased branches with sharp scissors or bypass cutters.
To ensure healthy growth, prune your plant in the spring and summer months when the Rubber Tree is actively growing.
Yes, you can propagate your Rubber Tree.
To do so, start by taking a cutting of approximately 3-4 inches and place the cutting into a pot filled with moist potting mix and cover with a clear plastic bag or glass jar.
Keep in indirect sunlight or fluorescent light and water regularly until the roots have been established.
The size of the pot you choose for your Rubber Tree depends on the size of your plant.
A pot should be no more than 2 inches wider than the root mass, and about 6-8 inches deeper to provide enough room for growth.
Make sure the container has adequate drainage, too.