Everything You Need to Know About Ficus Elastica Rubber Plants

Name of the plant:

Common name: Rubber Bush/ Plant/ Tree

Scientific name:  Ficus Elastica

 

The other name or botanical name for the Rubber plant is Ficus Elastica. It is an ornamental plant that belongs to the Ficus genus. It can be found growing in the outside world as long as even 30 meters tall, out in the wild.  But if it is grown in the home, they can be more easily managed. So if one is interested in growing a plant at home that has an average height of 1 ft to around 8 ft or more, this becomes a really good choice for anyone.

 

About the plant:

There are so many varieties of rubber plants that are grown around the world. F. elastica decor is the most commonly found one amongst other varieties of the plant. This plant has shiny leaves that are similar to feathers. It is a manageable plant that grows around 1ft to 2 ft tall

 

How it looks when displayed:

Rubber plants are mostly kept at homes, for they are small plants and easy to take care of.  It can be used as a decorative piece at home, be it on tables or at the windowsill, etc. till it is 1 or 2 ft tall. However, when it starts growing any taller, they can be used alongside the doors or placed behind sofas. They are simple to manage and pretty to look at. And with plain green shiny leaves, they make an excellent choice to be kept at home.

 

How to take care of these plants:

They are easy to take care of. They just should not be over-watered. They should be kept in places with quite good sunlight.  Cold temperature is not suitable for their growth. So, they should be in well-lit spots.

 

Origin of the plant:

The plant is said to be originated in countries like Nepal, India, China, Myanmar, Malaysia, etc.

 

Approximate maximum height it grows to:

10 ft. i.e 3 metres

 

Toxicity: 

These are not good for animals and toxic to dogs and cats.

 

Temperature:

Average room temp: 15-24°C.

They should not be kept at low temperatures.

 

Light required:

A nice bright room filled with sunlight is extremely good for plant growth.

 

The watering need of the plant:

You should water the plant when you see the soil has started becoming dry. Also, ensure that the pot has enough holes so that excess water can be drained out. Never over-water the plant as it can affect its growth.

 

Soil required:

The soil used for growing the plant should be well-draining, and it should be well-aerated. It should be moreover changed every year. Peat, bark, and coarse sand in equal parts make an excellent combination for the good growth of the plant.

 

Repotting time:

Suitable time would be a bit warmer, like from May to June. Soil should be renewed every year while the plant can be repotted like once in 2 to 3 years. However, the roots should be strong enough that they grow in the new reported environment.

 

Humidity level:

Normal room temperature with normal humidity is suitable. When the temperature gets high,   you can always mist the leaves twice or thrice a day if needed to keep a suitable humid environment.

 

Propagation techniques:

Using stem cutting can be a tough way to propagate a new rubber plant. But with enough attention and skill, you can succeed in growing one. The cutting that you have chosen should be a few inches long. The sap should be tried at least one hour before propagation. Rooting hormone can also be used to help in root formation. During the initial stage of the propagation, the pot should be kept at a suitable temperature, which is around 24 degrees celsius ideally. If the temperature is any lower, heat should be provided to the pot so that the root formation can begin easily.

 

Pruning techniques:

Before pruning, first, you must wait till the plant has achieved the desired height you want it to have. Then you can simply cut the top off. You can also prune back any unwanted branches so that your plant can have a fuller shape. The best season for pruning your plant can be summer or spring season, as the temperature is most suitable.

 

Cleaning methods:

You should gently clean the leaves of your plant with water. A very soft cloth or good quality of sponge can be used. After cleaning, your plant will have a clean look, and it will also be dust-free.

 

Problems with the plant:

• If you over-water your plant, you will see the plant losing a lot of leaves. Also, if there is not enough light or the temperature is low in the room, your plant will not be able to grow properly.
• Make sure that your plant is free of pests. The common pests that can inspect your plant are bugs, scales, or mites. There are bugs infecting sprays that come in the market that you can use to get rid of the pests and protect your plant.
• If you see your plant getting yellow, that means that the plant is not getting proper nutrients. The reason for it could be poor soil for overwatering of the plant or it being deprived of nourishment. So always make sure that you are taking care of the plant. Change the soil every year, do not overwater it, and meet its requirements.

 

 So if you are thinking of getting a plant at your home but cannot decide which one to bring, the rubber plant is a very suitable option. It can easily be taken care of. It does not have many requirements for growing well. All it needs is a sunny room with sunlight, a suitable temperature around 24 degrees celsius, and no over-watering. The soil can be changed every year, and it can be repotted every three years. Also, it can be grown from stem cuttings and can easily be pruned. What should be taken care of is that the plant does not get infected by pests. Otherwise, it is one of the best plants to keep at home.