Rubber plants (Ficus elastica) are the perfect way to bring a touch of the tropics into your home. With their shiny, deep green or burgundy leaves, they add a bold, stylish vibe to any room. These plants are pretty hardy and can grow tall if you give them the right care. They need plenty of bright, indirect light, some humidity, and regular watering to thrive—but don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds!
Whether you’re looking to keep it compact or let it grow into an indoor tree, rubber plants adapt well to different spaces. Plus, they’re great at purifying the air, making your home even fresher.
Popular Rubber Plant Varieties
- Burgundy Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica ‘Burgundy’)
- Tineke Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica ‘Tineke’)
- Black Prince Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica ‘Black Prince’)
Care
- Water: Rubber plants prefer a balance—water when the top inch of soil feels dry, but don’t let the plant sit in soggy soil. Overwatering can cause the leaves to droop or turn yellow, so go easy with the watering can.
- Light: They love bright, indirect light, but can handle some low light too. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves, but a little morning sun is fine.
- Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix to keep roots healthy. Mixing in some perlite or coarse sand helps with drainage and prevents water from building up.
- Temperature: Rubber plants thrive in temperatures between 60-75°F (16-24°C). They prefer a bit of humidity but can handle normal room conditions—misting the leaves once in a while can keep them looking shiny.
Growing Rubber Plants
Rubber plants grow well indoors, reaching about 6 to 10 feet tall with the right care. They need plenty of bright, indirect light and space to spread out, as mature plants can get up to 3 feet wide. When choosing a spot, make sure it has room for the plant to grow both upward and outward. If you have limited space, go for a compact variety like Ficus elastica congesta.
Repotting is key to keeping them healthy as they grow—pick a pot that’s just a bit bigger than the current one so the roots can spread. For detailed tips on repotting, check out our full guide.
Pruning
Pruning helps control the height of your rubber plant and keeps it looking neat. The best time to trim is at the beginning of spring when the growing season starts. If you’re letting your rubber plant grow tall, you might need a support like a bamboo pole to keep it from tipping over. Dust can build up on those big, shiny leaves, so wipe them down with a damp cloth now and then to keep them looking fresh.
Common Pests
Frequently Asked Questions
Can rubber plants take full sun?
They do best in indirect or dappled sunlight, but too much direct sun can scorch their leaves.
Do rubber plants like humidity?
Rubber plants thrive in moderate humidity levels, ideally between 50% to 60%, similar to their tropical origins.
What conditions do rubber plants like?
They need well-draining soil, some humidity, and regular feeding during spring and summer. While they like moisture, they can handle typical indoor dry air too.
How do you make a rubber plant happy?
Keep their soil a bit moist, give them some light, and make sure the room temperature feels comfortable.
