A Ficus elastica or Rubber Tree plant, originated in India and Malaysia and was once grown for the rubber produced from its sap; today they are very popular indoor plants. They are considered poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children.
A Rubber Tree usually has 5”-12” large, thick, glossy leaves. Once damaged, the leaves cannot be trimmed and should be cut off. These plants can be used as a small plant for the table, a full lush bush on the floor, or a ten- foot specimen tree in a room with tall ceilings. Like a Ficus benjamin, a Rubber Tree doesn’t like to be moved and prefers constant temperatures. There are several varieties you can purchase: Burgundy Rubber Trees have reddish leaves, the Tricolor has grayish- green leaves with splashes of pink and cream, and the Doescheri has green leaves with splashes of pale yellow or creamy white.
Rubber plants need to be watered every 5-7 days. However, it depends on many factors like a size of a plant, temperature, sunlight, pot size, and more. So, we need to keep everything in mind while watering our plants. Rubber plant is tolerant to underwatering and can go without watering them enough.
Semi-shade – this plant needs a lot of sunlight, but it has to be protected from the strongest rays of the sun.
Mix the recommended amount of liquid fertilizer and water in a watering can. Then simply pour the mix into the soil as if you're watering the plant.
Prune branches back to a natural fork to avoid leaving unsightly stubs. Cuts bleed if pruned in late winter or early spring so pruning should only be done between mid-summer and early autumn.
