Rubber Plant indoor: A Faintly Smelly Indoor Plant You Should Get To Know
Unless you live in an exceptionally humid environment, keeping indoor plants can be a challenge. Most will thrive for a period of time and then wither away. The primary reason for this is the lack of humidity in the air. Many interior spaces have extremely low levels of humidity, which makes it impossible for most plants to survive for very long. The rubber plant indoor is one excellent indoor plant that rarely experiences issues with low humidity and can thrive in just about any interior space. It’s also pretty easy to care for and maintain. Rubber plant care seems complicated at first glance, but if you follow these simple tips, your rubber plant should thrive. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about caring for a rubber plant
What is a Rubber Plant?
The rubber plant, or Ficus elastica, is a type of fig tree that produces striking glossy green leaves. It’s the only Ficus species that’s cultivated as an indoor plant. The genus Ficus includes many species of tree, shrub, and vine, some of which are native to tropical rainforests. A rubber plant indoor is part of the fig family, and is a tropical tree that’s easy to grow, but requires humid conditions. The rubber plant is native to Southeast Asia and thrives under warm temperatures and high humidity, making it a popular indoor plant. Rubber plants, both large and small, are excellent low-maintenance houseplants and are easy to propagate. The small, one-gallon plants are great for patios or other small spaces and are readily available at most garden centers.
How to Care for a Rubber Plant
The rubber plant is an easy-to-maintain houseplant that thrives when given the right growing conditions. It’s best to keep it in a sunny, warm and humid place. This indoor plant can survive in low light, but it won’t thrive in such conditions. The key to successful rubber plant indoor care is to provide adequate humidity and warmth. This is especially important in winter when the plant is less able to regulate its own temperature and humidity. The rubber plant is tolerant of both high and low temperatures, but will suffer in extreme conditions.
Lighting Requirements for a Rubber Plant
While the rubber plant can survive in low-light conditions, it won’t thrive in such environments. The rubber plant needs bright, direct sunlight and a wide temperature range. It’s best to keep it in a well-lit spot, preferably near a southeast-facing window or a spot that gets direct sun for at least a few hours each day. If you live in a climate with low light for some or all of the year, you can supplement with artificial light. However, it’s still best to keep the rubber plant indoor in a place that receives plenty of natural light whenever possible. You can also try growing your rubber plant indoors under a grow light. The only downside of this is that you’ll need to find a place to put the light fixture. You can’t just set it on the floor next to the plant.
Watering Schedule for a Rubber Plant
Most indoor plants don’t require a lot of water and should be watered sparingly. The rubber plant is quite different in this respect. It’s a tropical plant that requires far more water than many other indoor varieties. Rubber plants should be watered frequently, but it’s best not to overdo it. When the top of the soil is dry, it’s time to water the plant again. The best way to water a rubber plant is to let the soil dry out between each watering. This will help keep both plant diseases and fungus from forming. The key to successful rubber plant care is to provide ample water, but not too much.
Other tips for caring for a rubber plant
– Keep the soil moist at all times. If the soil becomes too dry, it can damage the plant’s roots. This can stunt the plant’s growth and even kill it. – Avoid over-fertilizing. This can lead to an excess of nutrients in the soil, which can harm the plant. Feed the plant with a controlled-release fertilizer once per month. – Protect the plant from drafts. It doesn’t tolerate air flow very well, so keep it away from doors, windows and vents. – Keep the plant out of direct sunlight for most of the day. This will help keep it from getting too hot, which can damage it. – Keep the rubber plant indoor away from extremely cold areas. It can tolerate low temperatures, but only for a short period of time. – Be patient. It takes a long time for a rubber plant indoor to reach maturity. This indoor plant usually takes several years to flower, so don’t expect a mature specimen to bloom soon after being planted.
Conclusion
The rubber plant, or Ficus elastica, is a tropical tree that thrives as an indoor plant. It can survive in low-light conditions, but it won’t thrive in such environments. It’s best to keep it in a well-lit spot, preferably near a southeast-facing window or a spot that gets direct sun for at least a few hours each day. The key to successful rubber plant care is to provide ample water, but not too much. The rubber plant indoor requires frequent watering, but it’s best not to overdo it. When the top of the soil is dry, it’s time to water the plant again.
References:
1-DERMATITIS CAUSED BY MEXICAN RUBBER PLANT
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/519059
2-FACTORS AFFECTING U.S. CONSUMER PATRONAGE OF GARDEN CENTERS AND MASS-MERCHANDISERS
https://www.actahort.org/books/831/831_35.htm