Rubber Plant (Ficus Tree) Care
Ficus trees are very easy to care for once they are settled into their new environment. After they adjust to their new home, they will thrive in a spot with bright indirect light and a consistent watering schedule. Happy in virtually any situation that avoids direct blazing sunshine, your Ficus is a beautiful, low-maintenance indoor plant.
How to care for your Rubber Tree
- LIGHT
Your Burgundy Rubber Tree prefers bright indirect light. Direct sunlight in the morning or late afternoon is fine, but avoid harsh midday sun which may cause leaf scorch. This plant does not tolerate low light.
- WATER
Water when 50%-75% of the soil volume is dry. Water slowly so that it soaks into the soil until it flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. Discard any excess water that accumulates in the saucer.
- HUMIDITY
Your Rubber Tree does fine in average household humidity, but wonât mind added humidity with a pebble tray or nearby humidifier.
- TEMPERATURE
The Burgundy Rubber Tree enjoys temperatures from 60° â 80°F.
- FOOD
Feed once a month during the spring and summer with an all-purpose fertilizer for indoor plants. No fertilizer is needed in the fall and winter months when growth naturally slows.
- TOXICITY
This plant is considered toxic to humans and pets if ingested.Â
- ADDITIONAL CARE
Rubber Trees are sensitive to being moved. If you have to move your plant to a drastically different spot, do so gradually. Any sudden changes can cause leaves to drop. When pruning your plant, be careful of the milky latex substance that may leak out where cuts have occurredâthis is a mildly toxic irritant. If you get the sap on your hands or skin, wash with warm water and soap immediately.
Common Issues for your Rubber Tree
Moisture
The most common cause of yellowing leaves among Rubber Trees is improper soil moistureâin particular, overwatering. Only water your Rubber Tree when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Soil should remain damp, but not wet. In the winter, you can allow your plant to dry out a little more between waterings.
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When you water, make sure you provide enough water so that liquid flows from the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and into the saucer. Itâs extremely important to discard any excess water in the saucer, as your Rubber Tree will not respond well to âwet feet,â which causes the roots to rot and the eventual death of the plant.
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Providing proper and consistent soil moisture is important in caring for a Rubber Tree. Alternating between bone dry and wet soil from ill-timed waterings can create stress and cause your Rubber Tree to yellow.Â
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Your humidity level
Low humidity and dry soil cause leaves to droop and brown on their edges, later followed by entire yellowing. Misting the leaves of your Rubber Tree often will increase the humidity.Â
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Improper Light
Rubber Trees will grow best when placed in bright indirect sunlight. When exposed to direct sunlight for too long, the foliage will burn. While Rubber Trees can adapt to low light areas, their growth will slow and the leaves will fade from dark burgundy to a greener color.
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Pests
A weakened or stressed Rubber Tree is more susceptible to insect infestations. Sap-sucking bugs like spider mites can drain your plant of moisture. This problem quickly manifests itself by yellowing leaflets and fronds. Scale, mealybugs, and spider mites occur frequently in indoor conditions. If not killed early on, these small pests proliferate and move all along frond parts into nooks and crannies. The piercing mouths of the insects exhaust your plant and accelerate yellowing, especially if your Rubber Tree is already unhealthy from poor lighting, a nutrient deficiency or improper soil moisture. Learn how to treat common houseplant pests here.
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Some yellowing is natural
Is your Rubber Tree pushing out new growth? If there is new growth on your plant and the yellowing leaves are older, particularly at the bottom of the plant, this yellowing is natural. Your plant sheds its old leaves and sends energy to new growth.
Improper Light
The most likely reason the leaves of your Rubber Tree are fading from deep, dark, burgundy is due to a lack of light. Your plant prefers bright indirect light. It will tolerate low light, but the leaves will fade to a light green color. If your Rubber Tree gets less light while actively growing, the leaves will actually become larger!
If you suspect your plant is fading because of itâs access to light, take a look at your space and find a sunnier spot. Your Rubber Tree would love to be placed near a window.
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Time for a check-up
Now is a great time for some TLC. Before you move your plant to its new spot, check in with it to see if it needs a trim or if it could benefit from a good soak.