Rubber Plant Care

Rubber plant basically refers to three types of plants, namely, Pará rubber tree or Hevea brasiliensis, Indian rubber bush or Ficus elastica, and baby rubber plant or Peperomia obtusifolia. Out of these, Pará rubber plant is a large tree native to South America and is the source of natural rubber, while the Ficus elastica or Indian rubber plants and baby rubber plants are ornamental plants. Indian rubber plants belongs to the genus of fig, and are widely popular as houseplants for their exotic, large and thick glossy green, or burgundy colored leaves. This tree is native to the Northeastern regions of India and south to Indonesia.

Indian Rubber Plant

It is one of those few indoor plants that can be easily grown without requiring much care and maintenance. At the same time, with its characteristic thick and glossy leaves, the Indian rubber tree can be an excellent indoor plant for adding a touch of beauty and splendor to your home. The most crucial point is maintaining the proper balance between the amount of water and light it receives.

Generally, the plant prefers moderate lighting conditions, and it also does not require much water. The best place for a growing it is the place that receives bright, but indirect sunlight. You can place it near a window, if it has curtains. The ideal daytime temperature is 70 to 80 degree Fahrenheit, while during the night it should ideally be 65 degree Fahrenheit. As the plant can reach a height of about 30 to 40 meters, it is better to choose a medium-sized or small pot. This would keep the growth of the plant in check. But if the roots overgrow the pot, then replanting it in a larger pot would be required.

As far as the watering is concerned, the plant would need plenty of water during the growing season. However, over watering should be avoided, as the leaves can turn yellow or brown. The plant may also start to lose its foliage as a result of over watering. Similarly, the leaves can start drooping if it does not get enough water. The best way is to keep the soil moist, while maintaining proper drainage. The water requirement would be quite less during the winter or dormant season. Watering once or twice in a month would be sufficient during this period. The best time for applying fertilizer is the spring and the summer.

Pruning is mainly required to improve its look as well as growth. Cutting the growing tips would help to check the height of the plant, while pruning the stems on the sides would be helpful to maintain a bushy look. While pruning the plant, be sure to use only sharp knife or pruning clipper to remove all dead and decaying leaves and branches. The ideal time for pruning is the dormant season, i.e. the early spring.

Baby Rubber Plant

The Baby rubber plant or Peperomia obtusifolia is another popular houseplant that can grow up to a height of 1 foot. The plant is characterized by oblong and glossy green foliage. Like Indian rubber plants, they are also easy to grow and do not require much care and attention. It also prefers bright, but indirect sunlight, and a moderate level of humidity. The ideal temperature for growing this plant is 60 to 85 degree Fahrenheit. Misting can be done occasionally, especially during the summer, to maintain the appropriate level of humidity.

The soil should be rich in organic matter and it should be kept moist for growing baby rubber plants. During the growing season, the plant would need adequate water. The best way is to insert your finger into the soil to asses the soil moisture. If you feel that the soil is dry, then water it immediately, and if possible, use slightly warm water. Be sure to reduce the frequency of watering during the winter or dormant season. The baby rubber plant would require fertilization for proper growth. The best time for the application of fertilizer is April and July.

Mealybugs are the most important pests of baby rubber plants, while the Indian rubber plant is susceptible to spider mites, thrips and scale insects. Therefore, you have to be a bit watchful to protect your plant from the invasion of these pests. If properly taken care of, both the Indian and baby rubber plants can be excellent houseplants, with their unique and beautiful foliage. The key to care for this plant is to place it in an area that receives bright, indirect sunlight, and watering and pruning at the right time.