The Ficus elastica, also known as a Rubber Plant or rubber fig-plant is easy to identify with its lush green leaves that come together at the end in an elegant shape.
The glossy sheen on these leaves make them stand out from any other type of greenery and will provide ongoing color wherever you choose to show yours off!
Ficus Elastica “Rubber Plant” Facts
The popular houseplant is an evergreen in nature and adds color to homes all year round. It can be displayed throughout the home or office, adding interest for any space!
The rubber tree is a very unusual plant because of its ability to grow over 100 feet tall in the wild. However, when grown indoors under controlled conditions it will only reach heights around 10 feet.
The Rubber plants are named for their response to damage and cutting. The thick milky sap these plants secrete was once used in the production of rubber, but it can also trigger skin irritation that some people with latex allergies may experience.
Toxic Traits
The Rubber plants are especially toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Moreover, the white sap produced by Rubber Plant’s broken leaves can cause mild irritation as well as allergic reactions in both children or adults alike – so take some necessary steps to make sure that the plant location isn’t easily accessible!
Growing and Caring for Rubber Plants
Rubber trees are a great houseplant because they’re fairly easy to grow and need only the right light, moisture and fertilizer. Yes that’s it! Your rubber plant will thrive indoors as long as you keep up with its needs- such an easy task for any green thumbed person!
Though they’re able to survive in low-light conditions, many plants that are grown indoors will still drop their leaves if exposed to too much sunlight. The plant’s overall health can also be negatively impacted by direct sun exposure – even on cloudy days!
If you want your Rubber Plant to be happy, then it’s best that they have bright indirect light and plenty of water. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot or even disease development!
It might be necessary to spritz your plants with water throughout winter when indoor humidity is especially low.
Fertilizing Your Plants
Good rubber plant care means that you should fertilize your plants with a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer every two weeks in warmer months. If they’re growing in lower light, then apply it less frequently.
Seed Starting and Propagating
If you’re looking to grow your own rubber fig tree, then it’s likely that a local nursery will not have what you need. Luckily for plant lovers everywhere there are two ways of propagating this hardy fruit-bearing species: cuttings and air layering techniques along with rooting hormones which stimulate root growth!
Though it is possible to propagate rubber plants through cuttings, the process of growing from seed will require some additional research and patience.
If you’re looking to grow your own rubber trees, be sure that the seeds come from reputable sources and not just any old plant. This way they’ll have more chance of being disease-free and true to type!