Moderate Tropical Toxic to pets

Rubber Tree

Ficus elastica

The Rubber Tree is an imposing indoor tree with large glossy dark green leaves.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 10 days
Light

Bright indirect light
Humidity

50–60 %
Temperature

15–30 °C

How to care for your Rubber Tree

Everything you need to keep your Rubber Tree healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Ficus elastica, native to India and Malaysia, was once cultivated industrially to produce latex. Indoors, it forms a beautiful tree with large very glossy dark green oval leaves. It grows quickly in favorable conditions and can reach the ceiling. There are varieties with burgundy or variegated leaves that are very decorative.

Watering your Rubber Tree

Every 10 days

Water moderately; allow the top third of the substrate to dry out before watering again.

How to know it needs water

Substrate dry 2–3 cm below the surface
Leaves appearing slightly less turgid

How much light a Rubber Tree needs

Bright indirect light

Bright indirect light; tolerates some direct morning sun but avoid scorching afternoon exposure.

Direct sun tolerated: 0 to 2 h a day
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, South-east, South, South-west, West, North-west

Humidity and misting

50–60 %

Medium (50–60%) Wipe the large leaves periodically with a damp cloth to remove dust and maintain their characteristic glossy appearance.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 30 days

Apply monthly from March to August only; withhold in autumn and winter.

Recommended feed: Nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer · 3-1-2

Repotting your Rubber Tree

Every 24 months

Use an all-purpose potting mix; wear gloves as the latex sap is irritating and stains clothing.

When: Spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, pine bark, coco fibre

The tell-tale signs

Roots emerging from drainage holes
Growth slowing noticeably despite good care

Pruning your Rubber Tree

Pinch or cut the main stem to encourage lateral branching; best done in spring. Cut at 45° just above a node; blot the cut with a damp cloth to remove latex sap.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 14 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 8 in the growing season.

13 J
12 F
10 M
9 A
8 M
8 J
8 J
9 A
10 S
11 O
13 N
14 D

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

Latex sap is toxic and irritating to both pets and humans; wear gloves when pruning or repotting.

Good to know

Its latex sap was used to make natural rubber
Can live more than 20 years indoors if well maintained

Frequently asked questions about the Rubber Tree

How do you care for a Rubber Tree?

Water it every 10 days. Give it bright indirect light. Ideal humidity: 50–60 %. Ideal temperature: 15–30 °C. Water moderately; allow the top third of the substrate to dry out before watering again.

How often should you water a Rubber Tree?

Every 10 days Water moderately; allow the top third of the substrate to dry out before watering again. How to know it needs water : Substrate dry 2–3 cm below the surface ; Leaves appearing slightly less turgid.

How much light does a Rubber Tree need?

Bright indirect light Bright indirect light; tolerates some direct morning sun but avoid scorching afternoon exposure. 0 to 2 h a day

Is the Rubber Tree toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Latex sap is toxic and irritating to both pets and humans; wear gloves when pruning or repotting. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my Rubber Tree leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Rubber Tree?

Repot every 24 months, ideally in spring. Use an all-purpose potting mix; wear gloves as the latex sap is irritating and stains clothing.