Last Updated on April 6, 2022 by Guillermina
Wondering how to make a rubber plant bushy?
Rubber plants are popular indoor house plants. They are generally medium-sized but they can grow into towering trees given more time. Marcotted rubber plants can stay small and are great as an indoor decoration.
The elastic plant (Ficus elastica) is truly a monster among houseplants. While the plant cannot survive outside in cooler environments, its size and vegetation make it a popular houseplant for some individuals who have the space to develop it.
Despite their huge features, rubber plant trees can look sickly in the absence of proper care. However, you can make your rubber plant bushy again. Today on the blog, we are going to share some of the expert tips on growing a healthy and thriving rubber plant.
How To Care For A Rubber Plant
The way to rubber plant care is balance. It enjoys a perfect proportion of sun and water. If you can give it a perfect proportion of both, you’ll have a blissful, solid and tall rubber plant. rubber plant will show some signs that need more daylight. A common sign is when they begin to drop their lower leaves. Read on to find out about the best circumstances and care for your elastic plant.
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Light
Rubber plants incline toward brilliant light that isn’t excessively hot. Direct daylight can bring about burned leaves. You can keep your elastic plant near a window with a sheer drapery to give it a perfect proportion of daylight. The more variegated assortments need all the lighter to help draw out their shadings, so ensure they particularly get sufficient brilliant light.
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Water
Give the plant generous watering in the summer for good hydration. Keep the soil moist for all of your rubber plant. Wipe leaves to remove dust and moisture. When leaves are clean, they absorb sunlight easily.
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Temperatures
Rubber plants brow in temperatures between 60°F to 75°F. In the colder time of year, they can still live in temperature as low as 50°F. During winter season, when the climate is naturally cold, you simply need to provide your rubber plant with a balanced temperature for it to live.
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Soil & Fertilizer
Provide the proper succulent mix for your rubber plant. These plants like well-draining soil. A mix of sand, loam, and pumice will perform well but you can also purchase a read-mix gardening soil for your rubber plant. If you have purchased rubber plants cutting, soil is a critical factor for its growth. Using the wrong soil can cause your plants to suffer.
Rubber Plant: Repotting And Propagation
You don’t always shave to repot your rubber plant until every few years. Rubber plants are fast growers especially when taken indoors. If you want to keep it in the current size, simply use a medium pot to control its growth. With proper care, you will notice more leaves and fatter stems but the height will remain the same. This physique is something that you would want to achieve if you want a beautiful decoration for a dull corner of your home.
The easiest way to propagate rubber plants is to make small branch cuttings from a healthy mother plant. Let it sit on soil or water first to help it develop baby roots. Once they have developed roots, you can let them dry for a while and start replanting.
Another way to propagate it is by layering. To do this, cut a healthy mother plant and stick a toothpick in the opening. Wrap it in damp moss and then in a plastic wrap. In a couple of weeks, you would notice tiny roots growing from the incision. By the time it has roots, you can cut the stem or branch completely and re-plant it.
Indoor Or Outdoor – The Best Location For Rubber Plant
The best location for rubber plant is somewhere in the zone 10 and 11. You can plant the rubber plant outdoors to give it proper sunlight exposure. But once the temperature drops to zone 9, you need to take them inside.
You may save time with relocation by permanently locating your rubber plant inside your home. When grown indoors, place it near the window where it can get indirect sunlight exposure of at least 4-6 hours. Due to their size, they make a great space divider and privacy screening on decks.
Variegated rubber plants can look attractive in dull corners. This type of rubber plants have emerald to dark green leaves with pink to white variegations. In many countries, rubber plants are sold at an expensive price because of their natural beauty but variegated ones are even sold at higher prices.
FAQs
How do you fix a rubber leggy plant?
To fix a leggy rubber plant, simply give it the proper combination of factors to grow healthily. This includes sun, water, temperature, and ventilation. Avoid drowning the plant with water to make up for the days you haven’t watered it or if you want a steady supply of water when you’re out for work. Always remember, rubber plants are like succulents and they require well-drained soil and only a small moisture retention for consistent flow of nutrients.
Can I cut the top off my rubber plant?
You may cut the top of your rubber plant when pruning. But be careful that you cut them in odd proportions. Pruning a rubber pant requires artistic precision that you don’t make it look bad. We suggest cutting the twigs around it but do not cut the top entirely
How do you increase the growth of a rubber plant?
To increase the growth of a rubber plant, you can utilize a growth hormone or a fertilizer. Fertilize plant during the growing season and you will notice how much change it will bring. Just be careful when choosing a fertilizer.
Why do the leaves fall off my rubber plant?
Leaves are falling off your rubber plant because it is in distress. You need to check it for pests, improper watering, or over-exposure to direct sunlight.
