if you like robust plants with large leaves, you need to know the false rubber tree! Under the right conditions (with the right lighting and watering), they will quickly transform into attractive specimens, serving as a focal point for any environment you place them in!

Also known as Ficus elastica (scientific name), the false rubber tree is a member of the fig tree family and gets its common name because its leaves are thick and flexible, not because it produces rubber, like the rubber tree itself. The large glossy leaves have a tropical feel to them, which makes perfect sense as they are native to Asia, particularly India, Malaysia and Java. In the wild, the rubber tree grows into a large ornamental tree.

If the interest has been planted, now you need to know about rubber tree care and from then on it will be easy as it is quite perfect in terms of being one of the best indoor plants you can choose!

3 tips for caring for the false rubber tree

Extremely beautiful and undemanding in care, it is no wonder that the false rubber tree is one of the favorites to have at home. See how to care for yours to grow beautiful and healthy!

See too

1. Location

Accustomed to the tropical climate, these plants need to be in places at room temperature, closer to heat than cold. Cold currents and very low temperatures can harm the plant. With regard to light, the sun needs to hit it indirectly, otherwise the leaves can be burned.

2. Leaves

The biggest attraction of this plant are the leaves, so it’s important to take care of them. Also thinking about the climate where it is native, humidity is extremely important, so spray water to ensure the necessary hydration, and wipe them with a cloth to remove the dust and release the pores of the leaves.

3. Watering

Try to keep the soil moist, but not soggy, excess water it can drown the plant and can be seen in the brown, drooping leaves. The ideal frequency for watering is weekly, always ensuring that the soil is not wet yet and that it has good drainage. In winter, the frequency can change to every fortnight.

Tips for Replanting the False Rubber Tree

• These plants grow very fast and can reach 3 m in height, so you may need to replant at some point. See the tips:
• wear a good quality compost mix. Fill the new pot so that the root ball is just below the rim.
• Place the ficus elastica in a new pot, gently loosening the root as you go.
• Fill with compost, pressing down lightly to ensure the plant is straight and firmly anchored in the new pot.
• Water the plant well after replanting it, and don’t let it dry out completely while it adjusts to its new pot.

Ficus elastica pruning

Rubber trees sometimes get long leaves, so you may need to trim them. pruning them. The best moment is at the end of winter, with good scissors, so that the plant can grow back without any problems.

Rubber tree stems ooze white sap when cut, which eventually darkens when exposed to oxygen, so the stems can end up looking a little messy at first, but you can disguise it by the foliage. And pruning will encourage continued growth of the plant.

Plants to have along with the False Rubber Tree

In addition to finding a spot with bright, indirect light, your rubber tree will benefit from growing alongside other houseplants as it will help create the moist environment they love. See the list: