· Learn how to grow and care for rubber tree plants (Ficus elastica) indoors or outdoors. Discover watering, light, humidity, pruning, propagation, and seasonal care tips to keep your plants healthy and thriving. Master Rubber tree plant care with this complete guide to light, watering, soil, humidity, fertilizing, pruning, repotting, propagation, and fixes for common problems. 1 day ago · The RubberTree’s longevity and relatively low maintenance requirements make it a favored choice for both experienced plant owners and beginners. Essential Environmental Needs The placement of a RubberTree is fundamental to its long-term health. This plant thrives best in bright, indirect light throughout the day. The wildly popular houseplant is evergreen in nature, adds year-round color and interest, and can grow to a dramatic size indoors. "Though able to reach heights over 100 feet when grown in their native range, indoor rubber trees will be content to maintain much more manageable sizes, usually up to about 10 feet," says Tonya Barnett, a YouTube creat...See full list on marthastewart.comThough they are hardy outdoors in USDA zones 9, 10, and 11, it's most common to grow rubber plants indoors. "Ficus elastica makes a wonderful houseplant for colder zones because it doesn't need high intensity sunlight or heat," says Mercer.See full list on marthastewart.comThough rubberplants are most commonly grown as houseplants, they can survive in the ground in warmer parts of the United States. "It should be planted in a shady location with filtered sunlight, as it naturally grows in the understory of tropical rainforests," says Mercer. "Unlike most indoor plants, rubber plants can grow quite tall outdoors and ...See full list on marthastewart.comRubber plants are dormant in the winter, so whether they are grown indoors or out, they need less water. "Water them every 2 to 3 weeks when the soil feels dry," says Mercer. "Dormant plants will not require any feeding."See full list on marthastewart.comIf you want to prune your rubber plant for size or shape, or to remove dead or crossing branches, the best time is in late spring or early summer, says Mercer. "If your plant is too tall, you can cut off the crown to the desired height," she says. "If you would like to promote a bushy shape, cut back lateral side shoots just after a growth node—the...See full list on marthastewart.comRubber plants grow quickly in pots, says Mercer, and you should expect to repot the plant when you can see the roots—typically every two to three years. Repot the plant in early spring, near the end of its dormant period, into a container 2 to 4 inches bigger than the current one. "Fill the container partway with loamy, well-draining, slightly acid...See full list on marthastewart.comThe rubber plant may be native to Southeast Asia, but you can find one for your home in most places where houseplants are sold. "Although rubber fig trees are typically easy to find at your local nursery, plant enthusiasts may want to propagate their own," Sangha says. "This can be done using cuttings or air layering techniques along with rooting h...See full list on marthastewart.comThough it is possible to propagate rubber plants through cuttings, it is also possible to grow from seed. Barnett says that this process will require some research and patience. "Since rubber plants seldom set seed indoors, hopeful growers should make certain to obtain [seeds] only from reputable sources," she says, adding that this will help to en...See full list on marthastewart.comSeveral common types of insects are drawn to the sap of the ficus plant's leaves, including mealybug, thrips, and scales, says Mercer; these tiny pests can often be wiped off using a cloth dipped in alcohol. "The most common diseases of ficus include anthracnose, root rot, and bacterial leaf spot," says Mercer. 1. Anthracnose:If you see the brownis...See full list on marthastewart.comAug 7, 2025 · This section of our caring for a rubbertreeplant guide focuses on creating the perfect environment for your Ficus to settle in and thrive. Get these three things right, and you’re 90% of the way there. · Rubber tree plants are easy to care for. Learn how to grow Ficus elastica: water, light, soil, fertilizer, pruning, repotting, pests and more! · Discover howtocare for your rubberplant with this complete guide on Ficus Elastica. Learn the best plant care tips, how to water your rubbertree, and more. · This section of our caring for a rubbertreeplant guide focuses on creating the perfect environment for your Ficus to settle in and thrive. Get these three things right, and you’re 90% of the way there. · Rubber tree plants are easy to care for. Learn how to grow Ficus elastica: water, light, soil, fertilizer, pruning, repotting, pests and more! · Discover howtocare for your rubberplant with this complete guide on Ficus Elastica. Learn the best plant care tips, how to water your rubbertree, and more.
