Rubber Plant Care

Rubber Plants are classic statement houseplants with large, glossy leaves that add instant elegance to any room. Despite their impressive size, they're surprisingly low-maintenance. ## Basic Care **Light:** Bright, indirect light is ideal. Can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon rays. **Water:** Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Typically every 1-2 weeks. **Growth:** Can reach 6-8 feet indoors. Prune to control size and encourage branching. **Cleaning:** Wipe leaves weekly with a damp cloth to maintain their signature glossy appearance. ## Why Rubber Plants Make Great Houseplants - Impressive architectural presence - Tolerant of various light conditions - Fast-growing and rewarding - Large leaves make dramatic impact - Relatively pest-resistant ## Pruning and Shaping Rubber plants respond well to pruning: - **Height control**: Cut main stem to desired height - **Bushier growth**: Pinch or cut growing tips - **Best time**: Spring or early summer - **Tools**: Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners ## Common Varieties - **Elastica**: Classic green variety - **Burgundy**: Deep red-purple leaves - **Tineke**: Variegated cream and green - **Ruby**: Pink and cream variegation - **Abidjan**: Very dark, almost black leaves ## Natural Habitat Benefits In nature, rubber plants: - Can grow to 100+ feet tall - Produce milky latex sap (hence "rubber") - Support diverse wildlife ecosystems - Have aerial roots that create dramatic structures Understanding their natural environment helps us provide better indoor care.