Basic Rubber Plant Care
A strong contender for the easiest plant to care for, Rubber Plants are perfect for all plant parents. Here you’ll find all of our top tips on how to care for a Rubber Plant, as well as how to diagnose problems to help your plant to thrive.
| Light |
Bright Indirect LightI love the sunshine but too much direct light will damage my leaves. |
| Water |
Water ModeratelyI don’t like my soil to be too dry or too soggy. Little and often is what I’m after. |
| Humidity |
Medium HumidityPlease make sure the air isn’t too dry, otherwise I won’t be a happy plant. |
| Soil |
Potting SoilI need soil specifically for indoor plants as it retains the right amount of water. |
Rubber Plants love bright, indirect light
Although they can adjust to lower light levels, Rubber Plants prefer indirect sunlight. Make sure to keep them away from the direct sun however, as this can be really damaging for their leaves as it can very quickly cause leaf burn. Using a light meter is a great way to know how much light your plant is getting throughout the day.
Water thoroughly, but infrequently
Rubber plants need to be watered more in the warmer months to help with new growth. You should make sure the soil is moist, but never waterlogged to avoid any root rot. Using a moisture meter can really help figure out if your plant needs more water. If you may have overwatered your Rubber Plant, check out our root rot guide to see how to fix and prevent it in the future.
Rubber Plants need humidity
Rubber Plants can suffer from dry crispy or curling leaves if there isn’t much humidity in your home. A super easy way to increase the humidity is by using a humidifier to keep a nice consistent level.
Make sure to either mist their leaves or wipe them down with a damp cloth every so often. This will also keep your Rubber Plant’s leaves looking shiny and healthy.
Rubber Plants can be mildly toxic
Some people are allergic to the sap of Rubber Plants so make sure to wash your hands if you come into contact with any sap. Ingesting some of a leaf may also cause stomach irritation. Rubber Plants can also be mildly toxic to your pets so make sure your furry friends don’t ingest any of the leaves.
Propagating your Rubber Plant is easy
It’s quite simple to propagate your Rubber Plant as you can do it straight from a leaf cutting. Start by snipping off a healthy branch cutting and letting it root in water. Alternatively you can pot your Rubber Plant cutting it straight into soil.
Rubber Plants aren't fussy about temperature
Rubber Plants tend to do well in a range of temperatures so there is no need to worry about moving them around as the seasons change. The only thing to watch out for is that they are not next to any air vents or drafty windows and doors as this may cause temperature shock. Using a digital thermometer can help locate cold drafts or hotspots.
Pruning your Rubber Plant can help growth
We recommend pruning your Rubber Plant once a year with clean, sharp shears, as you can help control how you want it to grow. Pruning also helps encourage new healthy growth.
It is best to prune your Rubber Plant in Spring and avoid pruning it in the dormant months of Autumn and Winter.
Rubber Plant FAQs
Quick and simple answers to the most common questions we see about the Rubber Plant.
Are Rubber Plants good indoor plants?
Yes Rubber Plants make great indoor potted plants. Their elegant and minimalistic leaves easily become a focal point in every room and help bring personality and life to the space.
Are Rubber Plants easy to care for?
Yes, Rubber Plants are some of the easiest houseplants to care for as they don’t require much water, can thrive in a range of light conditions and adapt well to most environments and homes.
How do you take care of a Rubber Plant?
There are two main things to remember when caring for your Rubber Plant. Firstly, keep them away from intense full sun and secondly water infrequently but deeply.
How tall do Rubber Plants get?
If grown in the right environment and given the right care, Rubber Plants can grow between 5 to 10 feet. It’s also important that your Rubber Plant has the right sized pot so that the roots have enough space to grow.
Are Rubber Plants toxic?
Some people are allergic to the sap of Rubber Plants so make sure to wash your hands if you come into contact with any sap. Ingesting some of a leaf may also cause stomach irritation so best to keep children and pets away from them.
Do Rubber Plants grow quickly?
No, Rubber Plants are pretty slow growers and you’ll only see a few leaves growing each year. However, it means they won’t outgrow the space too quickly.
Can Rubber Plants tolerate full sun?
Whilst Rubber Plants can endure a little bit of direct sun, this is only really true during winter as the sun is a lot weaker. Keep them out of direct rays during summer as you risk leaf burn.
How often should I water my Rubber Plant?
Rubber Plants need to be watered more in the warmer months to help with new growth. You should make sure the soil is moist, but never waterlogged to avoid any root rot.
Using a moisture meter can really help figure out if your Rubber Plant needs more water as temperature, light level and plant size all impact how quickly the soil dries out.
Common Problems with your Rubber Plant
Here are some common issues that you might run into. It's important to diagnose any issues early to give your plant the best chance of bouncing back.
Why are my Rubber Plant's leaves turning yellow?
This can be a combination of overwatering and not enough sunlight. Check how moist your Rubber Plant’s soil is with a moisture meter and replace it with high-quality potting mix if necessary. We love the Miracle Gro potting mix especially designed for houseplants. If your Rubber Plant is in a shady spot, try to move it closer to a window so it gets more sunlight.
Why are leaves dropping off my Rubber Plant?
This can either be due to not enough sunlight or an extreme temperature. Make sure your plant is away from drafty windows or doors, radiators or air conditioning units. To determine what’s causing the issue you can use a light meter and digital thermometer to check the environment your plant is in. You can find out more about Rubber Plant losing leaves in our guide.
Why are my Rubber Plant's leaves drooping?
This is most often caused by underwatering your Rubber Plant. Check how dry the top few centimetres of the soil is, using a moisture meter and make sure to water your plant more regularly in the warmer months. We have written a comprehensive guide to help you diagnose why your Rubber Plant’s leaves are drooping.
Why is my Rubber Plant turning brown?
Brown leaves on your Rubber Plant is usually due to watering issues, too little or too much. Again, a moisture meter or chopstick method will help you determine moisture levels. Visit our guide to find more information about why your Rubber Plant’s leaves are turning brown.
Why are my Rubber Plant's leaves curling?
Curling leaves on a Rubber Plant are usually caused by watering issues or shock due to a sudden change in environment. Visit our guide for more information on how to stop your Rubber Plant’s leaves from curling.
My Rubber Plant looks as though it is dying
If you think your Rubber Plant is slowly dying on you, then you need to figure out what is causing the problem. Most often it is light or watering issues. We have written a whole guide on the various issues to help you diagnose why your Rubber Plant might be dying .
