How to grow and care for a rubber plant

The Ficus elastica, commonly known as the rubber plant, is admired for its lush, dark green leaves. This versatile houseplant, native to Asia, adapts well to a variety of interiors, whether sleek, modern, or vintage. The plant gets its nickname from the latex-like sap that flows from its leaves, which was historically used to produce natural rubber.

Thinking about adding a rubber plant to your houseplant collection? Read on for our top tips on rubber tree plant care.

How to care for a rubber plant

The best spot for a rubber plant

Rubber plants love bright, indirect light and thrive in well-lit spaces. While they can handle some direct sunlight, avoid placing them in harsh midday sun during the summer months. Choose a location with plenty of natural light, ideally near an east-facing window or several feet away from a south or west-facing window. Finding the perfect spot might take some trial and error, but it’s worth the effort as rubber plants dislike sudden environmental changes. Once you’ve chosen a spot, avoid moving your rubber plant too often.

Additionally, rubber plants are sensitive to draughts, so place them in a draught-free area, away from doors or windows that open frequently. They grow best in rooms with temperatures above 13°C and with no large temperature swings, making them well-suited for typical UK homes.

Important note: The sap of the rubber plant is toxic to pets. Make sure your cats or dogs cannot reach the plant. When pruning, avoid direct skin contact with the sap as it can cause irritation.

How to water a rubber plant

Consistency is key when it comes to watering a rubber plant. It’s best to water it at the same time each week, using a consistent amount. To avoid overwatering, use your finger to check the top couple of centimetres of compost in the pot. If the compost is still moist, wait until it dries out before watering again. Don’t leave the pot standing in water for long periods, as this can lead to root rot.

Wipe the leaves with a soft cloth to keep them shiny and free of dust, and mist your rubber plant occasionally using a plant spray. This increases humidity, which helps prevent brown edges on the leaves.

How to feed a rubber plant

Feed your rubber plant monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant feed. Stop feeding in winter when the plant is growing more slowly.

How to prune a rubber plant

Rubber plants can grow quite tall if left unchecked. If you need to reduce the size of your rubber plant, prune it in late winter or early spring, shortening any long shoots by cutting just above a leaf. Always use a clean, sharp knife or secateurs, and place a protective sheet under the plant before pruning to protect furniture and floors from dripping sap.

Safety tip: The sap of the rubber plant is a skin irritant, so wear gloves when working with the plant and take care not to get the sap in your eyes. .

Repotting a rubber plant

Rubber plants can thrive year-round indoors, but timing is key if you're repotting or propagating. March to September is the best time to repot a rubber plant. They don’t respond well to repotting during colder months (October to February) unless absolutely necessary.

For repotting, choose a pot slightly larger than the current one (around 20% bigger). The best composts for rubber plants are either peat-free multi-purpose compost, or John Innes No. 3 compost with added fine bark chippings to improve drainage. Ensure the pot has good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

How to maintain your rubber plant's health

Close-up of woman’s hands wiping rubber plant leaves with a yellow cloth.

Healthy rubber plants not only look stunning but are also more resistant to pests and diseases. Keep them in good shape by following these tips:

Dust and mist regularly: This helps keep pests like spider mites and aphids at bay.
Monitor water levels: Overwatering is one of the most common issues for rubber plants. Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering.

How to propagate a rubber plant

Spring and early summer are the best times to propagate rubber plants. The simplest way to do this is as follows:

Cut a 10cm long stem from the plant, cutting it where it joins the main stem.
Strip the leaves from the lower half of your cut stem.
Place the stem in water for around 30 minutes, then remove it and pot it up into a small pot filled with multipurpose compost.
Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag and place it in a bright position out of direct sun.
Remove the plastic bag every couple of days to prevent mould, and water the compost just enough to keep it moist.
Once roots start to grow through the drainage holes of the pot, your cutting is ready to pot on.

Alternatively, place the cutting in a jar of water and leave it in bright, indirect light. Change the water weekly. Once the cutting has developed roots, it can be potted on into a pot filled with compost. This method can be used to propagate a rubber plant from a leaf, but it’s essential to include a portion of the stem with your cutting, as this contains a dormant bud at the place where the leaf joins the stem which will allow a new plant to develop.

Handle the cuttings with care to avoid skin contact with the sap. Rinse off the sap thoroughly from the cuttings and the parent plant.

Hand holding rooted cutting of rubber plant.

Common rubber plant pests and diseases

Rubber plants are relatively hardy but can encounter pests and problems if not properly maintained. Check your plants regularly and wipe off pests before they have a chance to take hold. Tackle heavy infestations with insecticide.

Red spider mites: These are tiny mites that live on the undersides of leaves. Look for yellow mottling on the top surface of the leaves. Fine webbing on the undersides of leaves is a sign of heavy spider mite infestations.
Aphids: These small green or white sap-sucking bugs leave a sticky residue on leaves when they feed on the plant and can damage young shoots.
Root rot: Overwatering or poorly draining compost can lead to root rot. Repot your plant as needed to prevent this.

If your rubber plant has yellowing leaves, it might be due to depleted soil nutrients or overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Drooping or curled yellow leaves on a rubber plant may indicate underwatering.

Don't worry if you notice a few leaves falling off your rubber plant—this is normal. Excessive leaf drop, however, could indicate environmental stress or inconsistent watering. Check that your plant has enough light and water and is not placed in cold draughts.

FAQs

Are rubber plants safe for pets?

The sap of the rubber plant is poisonous to cats and dogs, so we recommend you keep the plant out of reach of your pets to prevent accidental ingestion.

Why are my rubber plant's leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or stress from environmental changes. Check that the plant is not standing in cold draughts, adjust your watering frequency or feed the plant to improve its health.

How do I make my rubber plant bushy?

Prune the top growth during spring, cutting just above a leaf or side shoot. This will encourage the plant to produce more side shoots, creating a fuller appearance.