How to Properly Care for a Rubber Plant

Rubber plants make an ideal addition to a sunny room. The plants have thick leaves that come in dark green, variegated green and burgundy. Depending on the variety of rubber plant you own, the plant can reach a height of five feet or more, making it useful for creating a focal point in the room's decor. Your rubber plant will bring beauty and color to your room for years to come, provided you follow the easy steps for proper care.

Things You'll Need

• Potting soil
• Pot that drains
• Saucer
• Soft cloth
• Soluble fertilizer for houseplants

Instructions

1. Select a warm area for the plant. Rubber plants prefer a daytime temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and a nighttime temperature of at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Plant the rubber plant with potting soil in a pot that drains. Rubber plants require good soil moisture, but overwatering can cause the plant to wilt or eventually die.

3. Place the pot on a saucer to catch excess water.

4. Check the moisture level daily by sticking a finger an inch deep into the soil. If the soil feels dry, water the plant.

5. Wipe the leaves with a soft cloth to remove dust.

6. Treat the plant with a soluble fertilizer specifically designed for houseplants once every two months if you've placed the plant in a well-lit area. If you've placed the plant in an area that does not receive a lot of light, fertilize every four months.

Tips & Warnings

• To remove stains from rubber plant leaves, dampen a soft cloth with a mixture of water and a small amount of hand soap or dish-washing. Gently rub the leaf until the stain lifts.

• Use a commercial leaf-shining product to polish the leaves to a shiny appearance.

• If your rubber plant requires daily watering, repot the plant with new potting soil.

References

• Plant Talk: Rubber Talk