How To Care for a Rubber Tree Plant, According to Gardening Experts

Rubber trees, or Ficus elastica, are a pretty ubiquitous houseplant nowadays, alongside fiddle leaf figs and monsteras. Rubber tree plants are a tropical species native to Asia and have their given name because their bark produces latex, a milky sap that has historically been used in the production of natural rubber.

Their shiny, thick green leaves and hardy stems are incredibly resilient, making it a plant that’s pretty hard to kill. Still, you might be wondering how you can step up your plant parent game for a rubber tree that flourishes. Here, experts share their best advice for a rubber tree plant that’s happy and healthy.

How to Care for a Rubber Tree Plant

Light

Though it’s a tropical plant, rubber trees can handle some low light—their natural habitat isn’t always super sunny. Lindsay Miller, a horticultural writer for Gardener's Supply Company, says, ”Rubber trees receive lots of filtered sunlight coming down through the jungle canopy. Try to mimic this at home! Put them in a bright room, but not for hours under harsh, direct sun.”

They will tolerate some periods of low light, but do best in bright, indirect sun. A room with east-facing windows is ideal—just keep your plants far enough away so they don't feel any drafts.

Water 

“Rubber trees prefer to be kept consistently moist but not overly wet,” says Annalise Bibb, an online lawn and garden merchant at The Home Depot. She recommends watering when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch and checking that the pot is draining properly.

Bibb adds that if your houseplant’s leaves begin to turn yellow along the sides, you must resist the urge to water it more in the hopes that will fix the problem. “This is your plant’s way of telling you to stop watering,” she says.

As with most houseplants, you’ll likely need to reduce watering in the winter when the plant goes dormant and growth slows.

Temperature and Humidity 

Rubber trees are fairly adaptable to normal household temperatures, and they do well in typical indoor conditions but should be protected from drafts and sudden temperature changes. While they can tolerate average humidity levels, they may benefit from slightly increased humidity.

“However, if indoor heating really dries out your house during the winter, your rubber tree would benefit from a humidifier or being moved to a steamy bathroom,” Miller advises.

Soil

You don’t really need any kind of fancy soils for your rubber plant tree. A general potting mix is just fine, but if you really want to go the extra mile, you can pick a mix with perlite for better drainage.

Fertilizer

As for fertilizer, your rubber tree doesn’t need it to survive, but it’ll certainly appreciate it! According to Bibb, “In order to thrive, houseplants need nutrients that fertilizers offer, like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Most houseplants respond well to feeding, but be sure to follow the instructions included with whichever fertilizer you buy.” Too much fertilizer can also harm your plant.

In winter, feed sparingly or not at all; houseplants will be especially sensitive to overfeeding at this time of year, when most go into dormancy. During the spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing, fertilize every two to four weeks. Bibb says a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) works fine for houseplants, although fertilizers with a higher ratio of nitrogen will promote greater foliage growth.

Pruning and Maintenance

As your plant grows, you may need to cut it back periodically. Use pruning shears to trim plants just above buds or side shoots for best results, Bibb instructs. Removing dying and yellow leaves and fading flowers is also important for helping your plant grow. “After you finish pruning a plant, wipe off the blades of the pruning shears with disinfectant to reduce the risk of spreading diseases and pests,” she says.

Dust your rubber tree’s leaves every once in a while, too. “If you don't regularly dust off the leaves, it can lead to a buildup of dust and dirt, and too much dust can clog a plant's stomata (pores), making it harder for the plant to ‘breathe,’” Bibb cautions. Miller adds that cleaning off your plant’s leaves also gives you an opportunity to check for pests.

Both experts recommend a soft, slightly damp cloth. ”Use plain water. No need for any funky cleaners, waxes, etc. that will clog the leaf surface,” Miller says.

Common Problems and Pests

Dropping Leaves

If you’re noticing leaves dropping, your rubber tree plant might be in shock due to sudden, chilly drafts. Keep your plant away from windows, especially during the winter. Under or overwatering might also be the cause. Miller wisely says, “Keep temperatures and water steady—this plant likes consistency!”

Yellowing Leaves

According to Bibb, overwatering is a common issue with houseplants, so if your leaves are starting to turn yellow and dropping, you know you’ve gone too far. Continuing to water can lead to root rot, which is the kiss of death for most plants. Pause on watering until the top soil is dry to the touch.

Curling Leaves

On the other hand, if you underwater your rubber tree plant, the leaves may start to curl inward and are a sign your plant is thirsty.

Pests 

Rubber tree plants are susceptible to all the common types of bugs that most houseplants attract, like aphids, scale, or mealybugs. If you spot any critters, spray your plant weekly with Neem oil.

Are Rubber Tree Plants Toxic to Pets?

Yes, they can be toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs if ingested. According to Bibb, “The sap contains compounds that may cause irritation or allergic reactions.” So it's essential to keep rubber trees out of reach of pets! Additionally, some humans may be sensitive to the latex in the sap, so Bibb recommends handling the plant with care and washing hands thoroughly after touching it.