Rubber tree plants or ficus elasticas are a common houseplant.
Rubber tree leaves folding.
They usually require minimal care.
If you re tired of coddling the notoriously fickle fiddle leaf fig or weary of picking up dropped leaves from your weeping fig every day try a rubber plant.
A few rubber tree leaves may fall off the plant with the change from summer to fall when light levels change.
In nature the tree can soar up to 50 feet tall.
Although the plant is relatively trouble free it can fall prey to various pests and diseases that can cause leaf curl on rubber plants.
Like other ficus rubber plants grow banyan type aerial roots to age into a multiple trunk tree with roots along the surface of the ground.
In the growing season summer the plant should be kept moist.
Acclimating the plant slowly when you bring it indoors and shining a few plant lights on the rubber tree will help keep the light levels up and keep the rubber plant from losing leaves.
Rubber plants water needs vary according to season.
Bottom leaves drop as a rubber tree grows older.
This includes wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or even misting them.
With some general rubber tree plant know how and a few common garden materials you can help prevent further leaf loss and reclaim the health of your plant.
Predisposed to enjoy partial shade rubber tree plants grow to heights between 2 and 10 feet tall indoors.
Rubber plant ficus elastica is a distinctive plant easily recognized by its upright growth habit and thick glossy deep green leaves rubber plant thrives outdoors in usda plant hardiness zones 10 and 11 but it is grown as an indoor plant in most climates.
If you notice that.
During the dormant season your plant may only need water once or twice a month.
Watch for droopy leaves which indicate a need for more water.
Rubber tree plants are best potted up with regular potting soil with a touch of sand in the mix.
If your rubber tree plant seems to be losing lots of leaves for no apparent reason you need to investigate and address potential issues with light temperature moisture pests and fertilizer.
Rubber trees have multiple trunks and thick fleshy leaves with a glossy dark green sheen.
Rubber plants ficus elastica make attractive and bold statements when used as houseplants and are typically hardy and easy to maintain when grown indoors however a number of problems can cause curling of your rubber plant leaves affecting the health and looks of these tropical beauties.
They re fast growers with the right light conditions and can last 15 years or more with proper care.
Learn how to care for clean and propagate a rubber plant as well as troubleshooting why your rubber plant is struggling.