Rubber plants are large-leafed, waxy textured plants in beautiful colors, including dark and light green, maroon, creamy white, grey, and others. They are mostly used as decorative plants. Rubber plants are the best if you want to add a touch of greenery to your house. They appear and feel artificial but are refreshing and enhance the beauty of your interiors. check below for several Tips to help you grow a rubber plant
You can choose the variety which goes with your interior look. You can also use them as outdoor plants. It is easy to grow and propagate a rubber tree. With proper care, this plant can grow fairly well.
How to grow a rubber plant?
A rubber plant is easy to maintain and requires very little water, as its leaves absorb and retain moisture. When repotting, you can mix gardening soil with vermicompost and cocopeat for good absorption of nutrients and aeration.
- A medium-sized container with a draining hole. Excess water must drain out. Otherwise, it can lead to root rotting. To ensure the water is drained from the pot, layer the bottom part of the container with solid brick pieces or wooden pieces.
- Layer the pot with the soil mixture. Add one-fourth part first.
- Carefully remove the rubber plant sapling from its covering and place it in the container.
- Now, add the remaining soil. Ensure that the main stem is not buried too deep into the soil.
- Pour enough water and keep the pot under direct sunlight for a few hours a day or indoors where there is indirect light.
- It is unnecessary to add water daily because the leaves retain water. You should check first whether the soil is dry or not. You may press a finger into the soil and see if the soil is sticking. If it is sticky, the plant does not need more water for a few days. If it's dry, you can water it.
- You may keep the plant outdoors under direct sunlight during winter and spring. It helps in its growth.
- During summer, a few hours of sunlight or indirect light will also be helpful.
- You may use fertilizer in the winter by removing the surrounding soil and adding it inside. Cover it up with the soil back again. You may also use a liquid fertilizer to spray on the leaves.
- Rubber plants can be easily propagated by pruning and potting the cut stems. When you cut the stems, its sap bleeds a thick, sticky substance and can irritate sensitive skin. You may want to wear gloves while pruning and cleaning out the sticky substance.
- It is also important to prune the plant regularly to maintain the desired height and shape. Rubber plant tends to grow fairly well when the conditions are ideal. You may want to trim the branches and report them.
- Changing the pot after a couple of years is a good idea. The roots tend to curl up and bind with each other as the tree grows. Use a bigger-sized container for repotting and follow the same guidelines.
