The rubber plant is the low-maintenance cousin of the fiddle leaf fig — a dramatic vertical statement with thick glossy leaves in deep green, burgundy ('Burgundy', 'Abidjan') or variegated ('Tineke', 'Ruby') cultivars. It grows fast, tolerates a wide range of conditions, and forgives the kind of inconsistency that would kill a fiddle leaf fig.
Quick reference
| Scientific name | Ficus elastica |
|---|---|
| Common names | Rubber Plant, Rubber Tree, Ficus Elastica |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Native to | Southeast Asia |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Pet safety | Mildly toxic to cats and dogs; sap irritates skin. |
Rubber Plant care guide
Light
Bright, indirect light is ideal. Tolerates medium light, but variegated cultivars need bright light to keep their colour. Avoid direct sun in summer.
Water
Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry. Typically every 7–10 days in summer, every 14 days in winter. Drooping leaves usually mean thirsty plant; yellow leaves often mean overwatering.
Humidity
Tolerant of average humidity. Wiping leaves with a damp cloth weekly keeps them glossy and helps photosynthesis.
Temperature
Comfortable from 18–24 °C (65–75 °F). Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 13 °C.
Soil
Standard well-draining potting mix with added perlite.
Fertilizer
Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength.
Pruning
Pinch out the top growing tip to encourage branching. Wear gloves — the milky sap can irritate skin.
Repotting
Every 2 years in spring. Rubber plants grow fast and quickly outgrow their pots.
Propagation
Take a stem cutting with 2–3 leaves and place in water or moist soil. Roots in 4–6 weeks.
Common Rubber Plant problems
Lower leaves dropping
Cause: Usually overwatering; less often, low light or sudden temperature change.
Fix: Check the soil and reduce watering frequency. Ensure the pot drains freely.
Loss of variegation
Cause: Insufficient light (only affects variegated cultivars).
Fix: Move to brighter indirect light. New growth will return to the cultivar's natural pattern.
Dull or dusty leaves
Cause: Dust buildup blocking light and gas exchange.
Fix: Wipe leaves with a damp soft cloth every 1–2 weeks.
How PlantCare Pro can help with your Rubber Plant
Scan your Rubber Plant in the PlantCare Pro app to confirm the species, get a 0–100 health score, and receive a personalised, weather-aware care plan. Save it to My Garden to track its health over time and get notified when something looks wrong.
Rubber Plant FAQ
How often should I water a rubber plant?
Roughly once a week in spring and summer, every 10–14 days in winter. Always check the top 2–3 cm of soil — water when dry, wait when damp.
Why is my rubber plant losing leaves?
Most often overwatering; occasionally a sudden change in light or temperature. Check the soil moisture, ensure drainage, and avoid moving the plant between very different environments.
Can I keep my rubber plant small?
Yes — top the plant by cutting the central stem just above a leaf node. This stops vertical growth and encourages side branches, keeping the plant bushy and compact.