Rubber plant care – expert advice on this low-maintenance and fast-growing indoor plant

If you like large houseplants with big, bold leaves be sure to include a rubber plant in your mix. If you position them in their happy place (bright conditions but not in direct sunlight) they will grow rapidly into eye-catching specimens. They make a real statement grouped together on a table or plant stand, and will steal the spotlight in any houseplant display.

Also known as Ficus elastica, the rubber plant is a member of the fig family and gets its common name from the fact its leaves are thick and pliant, not because it produces rubber. 

The large glossy leaves have a tropical feel, which is no surprise as it originates from Asia, specifically India, Malaysia and Java. In the wild the rubber plant grows into a large ornamental tree.

There are a few key things to know about rubber plant care, and from then on it will be plain sailing, as it’s pretty perfect in terms of being one of the best indoor plants you can choose.

Top tips for rubber plant care

Part of the rubber plant's popularity is down to it being one of the best low maintenance indoor plants, plus of course its glossy good looks. 

'Under the right conditions your rubber plants will be reliable additions to your plant displays. Yet they're bold enough to be the only plant in a room, says Teresa Conway, deputy gardens editor at Homes & Gardens.

We've rounded up all the rubber plant info you need so that this houseplant favorite will really shine as the focal point of your indoor garden.

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1. Choose the right spot for a rubber plant

Finding your rubber plant's happy place is important if you want it to thrive. 'Keeping a consistent temperature is optimum for a rubber plant, so avoid drafty spots and areas near radiators or air conditioning units,' says Teresa.

Be wary of any room that has bright sunlight, indirect light is ideal. If you're placing it in a south-facing room then you'll need to have thin drapes on your window to stop the leaves from scorching.

If your home has lots of shady spots, there are plenty of low light indoor plants to choose from too.

Teresa Conway

Teresa has been creating and editing a variety of rich garden content for over six years, across many brands including Homes & Gardens, Country Homes & Interiors and Living Etc. She was Deputy Editor on Gardeningetc.com as well as a judge on the panel at the prestigious Society of Garden Designers awards.

2. Look after the leaves of your rubber plant

The leaves of a rubber plant are perhaps its biggest attraction. Mist them regularly to replicate the native jungle-like environment it thrives in and it will return the favor with lots of lush leaves, just like the peace lily plant. 

This love of humid conditions means that rubber plants are one of the best plants for bathrooms too.

If the leaves start to drop off it could indicate your rubber plant is suffering from low humidity levels. So mist more frequently or place your plant pot on a tray of pebbles and water.

'To keep the leaves glossy, wipe them down regularly with a damp cloth. This frees the pores and removes any dust,' says Teresa. Watch out for pets nibbling leaves as rubber trees are toxic to cats.

3. Don't overwater a rubber plant

Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Overwatering is a common problem with many indoor plants from Christmas cacti to orchids. Rubber plants often fall prey to this too.

When it comes to how often to water, here's some easy to remember advice. Weekly waterings all year round, except for in winter where you can water fortnightly.

If you are overwatering your rubber plant it will soon show in the form of brown leaves. Just like caring for a prayer plant, ensure your rubber plant pot has adequate drainage so your plant isn't left sitting in water.

4. Provide them with feed

New rubber plants usually don't need feeding for the first three to six months as they are potted up in nutrient-rich compost. But once your rubber plant has been settled at home for a while it will start to need a regular top-up of nutrients. 

Feeding little and often is ideal for rubber plants. This generally means once or twice a month in spring and summer. If your plant is in low-light conditions it will need less feeding.

5. Repot them regularly

Rubber plants grow fast, much more quickly than most other houseplants, except perhaps spider plants that is.

Because of their vigorous growth rate, yours will eventually need upgrading to a larger pot. If your plant gets too root bound in its current pot, it won't be able to take up water and nutrients so easily, which will result in an underperforming plant that doesn't have room to thrive.

The guidance on when to repot very much depends on your individual plant's growth rate. They generally max out at around 10ft. As yours grows taller and wider, it will need a larger pot in proportion to its size.

Your plant can be repotted in late winter, spring or early summer, with the general rule being that the colder your climate, the later in the season you will need to repot it for best results. 

6. Prune to encourage growth

Sometimes rubber plants become leggy, so you need to tidy them up. When it comes to pruning your rubber plant try to do this in late winter, so any cut marks will be hidden by a new flush of spring growth. 

The stems of rubber plants leak white sap when cut which eventually turns black when exposed to oxygen, so the stems can end up looking a little messy unless disguised by foliage.

Pruning will encourage new growth and help your plant to eventually become more bushy.

FAQs

Rubber plants are fast-growing and low maintenance. Not to mention their glossy green leaves command attention. If you want a miniature version, baby rubber plants are also available.

Other statement indoor plants renowned for their bold foliage are bird of paradise and clusias.