Because it requires warm temperatures year-round,rubber treeis a great candidate for indoor growing in temperate climates.
Here’s everything you better know to grow rubber tree indoors.
The Spruce / Cara Cormack
Can You Grow Rubber Tree Inside?
The Spruce / Cara Cormack
Indoor specimens can grow anywhere from six to ten feet tall, depending on their conditions.
They can do well in an east-facing window or several feet from a south-facing or west-facing window.
Plants that do not receive sufficient light will become leggy and lose their lower leaves.
Cara Cormack / The Spruce
Their leaves can also become dull instead of glossy and vibrant.
Give your plant a quarter-turn once per month to keep its growth even.
Likeother types of ficus, these plants are vulnerable to cold drafts.
Cara Cormack / The Spruce
Keep them away from cold windows or exterior doors in winter.
Watering
Rubber plants like to be kept consistently moist but not soggy.
They don’t tolerate drought well.
If the soil feels dry and crumbly, it’s time to water your plant again.
Note that your plant will probably need less frequent watering in winter, when plant growth slows.
Pruning and Maintenance
Occasional pruningcan keep your rubber plant’s height in check.
It’s best to cut plants back at the start of the growing season in spring.
Additionally, the plant’s large leaves can accumulate dust over time.
Help them keep their shine by occasionally wiping them down with a damp cloth.
Pots made from plastic, ceramic, or terra cotta can all work well for rubber plants.
Potting Soil and Drainage
Rubber plants do well in a typical fast-drainingpotting mixdesigned for houseplants.
Choose a mix with perlite for drainage and peat moss or coconut coir to hold moisture.
you might add a few handfuls of orchid bark to the standard houseplant mix for some additional drainage.
Potting and Repotting Rubber Tree
Rubber plants can grow quickly under the right conditions.
A fast-growing plant may need to berepottedevery year until the plant reaches the height you want.
Start by putting your plant in a very shady spot for a few weeks.
Then, over another two weeks, gradually give plants more time in partial shade, then indirect light.
Your rubber plant should never be in direct sunlight outdoors.
Be sure to debug plants before bringing them back inside.
Soak the entire pot in water for about 15 minutes to drive bugs out of the soil.
It could be getting too much direct sunlight or not enough light.
It could also be over or underwatered.
Adjust their conditions until the yellowing resolves.
Leaf Drop
Rubber tree leaf drop is generally due to water.
Too much or too little moisture can cause the leaves to fall off.
A happy, healthy rubber plant will have glossy, deep green leaves and fast growth.
There are several benefits to growing rubber tree plants indoors.
