Rubber plant care guide

Here, we’ve put together everything you need to know about how to take care of your rubber plant.

Top tips on caring for a rubber plant

Rubber plants originate in Asia and got their name from the white latex running through the leaves. As you may have already guessed, this sap has been used to make rubber. And their roots are so strong and flexible that they’ve even been used to create bridges. In nature, these plants can grow up to 200 feet tall too.

Thankfully, they don’t get this big indoors. But with these tips, you can make sure that they thrive in your home.

Water more in the summer

How thirsty your rubber plant gets depends on the season. In the winter months, you can get away with giving it a drink every couple of weeks or even once a month. You just need to make sure the soil has dried out first. If it hasn’t, then leave it for another week.

The summer is prime growing time for rubber plants. And this is thirsty work, so they need to be watered more. Ideally, the soil should be moist (not waterlogged) at all times. It’ll also get peckish during the spring and summer too. So feed it some liquid fertiliser once a month from March to September.

Find the perfect sunny spot

Rubber plants love lounging in a bright, sunny spot. But they’re not fans of direct sunlight as it can burn their leaves. Putting them near a windowsill or a door with glass panes that lets the sun in would work best.

Don’t worry about humidity

Because of its tropical origins, you’d think the rubber plant would need a room with high humidity. But nope. It’ll do just fine in normal humidity. But really dry environments can make it unhappy. So give yours a mist every few days. You can also wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth once in a while to keep them moist, get rid of any dust and encourage healthy growth.

Make their home nice and toasty

When it comes to temperature, your rubber plant can be a teeny bit sensitive. They like a room with a consistent temperature, somewhere between 15-24 degrees. But keep yours away from dry heat sources, like radiators. They don’t cope very well with change so make sure you choose a spot that’s pretty warm all year round. If the temperature drops below 15 degrees it might struggle to survive.

Keep out of reach from kid and pets

Eating any part of this plant can cause some stomach problems. So we’d recommend keeping it away from curious pets and kids. The sap in its leaves can also cause skin irritation for some people too. That’s why you should always wash your hands after touching your plant, just in case you accidentally get any residue on your hands.

How can I tell when my plant needs some TLC?

Just like humans, there are some days where our plants need some extra self-care. Luckily, it’s easy to tell when your rubber plant isn’t feeling its best. These are some of the common signs to look out for - and what to do when you notice them.

Leaves colour fading

If the leaves on your rubber plant are looking a little paler than normal, it probably needs more sunlight. Try moving it to a sunnier spot - it should perk up again in no time.

Leaves curling

Curling leaves are a sign that your plant is being underwatered. The leaves curl because it’s trying to retain as much moisture as possible. Give it a nice big drink and start watering it more often too. But make sure you wait until the top two inches of soil have dried first.

Leaves dropping

It can be heartbreaking to find some of your plant's leaves have dropped - especially when they’re as big as these! But don’t worry, as this usually means you’ve overwatered it. And there’s an easy fix. You can help your plant recover by skipping the next few waterings. Let it dry out completely before you water again. And when you do, try spacing them out a bit more. If the soil is soaked all the way through, it may be best if you repot it in fresh, dry soil.

Can I repot my rubber plant?

Yes! We’d recommend repotting your rubber plant to help support its growth. It’s not something you’ll have to do often though. Depending on how big your current pot is and how quickly your plant grows, you’ll probably only have to repot once a year. But if you’d prefer your plant to stay the size it is now, leave it in its current home.

When it comes to choosing a new pot, a good rule of thumb is to get one that’s about an inch bigger than the previous one. If you get a pot that’s too big then the roots will struggle to establish and settle. You’ll also want to make sure the new pot has some draining holes so water doesn’t build up in the bottom. Fill the new pot with fresh, well-draining soil then gently take the rubber plant from the old pot and place it in the new pot. If it’s already a big plant you may need a second pair of hands to help.

Straighten the plant up and cover the bottom with a few more inches of soil before patting it firmly so the plant doesn’t budge. Give it a long drink of water and you’re all done!

Should I prune my rubber plant?

Plants this big will need pruning so that they can support themselves, promote growth and manage their size. We’d suggest pruning every spring just before its new growing period begins. But really, you can prune it any time of year. Remove any dead or dying leaves, or leaves that are looking a bit too wild for you. You can shape the plant however you want but don’t cut off the top until it reaches the height you want.

Different types of rubber plants

With 1100 different species of rubber plant, there are plenty of different styles, sizes and colours to choose from. Here are some of the most popular varieties that we love and think would make the best houseplants.

Tricolour

As the name suggests, this type of rubber plant has an amazing colour combination of green, pink and cream leaves.

Burgundy

This variety grows deep burgundy, almost black, leaves on bright red stems. As you might be able to imagine, it has a really striking appearance.

Doescheri

Doescheri rubber plants have unique look about them. Their leaves are generally smaller than other types. But what makes them especially interesting is their variegated colour. This type has leaves that are blotched with creamy white and light green streaks.

Black prince

The black prince rubber plant reminds us of the ZZ raven plant. Its dark green leaves are so deep in colour that they look black from a distance. It’s guaranteed to turn heads.

Learn more about the best types of indoor plants to fill your home with life and colour.

Also, for more indoor plant care tips and advice, read our ultimate plant care guide.