Rubber plant care
Ficus elastica — also called Rubber tree, Burgundy ficus. Everything below is the same data Plantroster uses to schedule care for this species.
Care at a glance
| Light | Bright indirect. Tolerates medium. Morning sun fine; variegated forms need more light. |
|---|---|
| Water | About every 9 days in summer, every 16 in winter. Let the top 2" dry first. |
| Soil | Standard houseplant mix — 7 parts potting mix, 3 parts perlite |
| Humidity | At least 35%, happiest near 55% |
| Temperature | 60–80°F. Cold damage below 45°F; heat stress in sun above 95°F. |
| Feeding | Every ~45 days while actively growing. Nothing in winter. |
| Repotting | Every 2 years, or when roots circle the pot |
| Tap water | Tolerates tap water |
| Pets & children | Toxic. Milky latex sap — skin and mouth irritation. |
What people get wrong about rubber plant
Losing the bottom leaf occasionally is normal. Losing several at once means a watering or light change.
Common problems
Watch for scale, spider mites, mealybugs. Check leaf undersides monthly — backlighting a leaf against a window is the fastest way to catch mite webbing before an infestation takes hold.
Plantroster tracks this plant's watering, feeding and repotting cadence against your actual weather — and tells you when a cold night or heatwave means moving it.
Open PlantrosterRubber plant FAQ
How often should I water a rubber plant?
Roughly every 9 days in the growing season and every 16 days in winter, but treat that as a starting point rather than a rule — light, pot size and your home's warmth all shift it. Let the top 2" dry. Less thirsty than it looks.
Is rubber plant toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Milky latex sap — skin and mouth irritation. Keep it out of reach of pets that chew plants.
How much light does a rubber plant need?
Bright indirect is ideal, and it will cope with medium. Morning sun fine; variegated forms need more light.
Why does my rubber plant have brown tips?
Rubber plant is not fluoride-sensitive, so brown tips here usually point to inconsistent watering or fertilizer salts built up in old soil. Flush the pot thoroughly and keep to a steadier watering rhythm.
What soil is best for rubber plant?
Standard houseplant mix: 7 parts potting mix, 3 parts perlite. Bagged potting soil alone stays too wet in an indoor pot; perlite fixes the drainage.
Other plant guides
General horticultural guidance, not a substitute for inspecting your own plant. Toxicity notes are a starting point — if a pet or child has eaten part of a plant, contact a vet or poison control rather than relying on this page.