Very popular in the 1960's, the rubber tree has lost much of its appeal as a houseplant. It is not old-fashioned at all, but very easy to care for and can be found in different shades of colour. It can easily be propagated by cuttings.

The rubber tree should only be watered moderately

Plant the rubber tree properly

With its low nutrient requirements, the rubber tree does not need a special substrate, commercially available potting soil or slightly sandy soil is completely sufficient. The pH of the soil should be close to neutral. Choose a sufficiently large plant pot, because the rubber tree can grow up to three meters high. If necessary, however, it can also be repotted quite easily.

The best place for the rubber tree

The rubber tree likes it warm and bright. In contrast to many other indoor plants, it also gets along quite well with dry heating air. However, drafts cause him problems. Therefore, the rubber tree should not necessarily stand by the frequently opened window or by the door to the cold hallway.

If he feels well, the rubber tree can grow up to the ceiling over time. In the wild, however, it can reach a height of 20 to 40 meters and the trunk can grow up to 2 meters thick. The leaves, up to 40 cm in size, can become light, then simply wipe them off with a damp cloth.

Water and fertilize the rubber tree

The rubber tree should only be watered moderately. Wait until the top layer of soil has dried slightly. The rubber tree tolerates stagnant room-warm water or rainwater best. Be sure to avoid waterlogging, as the rubber tree is quite sensitive to this. Under no circumstances should water stand permanently in the planter or saucer, as this easily leads to rot.

As an alternative to the usual watering, you can also "dip" your rubber tree from time to time. Place the plant in a large container filled with water until the soil is saturated. When no more air bubbles rise from the water, then it's time to remove the rubber tree. Drain it thoroughly.

About every two to three weeks you fertilize your rubber tree with a commercial liquid fertilizer. Simply mix this into the irrigation water. The rubber tree does not need very many nutrients, so do not dose the fertilizer too generously.

Diseases and pests of the rubber tree

With good care and in a suitable location, the rubber tree is quite robust against diseases and pests. If it gets waterlogged or watered too much, it can easily lose its leaves.

The most common pests found on rubber trees are spider mites and mealybugs. However, they can be controlled biologically without the use of harsh chemicals. Check your rubber tree for pest infestation, especially during the heating season.

The rubber tree in winter

The rubber tree tolerates a slightly cool winter break very well, it can last from October to February. However, the temperature should not fall below about 16 °C during this time, because the rubber tree is quite sensitive to cold.

During the winter break, the rubber tree needs little water and should be fertilized twice at most. If the potting soil is still relatively fresh, you can completely do without fertilizing in winter.

Prune the rubber tree

The rubber tree does not require regular pruning. However, he tolerates pruning well. If the rubber tree becomes too big, cut it off at the desired height. You can use the piece you cut off immediately for propagation. You can also use side shoots for this purpose.

Grow the rubber tree

The rubber tree can also be sown, but that is quite a difficult task. On the other hand, propagation by cuttings is quite simple. It is best to cut these out of the side shoots in spring when the rubber tree forms new leaves. Rooting takes place in a glass of water or in moist growing soil. This takes about four to eight weeks. Only when the roots are strong should you repot the young rubber tree.

The essentials in brief:

  • easy-care
  • well suited for beginners
  • light to semi-shady location preferred
  • Avoid draughts
  • If possible, the temperature should not be below 16 °C
  • variegated varieties require more light for beautiful colouring
  • pour or dip moderately
  • cool winter break from October to February
  • Propagation best by cuttings
  • occasionally suffers from pests, especially during the heating season

tips

The rubber tree is one of the easy-care and beginner-friendly indoor plants. In addition to light, warmth, water and fertilizer, it only needs a slightly cooler winter break to thrive.

Category:

Trees