It is not for nothing that the rubber tree is considered robust and easy to care for. Apart from plenty of light and heat, it doesn't need much. Water it moderately and protect it from drafts and your rubber tree will grow and thrive.
A rubber tree needs a lot of light
It is best to position your rubber tree so that it does not get the full midday sun. Sunburn or brown spots on the leaves could result. Windows that face east or west are best suited for this houseplant.
Can I plant my rubber tree in the garden?
The rubber tree is not suitable as a garden plant in our latitudes because it is not hardy. However, you are welcome to put it outside in the summer. However, the nights should also be mild, because the rubber tree does not like cold temperatures.
Once the nights get chilly in the fall, bring your gum tree back inside. It is better to do this too early than too late to avoid damaging the plant. Around the same time, you can stop fertilizing your rubber tree until next spring. In addition, the rubber tree needs less water in winter than in the summer months.
What happens if my rubber tree is too dark?
The rubber tree may react quite sensitively to a lack of light. In the case of varieties with colored or variegated foliage, the color of the leaves suffers first. A green-leaved rubber tree also tolerates light shade. However, if it is too dark, it can also happen that your rubber tree sheds its leaves.
The essentials in brief:
- prefers a bright location
- variegated varieties require more light
- plain green rubber trees also tolerate partial shade
- avoid blazing midday sun
- Lack of light leads to color and leaf loss
- ideal: window to the east or west
- allowed to go outside in summer
tips
If you want to enjoy your rubber tree for a long time, place it in a bright, warm place without drafts or direct midday sun.