Keep in a stable spot away from draughts and radiators for the first few months — this genus dislikes being moved around and drops leaves in protest.
Care
Tolerates some direct morning sun; avoid deep shade, which causes leggy growth and leaf loss.
Allow compost to dry out significantly between waterings; very tolerant of occasional neglect.
Peat-free, general houseplant compost with good drainage; sits happily a little pot-bound.
Prune to control height and encourage branching by pinching or cutting the growing tip; wipe cut stems, which exude a milky latex sap that can irritate skin.
A balanced liquid feed monthly through the growing season. Feeding a ficus that is standing in poor winter light does nothing except scorch the roots.
Air layering is the method that actually works at home, and it is also the cure for a plant that has gone bare at the base: cut a shallow notch, wrap it in damp moss and a plastic sleeve, and sever below the roots when they show. Wash the milky sap off your hands.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- MarchRepot only when clearly rootbound, every 2-3 years. how ›
- AprilStart a monthly liquid feed through the growing season. how ›
- OctoberCut back watering as light levels drop in autumn. how ›
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchRepot only when clearly rootbound, every 2-3 years. how ›
- AprilStart a monthly liquid feed through the growing season. how ›
- OctoberCut back watering as light levels drop in autumn. how ›
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. Sudden leaf loss.
What to do. Relocate away from doors/radiators, keep conditions stable.
How to spot it. Small brown bumps on stems and leaf undersides.
What to do. Wipe off, treat if widespread.
How to spot it. Soft, dropping leaves.
What to do. Let compost dry out more.
Questions
Rubber plant: is it hardy?
H1b: Tender, needs above 10°C. It survives above 10 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
Standard houseplant container culture.
Rubber plant: when do you prune it?
Prune to control height and encourage branching by pinching or cutting the growing tip; wipe cut stems, which exude a milky latex sap that can irritate skin.
When do you feed it?
A balanced liquid feed monthly through the growing season. Feeding a ficus that is standing in poor winter light does nothing except scorch the roots. Feeding months, UK: April–September.