Rubber Plant Ficus elastica
At a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect
- 5000–20000 lux
- Water
- Every 7–14 days
- Top 3-5cm of soil
- Humidity
- 40–50%
- Tolerates dry air
- Temperature
- 16–27°C
- Ideal 18–24°C
- Soil pH
- 5.5–7
- well-draining
- Mature size
- 250 cm tall
- 100 cm wide
- Native to
- India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
- Growth
- Moderate
- Tree
Watering calculator
Estimate how often to water your Rubber Plant based on pot size, light, and season.
Always check the top 2 cm of soil before watering. Calculator output is an estimate, not a schedule.
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Click an issue to see causes and fixes for Rubber Plant.
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Compare with similar plants
| Trait | Rubber Plant Ficus elastica | Fiddle Leaf Fig Ficus lyrata |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright indirect | Bright indirect |
| Water | 7–14 days | 7–10 days |
| Pet safe | Toxic to cats and dogs | Toxic to cats and dogs |
| Difficulty | Easy | Challenging |
| Mature size | 250 cm | 250 cm |
Light requirements in detail
Rubber Plant prefers bright indirect (5000–20000 lux) . Tolerates medium light; darker leaves of burgundy varieties develop better in bright
A spot 1–2 meters from a bright east or south-facing window usually fits this range. Direct afternoon sun through unfiltered glass can scorch leaves; sheer curtains help diffuse it.
Watering in detail
Water Rubber Plant every 7– 14 days during the growing season, allowing Top 3-5cm of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter when growth slows.
This plant tolerates the occasional missed watering — err on the dry side rather than overwater.
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Frequently asked questions about Rubber Plant
How often should I water Rubber Plant?
Water Rubber Plant every 7–14 days during the growing season, allowing Top 3-5cm of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency by 30–50% in winter.
What kind of light does Rubber Plant need?
Rubber Plant prefers bright indirect (5000–20000 lux). Tolerates medium light; darker leaves of burgundy varieties develop better in bright
Is Rubber Plant toxic to cats?
Rubber Plant is toxic to cats (mild severity). Toxic compounds: proteolytic enzyme (ficin), psoralen. Common symptoms: dermatitis, mild oral irritation, drooling, vomiting.
Is Rubber Plant toxic to dogs?
Rubber Plant is toxic to dogs (mild severity). Toxic compounds: proteolytic enzyme (ficin), psoralen. Common symptoms: dermatitis, mild oral irritation, drooling, vomiting.
How big does Rubber Plant grow?
Rubber Plant reaches about 250 cm tall and 100 cm wide at maturity. Growth rate is moderate.