Ficus Elastica - Rubber Plant

The rubber fig, scientifically known as Ficus elastica, is native to Asia and is an easy plant to grow indoors. It is characterized by large leaves available in several types, such as green, dark green, and even variegated. The shrub can branch out into several stems and grow to a height of about a meter or more. There are several different types

in shape, size, and varying needs.

Rubber Fig Care

It requires bright, filtered light and moderate temperatures, although it grows well in a wide range of temperatures. Water moderately during the active growing season, which is most of the year except winter, when watering should be reduced as it is a dormant period. Fertilize every two weeks during the active growing season.

It is a humidity-loving plant, so it is preferable to place it on a tray with constantly wet pebbles to provide a relatively humid environment.

It is good to maintain the shine of its leaves by wiping them with a soft, damp cloth. Place the palm of your hand under the leaf and wipe with the other hand to avoid breaking the leaf.

The curling of rubber fig leaves is due to several reasons, including:

Exposure to chemicals from gases, pesticides, or soil pollution. In this case, the topsoil should be scraped off and transferred to another pot.

Irregular watering, either by overwatering or underwatering. Here, watering should be regular, and patience is needed until the top 2-3 cm of soil dries out before watering again.

Dry ambient air. In this case, the plant should be misted with water, placed on a tray with wet pebbles, placed next to a fountain, or in a place with an evaporative cooler.

Insect infestation by spider mites, mealybugs, or others, which can be controlled with specific pesticides.

Changing the location or environment in which the rubber fig plant lived, either due to a sudden change in temperature or exposure to air currents. The appropriate environment for it should be improved, and it should be kept away from air currents.

Using cleaning products and leaf polishes, which block the pores of the leaves and thus cause them to curl. To remove dust or make its leaves shine, all you need to do is wipe them with a damp cloth only.

Rubber Fig Propagation

It can be propagated by air layering by selecting a well-growing branch from the shrub and removing the bark for approximately 3 cm at a point close to the base of the branch from the main stem, ensuring it contains a bud (this bud is the remaining trace after cutting the leaf), meaning that the leaf cutting point is in the middle of the bark removal area. Then, place plastic under the area and cover the peeled area with peat moss saturated with moisture. Then, wrap the entire plastic piece around the branch and secure it with adhesive tape. Leave it for two months, after which a set of roots will be observed. At that point, cut the branch and plant it in a new pot. It can also be propagated by stem cuttings.