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Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica
FicusMood Meter: Needs a Little Love
Also called: Rubber Tree
How to identify it
Thick, glossy, broad oval leaves, often burgundy or variegated cultivars
Growing characteristics
Growth habit: upright tree. Drought tolerance: moderate.
Thick glossy leaves; drops leaves in response to big swings in light, water, or location.
Plant Mood Meter: Needs a Little Love
Fairly sturdy once settled, but it dislikes major swings in light, watering, temperature, or location.
Care guide
Light
Bright indirect light. Direct sun: Can take some direct sun when acclimated; variegated forms generally benefit from brighter conditions.
Water
Allow the upper portion of the mix to dry before watering thoroughly; avoid long periods of saturation.
Soil / substrate
Well-draining, moderately chunky indoor tree mix with good aeration.
Humidity
Average home humidity is generally sufficient.
Support / growth
No support normally required, though tall indoor specimens may need staking while establishing.
Problems Planticist can help with
UnderwateringOverwatering / poor aerationRoot rot / impaired rootsExcess light / sun scorchInsufficient light (etiolation)Normal lower-leaf senescenceLow-humidity stressPest damageFertilizer / mineral salt buildup
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