How to cultivate Indian rubber fig
This article provides an introduction to the cultivation and proper care techniques of the Indian rubber fig for netizens, and will delve into the details with you next.
The real name of the rubber tree is actually the Indian rubber fig, which is a type of tree and a popular plant among internet users. Many friends like to place one or two pots of rubber trees in the living room or balcony. If not planted in a pot and directly planted outside, it can grow into a tree, reaching up to several meters in height. Keeping it as a potted plant at home is great for purifying indoor air. Its leaves are large, thick, and glossy, elliptical in shape, and green throughout the year, making it highly ornamental and visually appealing.
When growing a rubber tree, there are two "tips" to achieve lush foliage, large, thick, and shiny leaves, and a height of over one meter.
If you want to grow a healthy rubber tree in a pot, the following points should be considered:
1. Rubber trees prefer a warm and humid growing environment
First, understand the growth characteristics of rubber trees, as they are native to Southeast Asia and prefer a slightly humid and warm environment. The potting soil must not be dry for an extended period. If it becomes dry, it can lead to withered leaves and branches. For a water-deficient rubber tree, first check the branches and leaves. If the branches are still flexible and contain moisture when pinched, watering can quickly alleviate the issue and restore the plant.
2. Soil is crucial
Sometimes, the leaves of rubber trees wither and fall off not because of a lack of watering but because the potting soil is not well-aerated and does not retain water well. It becomes compacted, preventing the roots from absorbing water. Therefore, either loosen the soil or replace it with well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, such as peat, vermiculite, or a mix of leaf mold and coarse sand.
How to care for rubber trees in winter
Rubber trees like plenty of water and fertilizer, except in winter when water and fertilizer should be controlled. They are subtropical plants and do not tolerate cold well, so they should be kept in a warm, sunny place during winter.
How to care for rubber trees in summer
Don't forget to frequently spray water on the leaves to prevent them from drying out and becoming burnt. Rubber trees enjoy plenty of sunlight, but if the temperature exceeds 33 degrees Celsius, they need to be shaded to avoid direct sunlight and placed in a cool, well-ventilated area or semi-shaded, well-ventilated indoor spaces.
How to cultivate Indian rubber fig
How to prune rubber trees
When the rubber tree reaches one meter in height, you can pinch the top to encourage more branches to grow, making it more lush. When pruning, be sure to sprinkle some wood ash on the wounds to prevent the loss of sap, which can lead to dehydration of the branches and leaves.
For a rubber tree that has been grown for five years, it is best to transplant it into a large barrel. By providing it with four applications of organic fertilizer per year, it will grow lush and beautiful.
Rubber trees can also be propagated through cuttings and layering, with cuttings being the easier method. By growing rubber trees with two "tricks," you can achieve more lateral branching, thick and glossy leaves, and a perennial green appearance!
The above sharing on how to cultivate Indian rubber fig and the correct care techniques aims to bring a bit of help to your life!