How to care for a rubber tree
The editor will answer how to care for a rubber tree and related knowledge about the cultivation methods of rubber trees. Let's take a look together.
Have you ever heard of rubber trees, flower friends? Its appearance is not similar to its name; it is not a soft tree like rubber, but a very tall tree like a banyan.
In fact, rubber trees are very easy to care for. They prefer warm and humid environments, so they are more suitable for cultivation by southern flower friends. Their leaves are green and glossy, very beautiful, and also have high ornamental value. Placing them indoors can also purify the air. So, how can you care for a rubber tree? Let's take a look at these four aspects together!
I. Pot and Soil
Firstly, it's about the pot and soil for the rubber tree. You can choose a slightly larger pot for the rubber tree because it grows very fast and has a well-developed root system, so a small pot won't do. However, some flower friends don't want the rubber tree to grow too fast, thinking it takes up too much space, so they can also use a smaller pot to inhibit the growth of the rubber tree.
The rubber tree does not have many requirements for the soil, but since it's a potted plant, the soil mixture can be a bit more refined. It is essential to use soil with good drainage. Mix garden soil, decomposed leaf mold, and river sand in equal parts, and add a portion of organic decomposed fertilizer before potting, so the rubber tree can grow better!
How to care for a rubber tree
II. Watering and Fertilizing
Next is watering and fertilizing. The rubber tree has strong drought resistance, so it doesn't need excessive watering. You can water a bit more during the growing season to promote faster and better growth of the rubber tree. In hot summers, water evaporates quickly, so you can water more. But in winter, when the temperature is relatively low and water evaporates slowly, the plant needs less water, so you should also reduce the amount of watering to avoid burdening the roots.
Also, the rubber tree is very fond of fertilizer. You can fertilize more during the growing season, usually using a balanced compound fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, about once every two weeks. This will make the leaves of the rubber tree oily green and shiny. However, in winter, when the temperature is low and the plant grows slowly, it's best not to fertilize. Just keep the soil slightly moist to help it survive the winter safely.
III. Light
Also, many friends think that rubber trees like shade, but that's not the case. Rubber trees actually love the sun. In the south, we often see rubber trees by the roadside, which are not afraid of wind and sun, and grow even more vigorously. Therefore, sufficient sunlight is very beneficial for the growth of rubber trees. Besides, for potted plants, except for placing them in a ventilated and shady place during the hottest part of the summer, it's best to keep them in full sunlight the rest of the time!