How to Care for an Indian Rubber Plant
Main content introduction: This article provides detailed information on how to care for an Indian Rubber Plant, including an introduction to the plant and proper maintenance methods for green plants and flowers.
When it comes to the "Indian Rubber Plant," some plant enthusiasts may find it a bit unfamiliar, but mention the rubber tree, and everyone will understand. Yes, the Chinese name for the rubber tree is "Indian Rubber Plant." Many enthusiasts mistakenly believe that the Indian Rubber Plant is native to India. Why is it called "Indian Rubber Plant" and not something else?
India is rich in banyan and oak trees, but the Indian Rubber Plant is not widely distributed in the Indian subcontinent, with more of them found in the northeastern part of India. A larger number of Indian Rubber Plants are produced in Bhutan, Sikkim (formerly a kingdom, annexed by India through illegal means in 1975, now an Indian state), and Nepal. They are also distributed in countries such as Myanmar, Malaysia, and Indonesia, as well as in Ruili City and Longchuan County in China.
The reason the "Indian Rubber Plant" is called so might be related to the fact that countries like Bhutan and Nepal have long been under India's influence. After all, the younger brother wouldn't dare to upstage the older brother.
The rubber tree has become a popular "internet celebrity plant" in recent years due to its excellent decorative and air-purifying properties, with sales on major e-commerce platforms also continuously increasing.
So, how should one care for a rubber tree?
Soil: The rubber tree prefers loose sandy soil, and the special soil for rubber trees can be mixed with garden soil, river sand, coconut bran, and pearl rock in the ratio of 5:2:2:1. The rubber tree likes fertilizer and a small amount of slow-release fertilizer or organic fertilizer can be added to the soil as a base fertilizer.
Watering: The rubber tree likes water, and the potting soil should be kept slightly moist. It needs to be watered every day in the summer, of course, this also depends on the drainage of the soil itself. For well-draining soil, it can be watered twice a day, while for soil that does not drain well, watering once every two days is also fine.
How to Care for an Indian Rubber Plant
Fertilization: The rubber tree likes fertilizer, especially during the growing period, when sufficient nutrients must be provided. It is recommended to apply a thin fertilizer every 10-15 days. In winter, the rubber tree enters a dormant period, during which no fertilizer is needed. In the northern regions, where it is warm indoors with heating during winter, the rubber tree does not enter a dormant period and can be maintained as usual.
Light: The rubber tree enjoys a sunny environment and can be exposed to full sunlight in spring, autumn, and winter. In the summer, it is best to care for it in a semi-shaded environment. Although the leaves of the rubber tree are leathery and quite resistant to sunlight, it does not mean they can be exposed to direct sunlight. Especially the black diamond rubber tree, with its dark leaf color, can easily absorb heat and burn the leaves in intense sunlight.
Temperature: Apart from being somewhat intolerant to cold, the rubber tree is quite adaptable to temperature, growing normally between 15-35°C. In the southern regions, it can be planted outdoors, while in the northern regions, it must be grown in pots. As the weather cools rapidly after autumn, when the nighttime temperature drops below 15°C, it should be moved indoors. However, most enthusiasts who care for rubber trees do so indoors, where the temperature is usually not an issue, but proper ventilation is essential. The rubber tree grows faster and better in a well-ventilated environment.
Pruning: The rubber tree grows very fast and can reach heights of 20 to 30 meters, so it must be pruned regularly. Typically, when the plant reaches a height of 60 to 80 centimeters, it needs to be topped. This prevents it from growing too tall and promotes new branches, making the plant more lush and more ornamental. In addition to topping, the lateral branches of the rubber tree should be pruned every spring to prevent them from becoming too lush. Just cut them back a bit. The cut branches can also be used for propagation.
Summary: The rubber tree prefers a warm and humid environment with plenty of sunlight and loose, fertile, slightly acidic soil. It likes water and fertilizer and dislikes drought. The optimal growth temperature is between 20-25°C, but it can grow well between 15-35°C. The winter temperature should not be lower than 10°C, and the lowest should not be below 5°C. Regular pruning is also necessary.
The above is the full content on how to care for an Indian Rubber Plant, including an introduction to the plant and proper maintenance methods. I hope it is helpful to green plant enthusiasts!