How to cultivate and care for a rubber plant
You may not know how to cultivate and care for a rubber plant and the detailed tips for maintaining it. Let's learn about it together.
Have you ever heard of the rubber plant? Its appearance doesn't match its name; it's not soft like rubber, but rather a tall tree similar to the banyan.
Actually, the rubber plant is very easy to grow, preferring warm and humid environments, so it is more suitable for cultivation by gardeners in the south. Its leaves are green and glossy, very beautiful, and it also has a high ornamental value. Moreover, placing it indoors can help purify the air. So, how can we grow a rubber plant well? Let's take a look at these four aspects!
One, Pot and Soil
First, let's talk about the pot and soil for the rubber plant. You can choose a slightly larger pot for the rubber plant because it grows very fast and has a well-developed root system. A small pot won't do. However, some gardeners may not want the rubber plant to grow too fast, thinking it takes up too much space, and can opt for a smaller pot to inhibit its growth.
The rubber plant doesn't have high soil requirements, but since it's a potted plant, the soil mixture can be a bit more refined. It's essential to use well-draining soil, mixing garden soil, decomposed leaf mold, and river sand in equal parts, and adding a portion of organic compost before potting to ensure better growth!
Two, Watering and Fertilizing
Next is watering and fertilizing. The rubber plant has strong drought resistance, so it doesn't need excessive watering. During the growing season, you can water a bit more to promote faster and better growth. In the hot summer, you can also water more due to rapid water evaporation. But in winter, when the temperature is low and water evaporates slowly, the plant needs less water, so you should reduce the amount of watering to avoid burdening the roots.
Also, the rubber plant loves fertilizer. During the growing season, you can fertilize more. Using a balanced NPK compound fertilizer every two weeks can make the leaves green and shiny. However, in winter, with low temperatures and slow plant growth, it's best not to fertilize, just keeping the soil slightly moist to help it survive the winter.
Three, Light
Also, many people think that the rubber plant prefers shade, but that's not true. The rubber plant loves the sun. In the south, we often see rubber plants by the roadside, thriving without fear of wind and sun. Sufficient sunlight is very beneficial for the growth of rubber plants. Apart from placing them in a ventilated, shaded area during the hottest part of the summer, it's best to keep them in full sun the rest of the time!
Four, Pruning
Pruning of the rubber plant usually starts when the plant is young and just potted. When it grows to 20-30 cm, it's time to pinch the top to promote the differentiation of more side buds. When the rubber plant reaches about one meter tall, you can prune the top part to avoid apical dominance, limit the height of the plant, and maintain its beauty. Also, don't throw away the cut branches and buds; you can use river sand or other granular soil to propagate them, and they can survive in about half a month.
In summary, the rubber plant is a plant with high aesthetics and easy maintenance. Gardeners can all grow one at home, which is much better than green vines and hanging orchids!
Are you clear now about how to cultivate and care for a rubber plant and the detailed tips for maintaining it, as introduced above (Green Plant Enthusiast Network)?