How to Care for a Rubber Tree
Today, the editor will explain how to care for a rubber tree and introduce you to the proper care methods for maintaining the green plants and flowers. Let's move on to the detailed answers from the editor.
Have you ever heard of rubber trees, friends of flowers? Their appearance is not similar to their name; they are not soft like rubber but are as tall and majestic as banyan trees.
In fact, rubber trees are very easy to care for, preferring warm and humid environments, making them suitable for southern gardeners. Their leaves are green and glossy, very beautiful, and highly ornamental. Moreover, placing them indoors can help purify the air. So how exactly can you care for a rubber tree? Let's take a look at these four aspects!
One, Pot and Soil
Firstly, 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. Small pots won't do. However, some gardeners don't want the rubber tree to grow too fast, feeling it takes up too much space, and can use a smaller pot to inhibit its growth.
The rubber tree doesn't have high requirements for the soil, but since it's a potted plant, the soil mixture can be slightly more refined. Make sure to use well-draining soil by mixing garden soil, decomposed leaf mold, and river sand in equal parts. Add a portion of organic compost before potting to help the rubber tree grow better!
How to Care for a Rubber Tree
Two, 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. In the hot summer, water can evaporate quickly, so more water can be given. But in winter, when the temperature is low, and water evaporates slowly, the plant needs less water, so the watering amount should be reduced appropriately to avoid burdening the roots.
Also, rubber trees love fertilizer. During the peak growing season, you can fertilize more, usually using a balanced compound fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every two weeks or so. This will make the leaves of the rubber tree greener and glossier. However, in winter, when the temperature is low and plant growth is slow, it's best not to fertilize and maintain slightly moist soil to help it through the winter safely.
Three, Sunlight
Also, many friends think that rubber trees prefer shade, but that's not true. Rubber trees love the sun. In the south, we often see rubber trees by the roadside that are not afraid of wind and sun exposure and grow even more vigorously. Therefore, ample sunlight is very beneficial for the growth of rubber trees. Besides, during the summer noon, it should be placed in a well-ventilated and shaded area for care, while the rest of the time, it's best to have full sun exposure!