How to best care for a rubber plant
Answer questions for netizens about how to best care for a rubber plant and share relevant experiences on the correct way to grow rubber plants. Let's take a look together!
Have you ever heard of rubber plants, their appearance does not resemble their name, they are not soft like rubber, but rather tall trees similar to banyans.
Actually, rubber plants are very easy to care for, they prefer warm and humid environments, so they are more suitable for gardeners in the south. Their leaves are green and glossy, very beautiful, and they also have high ornamental value. Placed indoors, they can also purify the air. So, how can you best care for a rubber plant? Let's take a look at these four aspects together!
One, pot and soil
Firstly, the pot and soil for the rubber plant. You can choose a slightly larger pot for the rubber plant because they grow very fast and have a well-developed root system, small pots won't do. However, some gardeners do not want the rubber plant to grow too fast, as they feel it takes up too much space, and may opt for a smaller pot to slow down its growth.
The rubber plant does not have high requirements for soil, but since it's a potted plant, the soil mixture can be a bit more refined. You must choose soil with good drainage, mix equal parts of garden soil, leaf mold, and river sand, and add a portion of organic compost before potting to ensure the rubber plant grows better!
How to best care for a rubber plant
Two, watering and fertilizing
Next is watering and fertilizing. Rubber plants are very drought-resistant and do not require excessive watering. During the growing season, you can water a bit more to promote faster and better growth. In the hot summer, more water can be given due to rapid evaporation, but in winter, when temperatures are low and evaporation is slow, the plant needs less water, so watering should be reduced to avoid burdening the roots.
Also, rubber plants love fertilizer. During the growing season, more fertilizer can be applied. A balanced compound fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is generally used, about once every two weeks, which will make the leaves of the rubber plant oil-green and glossy. However, in winter, when the temperature is low and plant growth is slow, it's best not to fertilize, just keep the soil slightly moist to help it safely through the winter.
Three, lighting
Also, many friends think that rubber plants prefer shade, but this is not the case. Rubber plants love the sun. In the south, you often see rubber plants by the roadside, they are not afraid of wind and sun, and grow more vigorously. Therefore, sufficient sunlight is very beneficial for the growth of rubber plants. Other than placing them in a shaded and ventilated area during the hot midday of summer, it's best to keep them in full sun for the rest of the time!