How to care for a rubber plant in a pot
Today, I will explain in detail how to care for a rubber plant in a pot and the correct maintenance methods for rubber plants, as follows:
Have you ever heard of rubber plants? Their appearance is not similar to their name; they are not soft like rubber but are tall trees similar to banyans.
Actually, rubber plants are very easy to care for, preferring warm and humid environments, making them suitable for gardeners in the south. Their leaves are green and glossy, very beautiful, and have high ornamental value. Moreover, placing them indoors can help purify the air. So, how can you take good care of a rubber plant? Let's take a look at these four aspects!
One, Pot and Soil
Firstly, consider the pot and soil for the rubber plant. You can choose a slightly larger pot because rubber plants grow very fast and have a well-developed root system. Small pots are not suitable. 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 control its growth.
Rubber plants do not have high soil requirements, but since it is a potted rubber plant, the soil mixture can be slightly more refined. It is essential to use well-draining soil, mixing equal parts of garden soil, decomposed leaf mold, and river sand, and adding a portion of organic compost before potting to ensure better growth.
How to care for a rubber plant in a pot
Two, Watering and Fertilizing
Next is watering and fertilizing. Rubber plants have strong drought resistance, so they do not require excessive watering. During the growing season, you can water a bit more to promote faster and better growth. In hot summers, water can be increased due to fast evaporation. However, in winter, with lower temperatures and slower evaporation, the plant requires less water, and you should reduce the amount of watering to avoid burdening the roots.
Also, rubber plants love fertilizer. During the growing season, you can fertilize more, usually using a balanced compound fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every two weeks. This will make the leaves of the rubber plant greener and glossier. However, in winter, with low temperatures and slow plant growth, it is best not to fertilize, just maintaining slightly moist soil to help it through the winter.
Three, Sunlight
Also, many people think that rubber plants enjoy the shade, but this is not true. Rubber plants love the sun. In the south, you often see rubber plants by the roadside, thriving without fear of wind and sun. Therefore, adequate sunlight is very beneficial for the growth of rubber plants. Other than placing them in a ventilated, shaded area during the hot midday of summer, it's best to keep them in full sunlight the rest of the time when caring for them in a pot.