How to Care for a Family Bonsai Rubber Tree
Today's sharing: How to care for a family bonsai rubber tree and the cultivation methods of potted rubber trees, related experience in flower planting. Next, the site editor will introduce to the netizens.
To care for a rubber tree well, attention should be paid to the following aspects:
1. The potting soil should be rich in organic matter, with good water permeability and breathability, and the soil should be slightly acidic.
2. Rubber trees prefer a sunny and well-ventilated environment, and it's best to place them near a window.
3. Rubber trees are not cold-resistant and should be kept indoors during winter.
4. Watering should follow the principle of "watering when dry and wetting when dry," and avoid long-term waterlogging.
5. The fertilizing technique for potted rubber trees is "apply thin fertilizer frequently." The simplest method is to sprinkle granular long-acting compound fertilizer into the soil.
6. To highlight the small, bright, and shiny leaves of the potted rubber tree, pruning and topping are necessary.
Soil Preparation
Rubber trees prefer acidic soil and cannot be grown in just any soil. The potting soil should be rich in organic matter, with good water permeability and breathability, and the soil should be slightly acidic to ensure the healthy growth of the rubber tree. A mixture of leaf mold, peat, garden soil, coal slag, and coarse sand can be used as the potting soil. Before planting, some base fertilizer can be placed at the bottom of the pot to maintain the soil's fertility for longer.
Sunlight Requirement
Rubber trees prefer a sunny and well-ventilated environment and should not be kept in a dark environment for long periods, as this can greatly affect their growth and easily lead to root rot. When kept indoors, it's best to place them near a window where they can receive some sunlight. Even when kept indoors for a long time, the leaves remain green and do not turn yellow.
Environmental Temperature
The temperature for growing potted rubber trees needs to be controlled. Rubber trees are not cold-resistant, so they cannot be kept outdoors during winter. The suitable growth temperature is between 20℃ and 30℃. During winter, when indoor temperatures are low, necessary warming measures should be taken, and it's best to move them indoors. The minimum temperature for overwintering should be above 5℃.
Watering Method
Potted rubber trees can tolerate some drought. As a tropical species, they are relatively tolerant to waterlogging and can handle short-term flooding without developing root rot. However, long-term flooding can still cause root rot.
In spring, when rubber trees are in their growing season, they require more water, so watering should be done 1-3 times a week. In summer, when temperatures are high and evaporation is significant, watering can be done every 3 days. During midday when temperatures are high, a spray bottle can be used to spray water on the branches to increase humidity, which promotes leaf moisture and keeps the leaves shiny and green. In winter, when temperatures are low and the evaporation rate of potted plants indoors is limited, there is no need to water too frequently. Watering should only be done when the top layer of soil starts to look slightly white.
How to Care for a Family Bonsai Rubber Tree
Proper Fertilization
For potted rubber trees to grow robustly, fertilization is essential. The technique is to "apply thin fertilizer frequently." The simplest method is to sprinkle granular long-acting compound fertilizer into the soil. It's best to loosen the soil slightly before fertilizing to aid absorption. Note that fertilization should be stopped when the temperature exceeds 35℃ in summer or falls below 10℃ in winter to avoid fertilizer damage.
Daily Pruning
To highlight the small, bright, and shiny leaves of the indoor rubber tree bonsai and to make the leaves even smaller and greener, large leaves can be removed during spring and autumn to allow the rubber tree to regenerate. This will result in much smaller leaves and make the potted plant more full.
The above is a comprehensive explanation of how to care for a family bonsai rubber tree and the cultivation methods of potted rubber trees, hoping it can help you.