How to cultivate a rubber tree
The editor brings you the experience of how to cultivate a rubber tree and the precautions for potting rubber trees in the aspect of green plant maintenance. Let's share the detailed content next.
Do you know about rubber trees? Their appearance doesn't match their name; they are not soft like rubber but are as tall and large as banyan trees.
In fact, rubber trees are very easy to grow, preferring warm and humid environments, making them more suitable for cultivation by southern gardeners. Their leaves are green and glossy, very beautiful, and also have high ornamental value. Moreover, placing them indoors can help purify the air. So, how can we grow rubber trees well? Let's take a look at these four aspects together!
I. Pot and Soil
Firstly, it's about 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 its root system is also very developed. Small pots won't suffice. However, some gardeners don't want the rubber tree to grow too fast, thinking it takes up too much space, and can use a smaller pot to inhibit its growth.
The rubber tree doesn't have too many requirements for the soil, but since it's a potted plant, the soil mixture can be slightly more refined. You must use well-draining soil, mix equal parts of garden soil, decayed leaf soil, and river sand, and add a portion of organic decomposed fertilizer before potting. This way, the rubber tree can grow better!
How to cultivate a rubber tree
II. Watering and Fertilizing
Next is watering and fertilizing. The rubber tree 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 of the rubber tree. In the hot summer, water can evaporate quickly, so more water can be given. However, in winter, with lower temperatures and slower water evaporation, the plant needs less water, so the watering amount should be reduced appropriately to avoid burdening the roots.
Also, the rubber tree loves fertilizer very much. During the growing season, more fertilizer can be applied. Generally, a balanced compound fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is sufficient, about once every two weeks. This way, the leaves of the rubber tree will be lush and glossy. However, in winter, with low temperatures and slow plant growth, it's best not to fertilize, just maintaining slightly moist soil to help it safely through the winter.
III. Sunlight
Also, many friends think that rubber trees like shade, but that's not the case. Rubber trees love the sun. In the south, we often see rubber trees on the roadside, which are not afraid of wind and sun, and grow more vigorously. Therefore, adequate sunlight is very beneficial for the growth of rubber trees. Besides, except for placing them in a ventilated and shady place during the hot summer noon, it's best to keep them in full sun for the rest of the time!