Rubber Plant Care: Types of Rubber Plant Varieties

Today we are going to talk about Rubber Plant care: types of Rubber Plant and Varieties. It is a beautiful and unique addition to any home. It can tolerate many different growing conditions and is easy to care for. It is an excellent choice as a parent plant. They adapt well to new environments and are not picky eaters.

Rubber plants can grow very tall if they are given the right environment. They can live for many decades. When it is between 1-2 meters tall, it makes a wonderful central part. It looks great against the wall, next to the door, or near the fireplace when it reaches 3 m.

The rubber tree, rubber bush and rubber fig are all names for this plant. The plant’s name is derived from the white “rubber juice” that leaks from its stems and leaves if they are cut. It has a milky latex consistency. This juice can cause skin irritation so take care when handling it.

There is much confusion among garden centers, online experts and plant specialists about the naming of different varieties. Although the ficus you receive may be called something else than those listed, it will still be one of them. It could be that it is being sold as a rubber plant without any type of designation. This is because they are often mislabeled by garden centers.

But don’t worry about it. He is the same for all, and every person is beautiful. Ficus elastica Robusta – A harder, stronger version of the original species that was popularized 30 years ago. This is the most common variety today. This variety has larger leaves, is stronger and can withstand lower humidity than the original.

Types of Rubber Plant Varieties

Ficus elastica “Decora”

This variety is slightly different than “Robusta” in that it has larger, darker green leaves. The leaves’ central vein is slightly whiter at the top and red at the bottom. The shield surrounding the new leaves is also dark-red.

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Ficus elastica “Burgundy” or “Abidjan” or “Black Prince”

These leaves look purple-black because they are so dark. Contrasting with the dark leaves, the red middle edge stands out.

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Ficus elastica “Doescheri”

The rubber plant is smaller and has a more dramatic color pattern. The leaves are green, yellow and white with a pink central stripe.

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Ficus elastica “Sophia”

Rubber plant with all-green leaves. They are smaller and rounder than the traditional “Robusta”.

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Ficus elastica “Ruby”

This variety is known for its dark, burgundy-colored leaves that are highlighted in full sunlight.

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Ficus elastica “Tineke”

This rubber plant is a newer variety and has multicolored white and green leaves with burgundy tones.

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Rubber Plant Care

Rubber Plant Light:

Avoid placing in direct sunlight. Indirect sunlight is good for rubber plants. A lot of indirect sunlight is especially beneficial for red varieties. If multicolored varieties are to be able to see clearly, they must receive plenty of indirect lighting.

Otherwise, colorful patterns won’t appear. The green varieties can tolerate a little more shade and are better suited to dimly lit areas. If they are left in the shade too long, however, they can become spindle-shaped.

A window facing south should have transparent curtains so that light can shine through it. Shiny leaves attract dust so they should be wiped down regularly. The plant’s ability to absorb sunlight will be affected and its overall growth will be affected.

Rubber Plant Water:

Only add water to the soil’s top inch. Excessive watering can cause rubber plants to rot. It can rot if the roots are frequently moistened. Soak the soil in water for at least two hours, and then let it dry. This process will take between 2 and 3 weeks. Once you’ve learned the routines of your rubber man determine a schedule for checking for soil dryness.

Don’t leave the water in the drip tray longer than 30 minutes. This will result in wet roots. Over-watering can cause yellowing and falling leaves in your rubber plant.

Winter is when you should water your plant once a month. The soil doesn’t need to be soaked completely. Just give it enough water to keep it moist.

Rubber Plant Fertilizing:

Add diluted balanced fertilizer to your plants once a month in spring and summer. This will help the rubber plant produce large, beautiful leaves. In the winter, do not fertilize.

Rubber Plant Temperature:

Rubber wood can be quite picky about its temperature. For houseplants, the ideal temperature range is between 50F to 85F. Large, prominent leaves will be destroyed by temperatures higher than 85F. They will grow but not to their full potential. The plant will die if the temperature drops below 39F.

Potting Mix:

Make sure to use a balanced, well-drained potting soil mix. This is the ideal soil mixture for pots, peat and coarse sand, as well as pine bark.

Rubber Plant Original habitat:

The origins of the rubber plant are South Asia, specifically China and Nepal. It can grow up to 100 feet tall in the wild. It was a very popular houseplant 40 years ago. Although it was popular for a while the plant is now back in fashion with many attractive and interesting varieties.

Repotting:

You will need to transplant your rubber plant every 2 years if you want it to grow. You should only increase the pots in size one at a time, or your roots may become difficult to adjust. Once it has reached the desired size, you can keep it in the same container, but make sure to change the soil each year to replenish nutrients.

Is Rubber Plant Pet-Friendly?

The rubber plant is toxic to dogs and cats. Its milky juice can cause gastrointestinal problems. Although this plant isn’t dangerous, it should not be allowed to grow on pets.

Rubber plants can withstand extreme weather conditions in USDA zones 9-12. Rubber trees thrive in summer outside, and many southerners keep rubber wood outdoors year-round.