Rubber Plants and trees are among the most gorgeous and eye-catching ornamental plants for indoor or outdoor placement. You’ve likely seen them used to great effect in interior decor as well as landscaping, and have probably noticed that Rubber varieties have exceptionally glossy, luxurious leaves. But you might be surprised to learn that a plant with such a luxurious look is also genuinely easy to care for. It’s true! The Rubber Plant family, or Ficus decora, doesn’t require expert plant knowledge to thrive. There are just a few simple tenets to nurturing a thriving Rubber Plant. So read on, because we’re here to fill you in on everything you need to know before you buy a Rubber Plant or tree. A ficus frenzy awaits!

There are many varieties of Rubber Plants and trees to choose from!

Who doesn’t love options? If you’re looking to buy a Rubber Plant or Rubber Tree, you have plenty of them. Ficus decora plants are available in an array of gorgeous varieties, and they all have rich, colorful foliage and, yes, those emblematic, glossy leaves you love. Our favorite of Rubber Plants and Trees are the ones with deep tone and variegation: the burgundy-tinged classic Rubber Tree and Rubber Plant, the mint and lemon toned Tineke Rubber Plant, and the strawberry hued Pink Rubber Tree and Pink Rubber Plant.

Rubber Plants and trees require medium to bright indirect sunlight

Once you’ve decided to buy your Rubber Plant, it’s time to figure out where you’ll want to put it. Although they’re flexible and can adjust to medium light, it’s a good idea to ensure that your Rubber Plant or Rubber Tree gets as much bright, indirect sunlight as possible. The light that they receive is what causes their beautiful coloration to shine, and providing a Rubber Plant with more light will mean that its hues of burgundy and pink are bright and rich. Rubber Plants kept in darker environments will exhibit less of that rosy coloring that’s so gorgeous. Consult a light guide to ensure that you place your new Rubber Plant or tree in a spot where it’ll thrive. 

Where should I place my Rubber Plant?

Rubber Plants and Rubber Trees are flexible, so you’ll likely have plenty of options to choose from for plant placement. The most important things to keep in mind? Ensuring that your Rubber Plant is in a spot that receives ample, medium to bright indirect light, and protecting it from overwatering. If you like to water all of your plants in one go, it will be best to place your Rubber Plant away from any plants that require large amounts of water, so that you won’t run the risk of giving it an overdose that might be a perfect amount for a different plant species. Pairing plants that have similar watering requirements close together can be a good idea as well, and creating groupings of plants allows them to create a microbiome of moisture and humidity that they enjoy. 

It’s important not to overwater your Rubber Plant or tree

This is true of all plants, but equally true of Rubber Plant and Rubber Tree varieties: they do not like to be overwatered. Rubber Plant varieties require water only when their topsoil (the top two inches of soil) are dry to the touch. Get in the habit of gauging your Rubber Plant’s moisture level by manually checking it every five to seven days. You can simply stick your finger two inches down into the plant’s soil. If that soil is dry, you can water your plant according to its care instructions. If those two inches are moist, hold off on watering until they are dry. You can also use a moisture meter as a supplemental tool to support your watering routine. They’re a great way to keep an eye on moisture levels in between manual checkups, and are easy to read. Simply check the moisture meter’s window: if it is white, the plant is ready for water, and if it is blue, the soil is still moist and does not need watering. 

But overwatered Rubber Plants and trees can be corrected

We know how disappointing it is when, despite your best efforts, you overwater your plant. It can feel like a disaster, but there’s no cause for panic! Overwatered Rubber Plants and trees can be rehabilitated with a few simple steps. 

The first step is to allow the Rubber Plant’s soil to dry out as soon as possible. So when you’ve identified that your Rubber Plant has been overwatered, pull it out of its ceramic pot right away, while keeping it in its plastic nursery pot. Allow the Rubber Plant or tree’s soil in the plastic nursery pot to dry out almost entirely before placing it back in the ceramic, and begin your watering routine anew. Only this time, water it only when its top two inches of soil are entirely dry to the touch. Use a moisture meter for extra support, and don’t be surprised if it reads as “moist” for a longer period of time than you’d expect. Plants living indoors typically need less frequent watering than you’d expect!

A note on toxicity in Rubber Plants and Rubber Trees

Rubber Plants and trees contain toxins in their sap. Although the toxicity of the Ficus decora is considered to be relatively mild, it is something to keep in mind if you share your space with curious pets or kids. If your heart is set on a Rubber Plant but you’re concerned about floor or tabletop placement, you can consider utilizing one as a hanging plant. They look absolutely gorgeous in hanging baskets and macrame! And if their toxicity means that a Rubber Plant or tree is a no-go for your space, don’t panic- you still have plenty of other options!

Rubber Plants and Rubber Trees love to have their leaves cleaned

Rubber Trees are native to humid environments, where moisture in the air does the work to keep those glossy, shiny leaves clean. Plan on misting your Rubber Plant or tree every week or so with either plain water or a mixture of water and a nutrient-rich foliar feed. Allow the plant to enjoy the spritz, then wipe your Rubber Plant’s leaves with a soft cloth to remove any dust. This ensures that their leaves maintain their super-glossy aesthetic, and it helps the plant photosynthesize, which ensures that its foliage maintains vibrant coloration. 

Where to place your Rubber Plant or Rubber Tree

Understanding the amount of light that your space receives will help demystify the decision of where to place your Rubber Plant or Tree. Seeking an air-purifying boost? You can’t go wrong with placing a Rubber Plant or tree in a spot where you love optimal air quality. If you suffer from asthma or allergies, bedroom placement is a great idea. Ficus decora produces more oxygen than almost any other ornamental plant! They’re also renowned for removing up to 60% of mold spores and bacteria from the air. And if you’re looking to get the most bright, vibrant foliage possible from your Rubber Plant, make sure to place it in a room that receives lots of sunlight.

How to select a thriving, gorgeous Rubber Plant or tree

There are always a few things to look out for as you shop in order to ensure that you select the perfect plant for your home. In the case of Rubber Plant varieties, that means that you’ll want  to carefully inspect the plant’s overall foliage. Healthy Rubber Plants in prime condition will exhibit little discoloration on their foliage: they won’t have many leaves that have brown or yellow edges. Additionally, the leaves, stems and trunks of healthy Rubber Plants and trees will have a firm texture and strong limbs, and will not appear floppy or exhausted. Prime Rubber Plant foliage will be abundant and glossy, and will not feel dry to the touch.

Avoid purchasing Rubber Plants or Rubber Trees from a garden center

To ensure a lifetime of great health and a beautiful appearance, it is essential to buy any living plant from a premium grower. A new Rubber Plant or tree means that you’re investing both money and time in acquiring a gorgeous new plant friend, and you should choose the vendor that you purchase your plant from with care. 

Shopping for plants can often mean a little bit of sticker shock, and the prices at garden centers and home improvement stores can be very appealing. But it’s crucial to keep in mind that these companies are able to keep their prices low for a reason, and the quality of the plants that they offer will reflect the low price. 

Garden centers and home improvement stores tend to operate by treating all of their plants the same, even when they have wildly different care requirements- as living plants often do. (They’re unique, after all!)  When garden centers and home improvement stores use a one-size-fits-all approach to caring for their crop of plants, it often results in plants becoming overwatered and receiving incorrect light- both of which are issues that you can easily avoid by buying your new Rubber Plant or tree from a trusted grower.

It’s next to impossible to know for sure how a garden center or home improvement store cares for their plants, but when you purchase from a premium supplier, you have a wealth of information at your fingertips. Premium suppliers are happy to explain the details of how they care for their crops and can speak to the way that they water, the light they provide their plants, and the environments they grow them in. Additionally, premium growers treat plants prophylactically and as needed for pests, funguses and other ailments. This is essential, because insects have a frustrating habit of hopping from plant to plant, and funguses and viruses tend to spread- so if you can’t guarantee that the business you’re buying your new plant from is proactive in preventing these issues, there is a chance of bringing a pest or disease-ridden plant into your space, where it will spread to your other plants. We’ve seen it happen, and it’s a huge headache you’re better off avoiding. 

Another important point to consider is the issue of transit. Rubber Plants are resilient, but all living plants are vulnerable to stress and damage from transportation and significant environmental shifts. Buying a plant from a garden center or home improvement store involves many more factors that you might realize: from fluctuations in light to the risk of structural and foliage damage to the danger of shock from temperature changes and A.Cs. Plan on buying your new Rubber Plant or Rubber Tree from a premium supplier that offers doorstep delivery, and/or ships using packaging that is custom-engineered for plants. We guarantee you’ll be glad that you did! Then lean back, and enjoy the confidence of knowing that your plant has been amply protected for its journey, and well cared for leading up to it. It is worth it to protect your investment.  

Even the healthiest Rubber Plant can experience stress from time to time 

Stumbles can happen along the way with any living plant, even when it receives perfect care. But there’s no need to fret: issues are typically easily revolved with just a few tweaks in your plant care routine. At Léon & George, we offer lifelong access to our Plant Doctor service with every plant purchased. That means that our team of expert horticulturalists is available to provide assessments, tips and adjustments to your plant care routine as needed, and to generally support you as you care for your plants. There’s no catch! No fees are required. Free access to the Plant Doctor service is just one of the ways that we ensure that every plant purchased from us is designed to thrive. 

We’ve compiled a list of common problems that Rubber Plants and trees can face, as well as helpful guidance for assessing your plant’s health. Informed and impassioned plant parents are the key to our success! Click here to learn more about how to care for and grow your new Rubber Plant. 

Glossy, Luxurious and Colorful: The Rubber Plant Collection from Léon & George

Explore our selection of stunning and low-maintenance Rubber Plants and trees. From the classic, burgundy Rubber Tree to the rosy, charming Rubber Plant, our array of thriving Ficus decora varieties offer every easy care Rubber Plant variety your heart desires!

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Pink Rubber Tree

AKA ficus elastica ruby

A gorgeous variegated version of the burgundy Rubber Tree, the strawberry-colored leaves of the Pink Rubber Tree make this plant a unique addition to any indoor space. But like so many variegated plants, the Pink Rubber Tree can be slightly more sensitive and requires the right balance of light and humidity to thrive. Read on for simple care instructions for the Pink Rubber Tree, including light requirements, watering frequency, and how to troubleshoot common problems you may encounter along the way.

What type of light does the Pink Rubber Tree need?

Pink Rubber Trees prefer plenty of bright indirect light, though they can also adjust to medium indirect light as well. Keep out of harsh direct sunlight as this may scorch their leaves.

How to water your Pink Rubber Tree

The Pink Rubber Tree likes to dry out between waterings — water whenever the top two inches of soil are dry, or about once a week to 10 days. Avoid overwatering, and note that your watering schedule may be less frequent during winter months.

Is the Pink Rubber Tree a fast grower?

During the spring and summer is when the Pink Rubber Tree usually grows the most. It can grow up to eight feet tall indoors. Fertilize your your Pink Rubber Tree 1-2 times per month in the spring and summer with indoor plant food, or foliar feed year round.

Common problems with Pink Rubber Trees

Yellow or pale leaves

Yellow leaves on a Pink Rubber Tree can be common. Keep in mind if it’s just one yellow leaf here and there (and it may drop off the plant), it most likely is just an older leaf that’s on its way out. However, if there are many yellow leaves, particularly at the bottom of the plant, this could be a sign of overwatering. Make sure the top soil of your plant is dry before watering, and also look at the roots to make sure it’s not waterlogged.

If the leaves are pale or not that “pink”, this could be a sign of the plant not getting enough light or warmth. Pink Rubber Trees, like most ficus, do not like changes in temperature or cold drafts. They also do best with loads of bright indirect light.

Brown edges

Brown edges on a Pink Rubber Tree leaf usually indicate underwatering, though like many plant issues, there could be other reasons! First, rule out that your plant is not underwatered. One way of quickly assessing the water situation if you are unsure is to lift your plant up. If it feels lighter than you’d expect, it may be very thirsty! Check the soil with your finger — if it’s bone dry, that’s another sign your plant needs a bit more water. If your plant definitely does not seem underwatered, it could also be overwatered, again check the soil, as well as the roots, for accumulated moisture.

Dropping leaves

Pink Rubber Trees like other ficus can be sensitive to change, and it is not uncommon for this plant to drop leaves after being moved. Your plant may also drop leaves if it is subject to temperature changes or drafts. Make sure your plant is moved away from air vents, heaters, or windows with cold air drafts.

How to maintain a beautiful and healthy Pink Rubber Tree

Take care of your Pink Rubber Tree and it will take care of you! Below are simple tips to continue caring for your Pink Rubber Tree over time.

Pruning Pink Rubber Trees

Remove occasional dry or dead leaves all year round, but save any major pruning for the spring and summer months. When pruning your Pink Rubber Tree, wear gloves and protect your floor with newspaper — the sap that leaks out can be sticky and damage floors. Use sharp, clean shears and cut just above the node at a 90 degree angle.

Cleaning Your Plant

Take each leaf between two soft tissue cloths and wipe off the top to reveal a healthy shine. Do this at least once a month to keep away pests and help the plant soak in more light!

How to repot Pink Rubber Trees

Houseplants grow much slower than they would in the wild. Depending on the size of your plant and the density of the roots, this is nice to do every 2-3 years to provide fresh nutrients and encourage new growth.

• When to repot - if the roots start to become visible outside the soil, it is time to consider repotting.

• Pot sizing - if you want your plant to grow taller, find a nursery pot that’s 2” in diameter larger than the current pot. If you want your plant to stay the same height, you can reuse the same pot and simply change the soil.

• Get your hands dirty - spread out newspaper on the floor, remove the plant from the pot and shake off as much of the old soil as possible so that you have clean roots. Place the plant in the center of the pot, add new soil and pat down firmly. Water the soil thoroughly and place the plant in an area with bright indirect light. Your plant will take 2-4 weeks to settle from the shock and adjust to its new home.

How to propagate a Pink Rubber Tree

There are many ways to do propagate Pink Rubber Trees, but water propagation is generally the easiest way to go about it. Follow these instructions to propagate your Pink Rubber Tree:

• Select a small branch to propagate - Using sharp, clean scissors or shears, cut a two to three inch branch just above a node (a leaf joint) of your Rubber Tree.

• Place in water - Find a clear glass and fill with water. Make sure only the stem of the branch is submerged, and no leaves are sitting in the water.

• Place in a bright area and wait! - Avoid any direct sun. If desired, change the water out every few days to keep it fresh. It could take up to several weeks for your cutting to form roots.

• Transfer to soil - After some time, you will start to see tiny white roots emerging from the cutting. Give it a few more days until the roots have grown, and then transfer to indoor potting soil. A small pot is best — no larger than 6” in diameter.

• Keep moist - During the first few weeks, or until your plant feels firmly rooted in its soil, regularly water and drain your plant. The soil should be just barely moist to the touch at all times. Once it is rooted, you can begin to water less frequently, whenever the topsoil is dry to the touch.

Illustrations by our talented plant stylist, Kailie Barnes.

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The Pink Rubber Tree gets some much needed support!

Like us, sometimes our houseplants need a little extra support. If your plant has stems that look to be leaning, give them something to cling to! Follow these simple plant staking steps to straighten out your greens.

1. Measure the length from the base of the soil to the top of your plant. Add a few inches to allow room for growth.

2. Cut a bamboo stake to match this length.

3. Insert stake into the soil at least 2 inches away from the base of your plant and at least 2-3 inches deep. Ensure the stake is sturdy.

4. Tie the stem of your plant to the stake using flexible materials such as nylon, wool, or twine.

5. Monitor your plant’s growth every 2 weeks and check that the stems have wiggle room. You want to guide your plant’s growth in the proper direction without being forceful. Add additional ties as needed.

Need additional help caring for your greens? We can help! Feel free to email us anytime: plantdoctor@leonandgeorge.com