Greetings from the world of Ficus elastica! We are a resilient and popular species, cherished for our broad, glossy leaves and architectural form. To help you help us thrive in the unique conditions found across the United States, here is a detailed care guide from our perspective.
We are native to the bright, dappled sunlight of the forest canopy. In your home, this translates to a need for bright, indirect light. A spot near an east-facing window is perfect, or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window where the harsh afternoon sun won’t scorch our beautiful leaves. We will tolerate medium light, but our growth will slow significantly, and we may become leggy as we stretch towards the light. Low light is a struggle for us and will lead to leaf drop.
Our relationship with water is crucial. We dislike having constantly wet "feet," which leads to root rot—our biggest threat. The goal is to let the top few inches of our soil dry out completely between waterings. In practice, stick your finger about 2-3 inches into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time for a deep, thorough drink. Ensure the water drains freely from the pot's bottom, and never let us sit in a saucer of standing water. Our watering needs will change with the seasons—less in the winter when we are dormant, and more in the summer when we are actively growing.
We require a well-draining, aerated potting mix to support our root health. A standard premium potting mix amended with perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir is ideal. This provides structure and prevents compaction, allowing oxygen to reach our roots and excess water to drain away. As for food, we are moderate feeders. During our active growing season (spring and summer), please feed us a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month. We do not require any fertilizer during the fall and winter.
As tropical plants, we thrive in warmth and appreciate humidity. We are most comfortable in average household temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. It is vital to keep us away from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and heating vents, as sudden temperature fluctuations cause us great stress and lead to leaf drop. While we can adapt to average household humidity, we truly flourish with higher levels. In dry climates or during winter, grouping us with other plants, using a pebble tray, or running a humidifier nearby will keep our leaves lush and prevent brown, crispy edges.
Regular cleaning of our large leaves is essential. Dust blocks the sunlight, hindering our photosynthesis. Gently wipe our leaves with a damp cloth to keep them dust-free and gleaming. To encourage a bushier, fuller growth habit rather than a single tall stem, you can prune the top of our main stem. Always use clean, sharp shears. Additionally, if you notice our white, latex sap (which can be a skin irritant), simply wash it off with soap and water.
