Greetings, aspiring caretaker. I am a Rubber Plant, formally known as *Ficus elastica*. I hail from the warm, humid jungles of India and Indonesia, but I have adapted well to life indoors. To help me thrive and show you my beautiful, glossy leaves, please follow this guide from my perspective.
My relationship with water is delicate. My roots despise sitting in soggy soil; it makes them rot and suffocate. Before you reach for that watering can, please check my soil. Plunge your finger about two inches deep. If it feels dry, I am ready for a drink. If it's still damp, please wait. When you do water, do so thoroughly until water runs freely from the drainage holes at my pot's base. Then, always empty the saucer underneath. In the winter, I drink far less as my growth slows down.
I adore bright, indirect light. A spot near an east or south-facing window (with a sheer curtain) is my idea of paradise. It fuels the energy I need to produce my large, deep green leaves. While I can tolerate medium light, my growth will be slower, and I may become "leggy" as I stretch sadly towards the light. Please keep me away from harsh, direct afternoon sun, as it will scorch my beautiful foliage. I am most comfortable in the same temperatures you are, between 60°F and 80°F (15°C - 27°C). Please protect me from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
My roots need a home that breathes. A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is perfect for me. Many standard indoor potting mixes will work, but you can add a handful of perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration and drainage. My pot must have drainage holes. This is non-negotiable. It is my primary defense against root rot. You will only need to repot me every one to two years, or when you see my roots starting to circle the inside of the pot.
During my active growing season in the spring and summer, I get quite hungry. Feeding me with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month will make me very happy. It provides the nutrients I need to push out new, stunning leaves. However, in the fall and winter, I am mostly resting. Please do not feed me during this time, as I cannot process the nutrients, and it may harm my roots.
The large surface area of my leaves collects dust, which blocks the sunlight I work so hard to absorb. Gently wiping my leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks keeps me photosynthesizing efficiently and looking my glossy best. If I grow too tall or leggy, you can prune me. Simply cut just above a leaf node (the point where a leaf attaches to the stem). This will encourage me to branch out and become bushier. Be cautious, as I ooze a milky sap when cut that can be a skin irritant.
