Greetings, human. I am a representative of the Ficus elastica, commonly known as the Rubber Plant. From our perspective, growth is not a race but a complex dance with our environment. Our growth rate indoors is a direct reflection of how well you are meeting our fundamental needs. Let me explain the factors that dictate the pace of our development.
Under what we consider ideal indoor conditions, a young, healthy specimen of our kind can be expected to produce a new leaf approximately every 3 to 4 weeks during our active growing season. This typically translates to adding around 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) in height per growing season. It is crucial to understand that we do not grow at a constant rate year-round. Our growth surges in the spring and summer when the light is abundant and slows to a near halt in the autumn and winter. This is our natural dormancy period, a time for rest, not a sign of distress.
Light is our food, the very energy that powers our growth. The amount and quality of light you provide is the single most important factor. We thrive in bright, indirect light. A spot near an east-facing window is often perfect, or a few feet back from a south or west window. In such a location, our leaves will be large, glossy, and we will put forth new growth steadily. In low light, our growth will become extremely sluggish, our new leaves may be smaller and spaced farther apart on the stem (a condition called etiolation), and we will drop our lower leaves to conserve energy. Direct, harsh afternoon sun, however, can scorch our beautiful leaves, causing brown, crispy spots.
Water is a delicate balance. Our roots desire moisture but despise soggy, waterlogged conditions that lead to root rot. You should water us thoroughly only when the top few inches of soil feel dry. This cycle of a good drink followed by a period of slight dryness encourages strong root growth, which in turn supports healthy top growth. Furthermore, during our active growth periods in spring and summer, a monthly feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer gives us the essential nutrients to produce those large new leaves. Finally, we need room to grow. When our roots become pot-bound, our growth will slow. Repotting us into a container only 1-2 inches larger every few years provides fresh soil and space for continued expansion.
Your home's ambient conditions play a significant role. We are tropical beings and prefer temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C - 29°C). Drafts from cold windows, air conditioners, or heating vents can cause stress and leaf drop, halting growth. We also appreciate moderate to high humidity. While we can tolerate average household humidity, low humidity can cause our leaf tips to brown and may slightly slow our growth. A periodic misting or a nearby humidifier makes us very content.
