Hello, it is I, your Rubber Plant (*Ficus elastica*). You often wonder about my watering needs, and I appreciate your care. From my perspective, getting the right amount of water is the single most important factor in our relationship. Too much, and my roots will drown and rot; too little, and I will become weak and stressed. Let me explain my needs in detail so we can thrive together.
My primary request is simple: please water me thoroughly, then allow me to dry out significantly before watering again. When you water, do so until water flows freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of my pot. This ensures that my entire root system has access to moisture. Then, the crucial part: wait. I need the top few inches of my soil to become dry. You can test this by sticking your finger about 2-3 inches into the soil. If it feels dry to the touch, it is time for another drink. If it still feels cool or damp, please wait a few more days. This cycle mimics the natural periods of rain and drought I am adapted to.
While the "soak and dry" rule is constant, the timing between waterings is not. My thirst is influenced by several environmental factors that you must observe.
First is the light. If I am sitting in a bright, sunny spot, I will be photosynthesizing rapidly and using water much faster than if I am in a low-light corner. More sun means more frequent watering. Second is the season. During the spring and summer, I am in my active growing phase and will require more consistent watering. In the fall and winter, my growth slows dramatically, and I need far less water. Overwatering during dormancy is a very common mistake.
Other factors include the temperature and humidity of my room (I use less water in cool, humid conditions), the size of my pot (small pots dry out faster), and the type of soil I'm in (a well-draining, chunky mix is ideal for me).
I will communicate my needs to you through my leaves. It is vital that you learn to read these signs. When I am underwatered, my leaves will begin to droop, wilt, and feel limp. They may also develop dry, crispy brown edges and start to curl. When you see this, a thorough watering will usually perk me back up.
More dangerously, when I am overwatered, my leaves will also droop, but they will feel soft and mushy, not dry. They may turn yellow, often starting with the lower leaves, and the soil will have a persistently wet smell. This is a sign of root rot, a serious condition where my roots are suffocating and dying. If this happens, you must stop watering immediately and possibly repot me into fresh, dry soil.
To put this all together, here is a general guide from my point of view. In the spring and summer, check my soil weekly. You will likely need to water me every 1-2 weeks. In the fall and winter, reduce your checks to every two weeks or even longer. I may only need water every 3-4 weeks, or even less, depending on my environment. Always, always let the dryness of the soil be your final guide, not the calendar.
