Hello, new caretaker! I am a Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica), and I hail from the warm, humid jungles of India and Indonesia. To help me thrive in your home, I need bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled sunlight that filters through the canopy of taller trees in my native habitat. A spot near an east or south-facing window (with a sheer curtain) is perfect. Direct, harsh afternoon sun will scorch my beautiful leaves, leaving unsightly brown spots, while too little light will cause me to become leggy as I stretch sadly towards the light. I also prefer a consistently warm environment, between 60-80°F (15-27°C). Please keep me away from drafty doors, windows, and air vents, as sudden temperature drops cause me great stress.
My relationship with water is a delicate one. My roots despise sitting in soggy soil, which quickly leads to root rot—a potentially fatal condition for me. The best way to water me is the "soak and dry" method. Please insert your finger into my soil about two inches deep. If it feels dry, it's time for a deep drink. Water me thoroughly until you see water escaping from my pot's drainage holes, and always empty the saucer afterward. I will need less water during the dormant winter months. Overwatering is the most common mistake, so when in doubt, it's safer to err on the side of underwatering.
I need a well-draining, peat-based potting mix to feel my best. This type of soil allows for adequate moisture retention while letting excess water flow away from my roots. You can use a standard indoor plant mix amended with some perlite or orchid bark for extra drainage. As for food, I am a moderate feeder. During my active growing season (spring and summer), please feed me a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month. This gives me the nutrients I need to produce my large, glossy leaves. In the fall and winter, I am resting, so you should stop fertilizing me entirely.
The large surface area of my leaves collects dust, which can block the sunlight I work so hard to absorb. Please wipe my leaves gently every few weeks with a soft, damp cloth. This not only keeps me photosynthesizing efficiently but also makes me shine beautifully. If I start to grow too tall or become uneven, you can prune me. Simply make a clean cut just above a leaf node. Be careful, as I ooze a milky white sap when cut—this can be a skin irritant, so you may wish to wear gloves. Pruning encourages me to become bushier and helps maintain a pleasing shape.
