How to take care of your Ficus Robusta
- Location Your Ficus Robusta will thrive in areas that receive morning sunlight as well as bright, indirect light during the rest of the day. ...
- Soil and repotting The Ficus Robusta prefers well-draining soil. ...
- Watering As briefly mentioned above, overwatering is a common problem. ...
- Fertilizer You can help encourage healthy growth by providing your Ficus Robusta with a balanced fertilizer. ...
- Dusting ...
- Pruning ...
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How often should you water a Ficus robusta?
It is best to water your Rubber Tree every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Opt for the more frequent end of the range when the plant is receiving more light, such as in spring or summer, and in the fall or winter, reduce the frequency.
Where do you put a Ficus robusta?
Ficus elastica Robusta prefers bright, indirect light but does cope quite well in lower light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight as this will scorch the plant.
Is Ficus robusta an indoor plant?
The most common varieties for growing indoors include Ficus elastica 'Tineke', Ficus elastica 'Burgundy', Ficus elastica 'Ruby', and Ficus elastica 'Robusta'. They all grow well indoors when given the right conditions, such as ample sunlight, but not bright, direct sunlight that can easily scorch its leaves.
Where should I place a rubber plant in my house?
Place your rubber tree in a south-facing, light-flooded window. It just loves loads of bright indirect light every day. In low-light conditions, this indoor plant will become leggy in search of sunlight.
How often should you water ficus?
every 5 to 7 daysThe Ficus plant prefers to dry out some between watering, but do not let the soil completely dry out. We recommend that you water your tree every 5 to 7 days, or when the top inch of soil is dry.
Should you mist rubber plant?
Rubber plants' water needs vary according to season: In the growing season (summer), the plant should be kept moist. This includes wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or even misting them. During the dormant season, your plant may only need water once or twice a month.
Is Ficus robusta easy to care for?
Home care: These are easy plants to care for as long as you are careful with the watering. Only water once the compost is dry to the touch, and make sure that the plant isn't left standing in water. You can mist the leaves during the summer to increase the humidity.
Does Ficus robusta flower?
And it is an angiosperm, or flowering plant, that produces seeds enclosed within a fruit. Those of us who love to grow flowers typically think of colorful, many-petaled, and showy blooms, often with an enticing scent. But you won't find these on a ficus.
Can rubber plant be kept in bedroom?
The rubber plant is low maintenance, hardy and does very well indoors. With its striking leaves, it's a great addition to your bedroom.
How do I know if my rubber plant needs water?
Let the top few inches of the soil dry in between waterings to make sure you don't overwater. If the leaves start to droop, then your rubber plant is telling you it needs more water.
Why do the leaves fall off my rubber plant?
Humidity – Rubber tree plants need higher humidity. Houses can be dry, especially in the winter when the heat is on. This lack of humidity can cause leaves falling off rubber tree plant.
How do I make my rubber plant bushy?
The trick to making this hardy house plant bushy is by pruning it. You need to sanitize pruning shears and cut off the branches. Just watch out for the sap that will flow out, it might irritate your skin. Rubber trees will grow new branches below the cut, usually, two new branches will shoot out.
How do you take care of a ficus tree?
All Ficus have similar basic needs:Light: Bright to moderate. ... Water: Prefer being slightly dry (but never allow to wilt). ... Fertilizer: Liquid feed during active growth in late spring and summer, or apply Osmocote for the season.Temperature: Between 55F and 85F.More items...•
What are the benefits of rubber plant?
Top 5 Rubber Plant BenefitsMay Purify The Air. The rubber plant has very thick broad leaves with a large surface area. ... It's Low Maintenance. The rubber plant is one of the most forgiving houseplants out there. ... The Healing Properties. Yes. ... Allergies? No Problems! ... It's Easy To Propagate.
Is Ficus elastica easy to care for?
The Ficus Elastica is easier to care for than its sister plant, the Ficus lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig tree). It acclimates well to new spaces, it's less finicky when it comes to water, and it doesn't need quite as much light. We consider it a medium level plant in terms of difficulty to care for.
Does Ficus robusta flower?
And it is an angiosperm, or flowering plant, that produces seeds enclosed within a fruit. Those of us who love to grow flowers typically think of colorful, many-petaled, and showy blooms, often with an enticing scent. But you won't find these on a ficus.
What is the difference between Ficus decora and Robusta?
Robusta is a popular species and so is Ficus decora, which is slightly different than Robusta, with larger and broader leaves and a center vein that is red underneath and whitish on top. Ficus burgundy is a unique and dramatic variety that has leaves that appear to be reddish-purple. Ficus burgundy is also known as Ficus elastica 'Abidjan.'.
What is the name of the creeping ficus?
Of all these, Plant Care Today affirms that Ficus elastica Robusta is closest to the original. There is even a creeping ficus called Ficus pumila. House Plants Expert says Ficus pumila is a climbing variety that is commonly seen growing up the sides of old houses. They also look good in a hanging basket.
How big are the leaves of a Ficus Benjamina?
Ficus benjamina, which is also called the benjamina ficus or weeping fig tree, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden, has much smaller leaves of only 4 inches, yet they are still glossy and green. Of all these, Plant Care Today affirms that Ficus elastica Robusta is closest to the original.
What is a burgundy fig tree?
Ficus burgundy is a unique and dramatic variety that has leaves that appear to be reddish-purple. Ficus burgundy is also known as Ficus elastica 'Abidjan.' Ficus benjamina, which is also called the benjamina ficus or weeping fig tree, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden, has much smaller leaves of only 4 inches, yet they are still glossy and green.
Can Ficus elastica be fruited?
It can fruit, although that is rare in indoor settings. Hortology says that the original plant, Ficus elastica, has been more or less replaced as an ornamental houseplant by its "cousin," Ficus elastica Robusta, a modern variety that is very close to the original species in appearance but with leaves that are wider and more glossy.
Can you cut back a Robusta plant?
If your plant grows too tall for your liking, Hortology says you can simply cut it back. Plant Care Today says you can encourage branching by removing the top growing tip. This will cause new shoots to form and branch out of the Robusta plant.
Is Ficus elastica a rubber tree?
Nowadays, it is hard to find an old-fashioned India rubber tree (Fic us elastica) because it has been replaced by more compact, wider-leaved varieties like 'Robusta' (Ficus elastica 'Robusta').
How to care for a Robusta tree?
Like the other ficus species, Robusta doesn’t particularly like being moved, and may shed at least a few of its leaves after being transported from one place to another. When placed in one location, facing bright light, it is a good idea to rotate the tree partially from time to time, unless it is becoming too large to do so. This is done to insure a more uniform growth, and also ensure an overall healthier and more attractive plant. The bottom line is, this is an easy care plant, but in some ways is rather finicky, and does have a tendency to drop its leaves if it feels it isn’t being treated right.
What kind of light does Ficus Robusta like?
Lighting:Ficus Robusta likes bright diffused light and can also be in the shade. If you have phytolamps at home that can replace sunlight, Ficus will feel great somewhere deep in the room.
Why are my ficus leaves turning yellow?
More often, the ficus may be subjected to improper care, which may cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall. The causes of this behavior are the plants:
What is the best humidity level for ficus?
Air humidity:the best option for both humans and plants is to have an air humidity level slightly above 50% . In winter, when homes are heated by central heating, the humidity decreases, which means that the ficus will need additional spraying and rubbing of leaves with a wet sponge.
Is Ficus robusta a fig tree?
Ficus robusta is actually a variety of the species Ficus elastica. A ficus tree is literally a fig tree, but many varieties of this species bear fruit or “figs” that are barely noticeable, or not observable at all. Although some members of the ficus family are grown outdoors and can become quite large, most are more suitable as an indoor plant, and are found not only in homes, but in many offices as well.
Does Ficus Robusta like draughts?
Like his brothers from the family Ficus Robusta does not like draughts and sharp temperature changes. And if you don’t stick to the recommended limits, the plant may react by dropping its leaves.
Can Ficus Robusta be grown outside?
Ficus Robusta is a tropical tree which can be grown outdoors only in USDA Zone 11. Consequently, it is rarely seen in the United States as an outdoor plant. As an indoor plant it needs to be placed where there is strong light and the soil needs to be kept moist. Most plants are sold when between 1′ and 3′ in height, and can grow to a height of about 20′ if allowed to do so. They can be pruned back as needed.
What to do if a ficus tree has bugs?
If you notice any bugs on your tree, mix the soap with water in a spray bottle and thoroughly spray your ficus.
How to keep a ficus?
Provide indirect sunlight for your ficus. Don't keep your ficus next to a window, door, air vent, or radiator, or else it will go through drastic temperature changes. An area with bright, indirect sunlight is the best place to keep a ficus. Ficuses do not tolerate being moved once they have settled in a location.
What zone is Ficus Benjamina?
Ficus benjamina can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9 and above.
What to use to grow ficus?
A mix of 3 parts peat moss, 1 part perlite, and 1 part compost will keep the soil well-drained while also retaining water for your ficus. Adding the compost into the pot will add nutrients to the mix as well. You can also use a well-draining potting soil if a soilless growing medium is unavailable.
How to keep a ficus from dropping leaves?
To maintain humidity, place a saucer with 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) of room temperature water underneath the ficus's pot. The water will evaporate and increase the humidity.
What causes leaves to drop on a ficus tree?
Even a slight change in the climate or location can cause leaves to drop. Maintain the area at a humidity above 40 percent. Humidity is just as important as temperature and light for a ficus. If the humidity falls below 40 percent, the tree will drop leaves.
Why do you put mist on a ficus?
Leaving the mist on during the summer months will help control and maintain the humidity around your ficus.
When does Ficus Robusta go dormant?
It’s common for Ficus Robusta to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.
How much water does a robusta need?
Ficus Robusta needs 0.8 cups of water every 9 days when it doesn't get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5.0" pot.
Do you need fertilizer for Ficus Robusta?
Ficus Robusta likes soil that is well draining. Your plant shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size.
Who is Greg from Plant Care?
Greg is a plant care intelligence that has learned how plants work so you can grow with confidence!
Does Ficus Robusta have a lot of sunlight?
Ficus Robusta may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.
How to grow a ficus indoors?
When growing ficus indoors, it’s important to maintain a relatively high humidity around the plant . Regular misting or setting the ficus tree on a pebble tray filled with water is a great way to increase their humidity, but keep in mind that while they like high humidity, they don’t like overly wet roots. Therefore, when watering, always check the ...
What happens if a ficus tree loses its leaves?
If your ficus is losing its leaves, go through the checklist of proper ficus tree care and correct anything that you find wrong. Ficus are also prone to pests such as mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. A healthy ficus tree will not see these problems, but a stressed ficus tree (likely losing leaves) will surely develop a pest problem quickly.
What is a ficus houseplant?
Learn About Ficus Houseplants. What is commonly referred to as a ficus is technically a weeping fig. It’s a member of the Ficus genus of plants, which also includes rubber trees and fig fruit trees, but when it comes to houseplants, most people refer to a weeping fig ( Ficus benjamina) as simply a ficus. Ficus trees can maintain their tree-like ...
What is a ficus tree?
Image by Watcha. Ficus trees are a common plant in the home and office, mainly because they look like a typical tree with a single trunk and a spreading canopy. For all of their popularity though, ficus plants are finicky.
Can ficus trees grow indoors?
Bright, direct light may result in scalding of the leaves and leaf loss. Ficus trees also cannot tolerate low temperatures or drafts.
Can Ficus trees tolerate cold?
Ficus trees also cannot tolerate low temperatures or drafts. They need to be kept in temperatures above 60 degrees F. (16 C.) and actually prefer temperatures above 70 degrees F. (21 C.). Cold drafts from windows or doors will harm them, so make sure to place them somewhere where drafts will not be an issue.
Do ficus plants need water?
Therefore, when watering, always check the top of the soil first. If the top of the soil is wet, don’t water as this means they have enough moisture. If the top of the soil feels dry to the touch, this indicates that they need water. Also while caring for a ficus plant, be aware that they are rapid growers and require plenty ...
How Often Do You Water A Rubber Plant?
It’s easy to check when to water your Rubber Plant by sticking your finger into the soil and if the top inch feels dry, apply water until it runs from the bottom drain holes. During the growing season of spring through summer, you’ll probably water weekly. However, in winter, you should cut back watering to about once every two weeks.
Why Are My Rubber Plant’s Leaves Curling?
Several things cause leaf curing in a Rubber Plant. If you are overwatering or under-watering, the leaves may curl. Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry and until it runs from the bottom drain holes. Too dry air may also cause leaf curling due to lack of humidity. Move the Rubber Plant away from any heating or air vents and mist the plant with water several times weekly to increase humidity.
How Much Light Does A Rubber Plant Need?
When it comes to preferred light conditions for the best growth, where you place your Rubber Plant depends on what type you are growing. Those with solid green leaves can take lower indoor light conditions than variegated types.
Why Are The Leaves Falling Off My Rubber Tree Plant?
If the plant is being overwatered, the foliage can drop. In addition, if the indoor temperatures are too cold and the Rubber Plant is in a drafty area, the foliage will also drop. Only water when the top inch of soil becomes dry and move the plant out of the drafty area and where temperatures remain above 50°F (10°C).
Why do rubber plants need potting mix?
Otherwise, your best option is to use a fertile potting mix because it drains and won’t retain too much water. Many types of potting mixes also contain slow-release fertilizers, which also help feed the Rubber Plant, which helps if you forget to fertilize.
What happens when rubber plants are cut?
When cut, Rubber Plants exude a milky white sap, which some people find irritating to their skin. If you aren’t sure how your skin will react to the sap, it’s probably a good idea to wear protective gardening gloves when pruning. You also don’t want to get the sap in your eyes, as it will irritate them too.
When to propagate rubber plants?
You can propagate additional plants from your Rubber Plant while it’s actively growing through the warm months of spring throughout summer. The propagation steps are basic and even those with black thumbs should have success.
