How to grow and care for Ficus Elastica Robusta
plant care guide about watering, fertilizing, trimming, repotting, cutting, propagating Ficus Elastica Robusta, Rubber fig, Indian rubber plant
Ficus Elastica Robusta 101 - Plant Care Instructions
Bright direct light
16C° ~26C°
Every 7 days
Growth Observation wiki
vegetative
new leaf
aerial root
Botany Encyclopedia
Family : Moraceae
🎋 Stem
Most are shrubs, but there are also woody climbing plants. Many species produce a milky sap that can be used to make rubber.
Species : Ficus Elastica Robusta
🏝️ Habitat Conditions
It primarily inhabits Southeast Asia. It is found in tropical rainforests and prefers warm and humid environments. It is sensitive to cold and cannot survive outdoors in winter.
🪨 Soil Mix
It is best to plant in well-draining soil. A common mix ratio is 40% potting soil, 20% bark, 20% leaf mold, 10% perlite, and 10% charcoal. This can vary depending on conditions and environment.
🌡️ Environment
Temperature: Maintain between 16-24°C, with a minimum of 10°C. Since the plant is sensitive to cold, keep it above 10°C. Humidity: Thrives in normal indoor humidity levels of 40-60%.
👀 Characteristics details
Thick leaves store moisture, making the plant resistant to dryness. Initially, the leaves appear red but turn green over time. Dust on the leaves can hinder photosynthesis, so it's advisable to wipe them regularly. Cutting leaves or branches releases a white sap, which may cause allergic reactions in some people, so caution is needed.
☀️ Light
It is better for houseplants to receive indirect light for a longer period than direct sunlight.
💧 Water
Water when the topsoil is dry. This plant can store moisture in its leaves, making it more resistant to dryness compared to other plants.
🌱 Propagate
Propagation is typically done by cutting a 10-20 cm branch at an angle with sterilized tools, drying it for 3-4 hours, and then placing it in soil or water. 1. For water propagation, avoid using a transparent container. Place the stem in water, and once roots appear, add hydroponic fertilizer. If roots are longer than 5-7 cm, transfer the plant to soil. 2. For soil propagation, plant the cutting deeply in soil without fertilizer. After propagation, avoid exposing the plant to bright light. Gradually increase light exposure to help it adapt to gentle light. Maintain high humidity and a temperature of 20-25°C.
🪴 Repot
Repot every 1-2 years due to its relatively fast growth rate.
💊 Fertilize
Using fertilizer once during spring and summer, while adhering to the recommended amount, can promote more vigorous growth.
water
How to water Ficus Elastica Robusta
How often should I water?
check Ficus Elastica Robusta Every 7 days if it needs water when it’s very cold (below 5℃), water less frequently
When do I need to water?
the top 2-3 inches of soil is dry
Light & Location
How much light does a Ficus Elastica Robusta need?
Bright direct light
Medium
Grow light
Light preference
Ficus Elastica Robusta likes Bright direct light, Medium, Grow light day. The brighter the space, the better this plant grows.
Check if there’s an optimal place in your house!
This plant prefers
800 ~ 20K lux to thrive!
0
20K~
800
20K
Temperature
Houseplants
-15
16~26℃
45
Plants that grow in the wild and those that grow indoors prefer different temperatures. If you grow Ficus Elastica Robusta at home, make sure the temperature is 16~26℃.
Humidity
Ideal humidity
0
40~70%
100
Ficus Elastica Robusta prefers humidity about 40~70%. If necessary, increase humidity by misting, humidifier.
Fertilize
Collective Knowhow
When should I fertilize?
Only when your plant is healthy
How frequently should I fertilize?
1-2 times in growing season. A pinch for a small pot.
Characteristic
The taxonomic classification of Ficus Elastica Robusta is as follows. - Kingdom: Plantae, Phylum: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Moraceae, Genus: Ficus, Species: Ficus Elastica Robusta
| Characteristic Name | Characteristic Value |
|---|---|
| Habitat | South Asia |
| Taxonomy Name | Taxonomy Value |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Genus | Ficus |
| Species | Ficus Elastica Robusta |
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