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Rubber trees need repotting when the roots become visible on the soil surface or if the plant begins lifting itself out of the pot. Repot the plants in late winter or early spring when the rubber tree is semi-dormant and less prone to transplant shock.
When should you repot a rubber plant?
You should repot your rubber plant when it becomes root-bound and the roots fill the entire pot. Or when you see the roots growing through the drainage holes on the bottom of the pot. To prevent root rot, use a well-draining potting soil. Even better if you mix in some perlite, sand or vermiculite.
When should I repot my baby rubber plant?
It’s a good idea to change the soil or at least the top soil annually and if a young plant has out grown its current pot you may repot a size up during spring. Better to lean towards a smaller pot than a pot too large to prevent the soil becoming waterlogged.
How can you tell if a rubber plant is root bound?
Because Rubber Trees are fast-growing plants, they tend to be more susceptible to getting rootbound. Within a couple of seasons, you may notice that you are having to water more often or that the plant’s growth has slowed significantly. These may be signs that your Rubber Tree is rootbound.
Do rubber plants need big pots?
Rubber Plants are almost foolproof if you’re in the market for a large indoor plant. They grow fast (quicker than most houseplants) and thrive in bright light. Because of their vigorous growth rate, yours will need a larger pot at least once.
How often should you water a rubber plant?
Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Increase frequency with increased light.
Do baby rubber plants like to be root bound?
Baby rubber plants love nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. You can easily use general mixes and add a good fistful of bark or perlite to help with the drainage. After all, this plant has succulent-like properties so it won’t appreciate its roots being left in standing water.
How do you repot a baby rubber plant?
You want the surface of the root ball just below the rim, and simply fill in around and over the root ball with soil. Be sure to leave about an inch (2.5 cm.) or so of space from the rim of the pot for watering. Water the plant well after repotting and allow the excess to drain out. Then care for your plant as normal.
How often should you water baby rubber plant?
Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the potting soil to dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often when your cactus is in brighter light and less often in lower light.
Can you plant 2 rubber plants together?
When multiple Rubber Trees have been planted together in one pot, it is possible to separate the individual plants. So if you have a plant that has two, three, or even four stems poking out of the soil, chances are those are actually separate plants.
Do rubber plants like to be misted?
As a native to the tropics, your Rubber Tree will appreciate you misting its leaves to increase humidity—especially when it gets very warm in the summer. Misting regularly also helps to keep mites (damaging insects) from making themselves at home on the leaves.
How do I know if my rubber plant needs water?
Watch for droopy leaves, which indicate a need for more water. Leaves that turn yellow and brown and drop signal over-watering. Mist during any season if they air is too dry, especially heated dry air like that which might occur during winter indoors.
Do rubber plants need direct sunlight?
Bright, indirect light is ideal for growing the Rubber Plant, however they are unusually tolerant of lower light spaces for a ficus. To keep the plant happiest though, it is commonly recommended to place it by a southern facing window with sheer curtains for the brighter light to filter through.
Do rubber plant leaves grow bigger?
If the leaves are higher on the plant, or they are larger new growth, your Rubber Plant is drowning! Cut back on the watering and give it a chance to breathe.
How do I make my rubber plant bushy?
Pruning A Rubber Plant to Promote Bushiness Step 1: Make a plan. Step back and observe your rubber plant. Step 2: Remove any branches which seem out of place. Step 3: Cut to your desired height. Step 4: Encourage leaf coverage by pruning often. Step 5: Propagate new cuttings back into the pot.
How do you care for indoor rubber plants?
Rubber plants thrive with bright, indirect sunlight. Ideally, they should receive morning light from an east-facing window. Place your plant near a window where a sheer drape or curtain filters the light. Avoid placing your rubber plant in a spot that receives direct sunlight because the leaves can begin to burn.
What does an overwatered rubber plant look like?
If the older leaves (usually the largest ones, at the bottom) are becoming yellow or brown, that’s a sign of overwatering. Let it dry out fully during longer periods of time between waterings. If the yellow/brown spots are spreading from the inner part of the leaf and out, that’s again a sign of overwatering.
Why is my rubber plant droopy?
You can tell that a rubber tree plant is getting too much water by looking at it carefully. Brown, drooping leaves indicate the plant is being over-watered. The soil may become saturated when the plant cannot absorb anymore water. The soil may also have a damp, musty smell if root rot has invaded the plant.
