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Have you come across the rubber tree while looking for a decorative houseplant? That's a good choice! Correct watering is crucial for the vitality of your rubber tree. Find out what matters.
In a nutshell
- Water rubber trees moderately
- Plant is sensitive to waterlogging
- drainage recommended
- well suited for hydroponics
- Regularly remove dust from leaves
The rubber tree
The rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is one of the best-known representatives of the genus Ficus. In the fifties and sixties it was the favorite in German living rooms. Large, leathery leaves are its trademark. Rubber tree leaves can be evenly patterned dark green, reddish, but also green and white.
Today it can be found again in many apartments and offices. No wonder, after all it is a perfect oxygen donor and is considered to be extremely easy to care for. Correct watering of your rubber tree is crucial for a good development. The following applies in particular: less is more!
Notice: The rubber tree is not only pretty to look at. It is one of the best indoor air fresheners and should not be missing in any apartment. It is able to filter formaldehyde, benzene, trichlorethylene and other harmful substances from the room air.
Water rubber tree - 9 rules
- Only water the Ficus elastica with lukewarm water. He does not tolerate cold tap water. If you have the opportunity, catch rainwater to water the rubber tree.
- Do not water your rubber tree until the surface of the substrate is completely dry.
- Make sure there is good drainage. There must be no water in the saucer, because the houseplant does not tolerate waterlogging.
Tip: Fill the bottom of the flower pot with pottery shards or gravel. This way you can prevent waterlogging.
- Choose a semi-shady or shady place in your home for the ficus. There, the soil does not dry out as quickly and you only need to water it infrequently. Strong sunlight can cause burns on the beautiful leaves.
- Place the rubber tree in a frost-protected but cool winter quarters from October to February. 16 degrees Celsius are recommended for wintering. Water the rubber tree minimally during this time. In early March, return the Ficus elastica to its location and water as usual.
- Place your gum tree in the shower every month or two and give it a gentle shower with lukewarm water. Alternatively, you can put it outside during a summer rain. Make sure that the water can drain well from the pot.
Most mistakes are made when watering the rubber tree, the worst of which can lead to leaf loss.
Tip: Regularly wipe the dust off the large leaves with a damp cloth. This is how photosynthesis can take place. Additionally benefits the small tree from moisture.
- Add some green plant fertilizer to the irrigation water every two weeks during the growth phase from April to September.
- You can place the entire flower pot in a bucket of water every four weeks to allow the root ball to really soak. The amount of water is sufficient for a month under normal conditions.
- The rubber tree comes from tropical regions of India and Indonesia. Spray it from time to time with low-lime water.
Notice: Rubber trees need a sufficiently large flower pot for a good development. To ensure the plant is supplied with water and nutrients, you should repot it as soon as the pot is rooted.
frequently asked Questions
Why does the rubber tree get yellow leaves?Yellow leaves are a clear sign of waterlogging damage. This causes the roots to rot, causing the ficus leaves to turn yellow. Use a flower pot with drainage holes. Fill in a drainage layer to prevent waterlogging. Water only when the surface is dry. Waterlogging can also cause the leaves to fall off.
Is the rubber tree suitable for hydroponics?Like most ficus species, the rubber tree does extremely well in hydroponics. This prevents waterlogging and ensures the water supply for the beautiful plant.
How do you know when to water the rubber tree?Check the moisture content of the soil with a finger test. Insert your finger one to two centimeters into the substrate. If it feels dry, it's time to water.