Rubber Tree Plant Care: Light, Water & Propagation for Ficus elastica

Rubber tree (Ficus elastica) grows to 50 ft in nature but makes a manageable, striking houseplant. Start with a young plant for best indoor adaptation.

Light & Water Balance

Light

Bright indirect. Sheer-curtained window ideal—ample light without heat.

Water

Growing season: Keep moist. Wipe leaves with damp cloth or mist. Dormant season: Water 1–2x/month. Yellow/brown dropping leaves = overwatering. Drooping (not falling) leaves = underwatering—gradually increase.

Propagation

• Stem cuttings: Small branch in soil or water.
• Air layering: Cut stem, insert toothpick, pack damp moss, wrap plastic. Cut and pot when roots appear.
• Node stimulation: Slit node where leaf fell to prompt new leaf.

Balance light and water, and rubber tree thrives for decades.