Rubber Plant Care: Light, Water, and the Double-Pot Method

Ficus elastica Basics

• Light: Right at an unobstructed window.
• Double-potting: Correct—outer pot with soil at bottom risks waterlogging. Remove that soil.
• Top-dressing: Thin layer of fresh soil on rootball is fine.
• Temp: 50–90°F (normal home range).
• Water: Top 1–2 inches of original rootball dry between waterings. Err dry.

Leaf drop = low light and/or wet roots.