With its beautiful, shiny leaves, the rubber tree is a real eye-catcher in every living area. With its saturated green color, it brings a touch of exoticism into your own four walls. However, the decorative leaf plant is anything but easy to care for. If the location doesn't suit him or you water it incorrectly, he'll get it quicklybrown leaves. We'll tell you how to care for a rubber tree in the article.
Caring for rubber trees: The most important tips
The rubber tree, also known as the Indian rubber tree, is native to India. It was brought to Europe in the 19th century and has been used ever sinceGrown houseplant. The exotic is particularly eye-catching with its large, shiny dark green leaves. Its leaves are toxic to cats and dogs. There are a few things to consider when caring for it.
Caring for rubber trees: the right location
Correct:Best bright, but shaded.The beautiful exoticalso copes with a spot in partial shade. The morning sun, which is not so intense, is good for the houseplant. However, it cannot tolerate strong direct sunlight in the afternoon. A window sill with an east or south orientation is therefore well suited.
The outdoor location should be protected from the wind and the rubber tree does not like drafts indoors.
Incorrect:
- A place on the windowsill with a west orientation. The leaves are quite delicate and can burn if left in direct sunlight for hours a day. The consequences – yellow leaves.
- The rubber tree will not feel comfortable in a dark corner. If its leaves lose their characteristic color and fade, this is a sure sign that it is too shady.
Which soil for the rubber tree?
Correct:When it comes to soil, the rubber tree is not particularly demanding. You can use any substrate that dries quickly and is permeable. Many hobby gardeners choose cactus soil. By the way, pH plays a big role. The plant prefers acidic soil. If the roots appear after a while, you can cover them with substrate.
Incorrect:The plant gradually forms new roots. Many hobby gardeners repot the rubber tree. It is less stressful, but just as effective, to simply cover the roots with a layer of cactus soil.
Water the rubber tree properly
Correct:The rubber tree needsregular watering. It prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate drought or waterlogging. Check the soil regularly with finger samples and only water when it is dry.
Incorrect:The irrigation water should always be descaled first. Otherwise, the pH value of the soil increases, which has a negative effect on plant growth. The consequences – brown leaves.
Caring for rubber trees: Fertilizing
Correct:If the substrate meets its needs, the rubber tree rarely needs fertilizer. It is enough if you supply it with liquid fertilizer every two months.
Incorrect:Over-fertilize the rubber tree. If thePlant leaves its leaves hangingor suddenly drops, then it is usually due to over-fertilization. In this case, you should repot the exotic quickly.
Repotting rubber trees: common mistakes
Correct:The rubber tree grows very quickly and needs to be repotted once a year. Spring, just before budding, is the perfect time for this. A sure sign that the rubber tree needs a large pot is if its roots protrude from the drainage holes.
Incorrect:Choose a small planter. It's best to get advice from a garden center photo on how big the pot should be. If the tree is very tall, you can carefully dig up the old potting soil and add new substrate.
Cutting rubber trees: This is what you need to keep in mind
Correct:Since the rubber tree can reach a height of 3 meters, it should be shortened from time to time. It's not about cutting back the plant, but simply shortening it. Sometimes a topiary is also an option. Always cut the shoots directly above the first outer eye.
Incorrect:Cut back the rubber tree severely. Although the exotic shoots quickly, it can only recover with difficulty and slowly from severe pruning. If you cut the shoots in the wrong place, you will make the plant susceptible to disease.
Propagate rubber tree
Correct:You can go through the rubber treePropagate cuttings. The best time for this is also spring, because that is when the rubber tree is cut. Take a healthy shoot, measure eight centimeters from its tip and cut it off. Remove all leaves, leaving only the top leaf. Fill a small pot with potting soil and insert the shoot into the substrate. Water moderately, removing any water that has collected in the saucer. Then cover the pot with a plastic bag. Air the cutting once or twice a day. Check whether the soil is moist. When it dries slightly, spray it with water. Place the plant in a warm and bright room.
Incorrect:If the soil is too wet, rot can form.
