Variegated Rubber Plant

This plant likes soil that's is kept slightly damp, but not overly moist. Water your rubber plant once the soil has had a chance to dry out. Depending on the amount of light and heat, this can be once every two weeks, or once a week during the summer months. In winter, it’s even less, to avoid over-watering. If you place your finger 2 inches into the soil and it feels dry, it’s time to water. Too much water can cause stem and root rot, so water well, but sparingly.

The Variegated Rubber Plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight in the morning for a few weeks, but too much direct light can fade the variegations. When kept indoors, it’s best to place this plant in an east facing window if possible. If there is no natural light available, you can supplement it with a grow light. Don't forget to rotate your plant every few weeks so it grows evenly.

Rubber plants prefer temperatures between 65℉ and 75℉ (18℃ and 24℃). They can tolerate slightly higher and lower temperatures for brief periods. Avoid cold drafts and places with extreme temperatures.

Rubber plants prefer a balance of humid and dry conditions, ranging between 40% and 60% relative humidity. If your rubber plant is in a dry environment that is lower than 40% humidity, you should mist it with a spray bottle a few times per week.

Rubber plants grow best in a rich, moist, well-draining potting soil. Commercial potting mixes are ideal, but you can also make your own mix using equal parts of loam, compost, and peat moss with perlite or vermiculite added for drainage. Be sure to use a soil that has a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

This plant doesn’t require a lot of fertilizer, but if you want to give it a boost, you can use a liquid fertilizer every other month during the warmer months. Half-strength fertilizer is best, and should always be applied to moist soil. It’s also important to flush the soil every month or so to avoid a build-up of salts. Too much fertilizer can cause the leaves to yellow.

The Rubber Plant is prone to mealybugs, aphids, and mites. If left untreated, pests can quickly spread across a plant and cause it to become severely damaged. To prevent pests, inspect your plant frequently and, in case of any infestations, isolate it from other plants and spray it with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil according to the directions. It’s also important to remove any dead or diseased leaves as soon as you notice them to prevent the spread of the infestation.

Rubber plants should be repotted every other year or when they become root bound. It’s best to repot the plant in the early spring before new growth begins. Use a soil-based potting medium with good drainage and place your rubber plant in a pot 1 or 2 inches larger than the previous one. Water the plant well after planting and then continue to water it according to the usual schedule.

Pruning a rubber plant is important for controlling its size. It’s best to prune the plant in the spring or early summer. Begin by cutting off any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves. You can also prune the stem and branches to shape the plant and remove unsightly brown spots. Don't worry if this makes your female rubber plant drop its leaves. If the plant becomes too long for the pot, you can trim the top of the plant to reduce its size. Always use a sharp, clean pruning tool when pruning.

The Rubber Plant doesn’t require any mulch, but if your plant is growing in a pot, it’s a good idea to add some mulch to the pot to help retain moisture. Avoid using wood chips as mulch, and stick to organic materials such as aged manure, compost, or peat moss.

This plant can be propagated from stem-tip cuttings. Take a cutting that is 4-6 inches in length from a healthy branch about 1/4 to 1/2 inch below a node. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and then place the cutting in a moist potting mix. Provide bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist but not soggy. After a few weeks, the cutting should take root and you can repot it into a larger pot.

The Rubber Plant doesn’t need any support unless it gets top-heavy from growing too large. In this case, you can use a stake to support the plant's stem.

Rubber plants don't require a rest period, but they will benefit from a few weeks of dormancy in the winter. During this period, reduce the amount of water and fertilizer to allow the plant to rest. This will help it stay healthy and continue to grow in the spring.

Rubber plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them a safe choice for a pet-friendly home. Be sure to keep the plant out of reach of small children, as the sap can cause skin irritation.