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No green thumb? No problem. There are plenty of great houseplants out there for anyone lacking a knack for gardening, and the rubber tree is an easy one to start with. Its glossy, leathery leaves and upright form will add a nice splash of green to any space in your home with good light. Travel to the jungles of India and Malaysia, where their milky sap has been used to make rubber (hence the name!), and you'll find rubber trees up to 100 feet tall. But indoors their height tops out at 6 to 10 feet. With the right balance of sunlight, water, and care, they'll grow quickly and can live 15 years or more, with long-lasting benefits for you. Read on to find out just how low maintenance the rubber tree is and what you'll need to keep yours happy and thriving. Once you have its care routine down, consider adding a similarly easy-to-care-for snake plant or spider plant to your collection too.
Rubber Plant Highlights
- Botanical Name: Ficus elastica
- Plant Family: Moraceae (a tropical group of flowering plants with more than 1100 species)
- Common Names: Rubber Fig, Rubber Tree, Rubber Plant, Rubber Bush, or Indian Rubber Bush, Indian Rubber Tree
- Type of Plant: Evergreen Tree
- Native Origin: South and Southeast Asia
- Sun Exposure: bright to indirect light
- Preferred Soil Type/pH Range: well-drained / acidic
- Fertilizing Periods: every 4-6 weeks during growing season and refrain during the winter
- Maturity Size: 6 to 10 feet tall or more indoors / 50 to 100 feet outdoors (in its native regions)
- Blooming/Flower Color: Rarely blooms / small green blossoms
- Hardiness Zones: 10-12 (USDA)
- Helpful Tidbits: These plants are not pet-friendly due to their milky sap that's toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if it is consumed. The plant is suitable for households without small children and pets.
What kinds of rubber trees can I grow?
The rubber tree, also known by its scientific name 'Ficus elastica,' is available in different varieties. ‘Decora’ has the classic dark green leaves with white ribs. ‘Doescheri’ is a pretty variegated variety. ‘Rubra’ has pretty burgundy leaves. No matter which one you choose, though, they all need a similar care routine.
Where can I buy a rubber tree?
Because it’s an old favorite, you’ll find rubber trees at most nurseries, big box stores, and online retailers. If shopping in person, don't buy plants without lower leaves, which drop off if it’s been overwatered or otherwise stressed. Also, choose one that is glossy and upright, not falling over. They're relatively inexpensive compared to other houseplants of similar size, such as the fiddle-leaf fig or the ficus tree, also called weeping fig.
Do rubber trees need bright light?
Rubber trees like bright light, although they can adjust to lower light levels. They don’t like sudden drops in temperature, so don’t put them too close to drafty windows. If your room seems dark, get a grow light to provide overhead light so the plant can grow upright. Otherwise, they tend to get leggy as they stretch toward the light. It's not necessary but if you decide to put them outdoors in the summer, keep them out of direct sunlight. Bring them indoors again before a frost. In USDA Hardiness zones 10 and 11 (find your zone here), you can leave your plants outdoors unless freezing weather is forecast.
Is caring for your rubber tree easy?
The great news is that rubber trees don't need a lot of fussing over. Water your rubber tree when the soil is slightly dry to the touch. Watering too often may cause leaf yellowing. Dump out the saucer beneath the pot so there's no standing water. If you like, feed your rubber tree with a general-purpose fertilizer at 1/4 to 1/2 strength a few times a year, especially during active growth in spring and summer. Or not! It's really not necessary but certainly won't hurt.
Are rubber plants safe around pets?
The sticky sap may irritate a pet's skin or tummy, so it’s best to keep this plant away from curious pets who like to nibble on houseplants. To keep your rubber tree clean and shiny, dust the broad leaves with a damp rag occasionally. Rubber trees rarely are affected by bugs or diseases, so they’re the perfect plant for you to sit back and enjoy without a lot of fussing.
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
Janece Maze is Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covers DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When she’s not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop.
