How to care for your rubber tree - tips and tricks

How to care for your rubber tree - tips and tricks

Plant the rubber tree properly

With its low nutrient requirement, the rubber tree does not need a special substrate, commercial potting soil or slightly sandy soil is completely sufficient. The pH of the soil should be almost neutral. Choose a sufficiently large plant pot, because the rubber tree can grow up to three meters high. If necessary, however, it can also be repotted quite easily.

also read

  • How to properly fertilize your rubber tree - tips and tricks
  • At what temperature does the rubber tree thrive best?
  • How should I overwinter my rubber tree?

The best place for the rubber tree

The rubber tree likes it warm and bright. In contrast to many other indoor plants, it can also cope with dry heating air. However, drafts cause him problems. Therefore, the rubber tree should not necessarily stand by the window that is often opened or the door to the cold hallway.

If he feels comfortable, then the rubber tree can grow up to the ceiling over time. In the wild, however, it reaches a height of 20 to 40 meters and the trunk can get up to 2 meters thick. The leaves, up to 40 cm in size, can easily become, then simply wipe them off with a damp cloth.

Water and fertilize the rubber tree

The rubber tree should only be watered moderately. Wait until the top layer of soil has dried slightly. The rubber tree can best tolerate stale water at room temperature or rainwater. It is essential to avoid waterlogging, as the rubber tree reacts quite sensitively to this. Under no circumstances should there be permanent water in the planter or saucer, as this can easily lead to rot.

As an alternative to the usual watering, you can also "dip" your rubber tree from time to time. To do this, place the plant in a large container filled with water until the soil is soaked. When no more air bubbles rise from the water, it is time to remove the rubber tree. Let it drain thoroughly.

Every two to three weeks you fertilize your rubber tree with a commercially available liquid fertilizer. Simply mix this into the watering water. The rubber tree does not need very many nutrients, so do not dose the fertilizer too generously.

Diseases and pests in the rubber tree

With good care and in a suitable location, the rubber tree is quite robust against diseases or pests. If it is waterlogged or watered too much, it can easily lose its leaves.

The most common pests found on rubber trees are spider mites and mealybugs. However, they can be combated biologically without the use of harsh chemicals. Check your rubber tree for pests, especially during the heating season.

The rubber tree in winter

The rubber tree tolerates a slightly cool winter break very well, it can last from October to February. The temperature should not drop below about 16 ° C during this time, because the rubber tree is quite sensitive to the cold.

During the winter break, the rubber tree needs little water and should be fertilized a maximum of twice. If the potting soil is still relatively fresh, you can do without fertilization in winter.

Prune the rubber tree

The rubber tree does not need a regular cut. However, it is easy to cut. If the rubber tree becomes too big, then cut it to the desired height. You can use the cut piece for propagation. You can also use side shoots for this purpose.

Propagate the rubber tree

The rubber tree can be sown, but that is a very difficult matter. On the other hand, propagation by cuttings is very simple. It is best to cut these from the side shoots in spring when the rubber tree is forming new leaves. The rooting takes place in a water glass or in moist potting soil. This takes about four to eight weeks. You should only repot the young rubber tree when the roots are strong.

The essentials in brief:

  • easy to care for
  • well suited for beginners
  • prefers a light to partially shaded location
  • Avoid drafts if possible
  • If possible, the temperature should not be below 16 ° C
  • variegated varieties require more light for a beautiful color
  • water or dip moderately
  • cool winter break from October to February
  • Propagation best by cuttings
  • occasionally suffers from pests, especially during the heating season

Tips

The rubber tree is one of the easy-care and beginner-friendly indoor plants. In addition to light, heat, water and fertilizer, it only needs a slightly cooler winter break to thrive.

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