Rubber trees formally ficus elastica can be enjoyed as either medium sized house plants or grown to become focal point beautiful indoor trees if you re patient enough to grow your own plants that start out younger when you buy them adapt better to indoor living than starting with a more mature plant.
Rubber tree plant outside.
As a domesticated houseplant rubber plants grow anywhere between six to ten feet tall you can grow outdoor rubber plants if you live in zone.
Ficus elastica more commonly known as a rubber plant rubber tree or rubber tree plant is a popular houseplant because of its waxy leaves and larger than life appearance.
Ficus elastica is the classic rubber tree rubber plant or india rubber plant.
If you re new to plant parenting a rubber tree is the plant for you.
Rubber plants can grow up to 100 feet in their native homeland of southeast asia.
Morning watering is the best.
The rubber plant is definitely a tropical tree suitable for use in outdoor plantings only from u s.
Department of agriculture plant hardiness zones 10b through 11.
Outdoors rubber plants grow in full sun or partial shade.
Native to india and malaysia elastica is among the oldest plants used as houseplants worldwide.
How to grow rubber plants outdoors.
In its native jungle habitat in india and malaysia the plant can grow up to 100 feet tall.
Able to adapt to and endure lower light conditions and generally poor treatment the rubber tree is a winner indoors.
In your home however it tops out around 6 to 10 feet.
A rubber tree plant can survive some chilly weather it is one of the hardiest figs but if your area has winter snow or cold snaps when the outdoor temperature stays below 50 degrees fahrenheit keep your rubber plant in a container on wheels.
For best results bring your summer camper indoors before you turn on the central heating.
With the right care a rubber tree houseplant can live for 10 years or more says lisa eldred steinkopf author of houseplants.
Department of agriculture hardiness zones 10b and 11.
Outdoor rubber tree plants ficus elastica may grow in zone 9 if winter protection is offered.
A classic houseplant the rubber tree plant ficus elastica grows up to 100 feet tall when grown outdoors.
The complete guide to choosing growing and caring for indoor plants.
But indoors a rubber tree typically tops out at 6 to 10 feet tall.
Water your trees when the top inch of soil becomes dry.
With its glossy leathery leaves and upright form it s a striking addition to almost any room in your house.
They prefer heat and humidity so it is a good idea to cover the roots with a 2 inch layer of mulch which will keep the soil moist longer.
Gardeners in usda hardiness zones 10 and 11 can grow the plant outdoors according to most rubber plant information.
In this area outdoor rubber tree plants should be planted on the north or east side of a building for protection from the wind.
As a houseplant ficus is very popular.