Is Ficus elastica good for the house?
Native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia, Ficus have adapted well to indoor environments and will thrive with minimal care as long as you give them plenty of bright light and consistent moisture. Warmth and light both help trigger new growth also, but because Ficus don’t tend to like change, I normally return them to their favourite spot to recover and get growing.
What are common problems with Ficus elastica?
The most common culprits behind rubber plant problems are improper watering and poor growing conditions. When problems such as curling yellow leaves or droopy, dropping leaves happen suddenly, look for abrupt changes in the environment. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to keep rubber plants in bright rooms, at least a few feet away from windows that get direct sunlight, where the humidity and temperature feels comfortable for you.While it can be placed in various directions according to Feng Shui beliefs, Vastu suggests that the ideal location for this plant is in the southwest direction of your house. The Rubber Plant doesn’t require direct sunlight but should receive at least 3-4 hours of indirect light daily along with adequate watering.Rubber Plants thrive in bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can scorch their leaves. A spot near a window with sheer curtains is ideal.Generally, you can prune your rubber plant at any time of year. However, winter is the best time for pruning. This is when the tree’s sap flow is lowest. In the evening, the tree will secrete less milky-white sap than during the day, you can take advantage of this when choosing the time to prune.In the growing season (spring and summer), you may find that your rubber plant needs more frequent watering, while in the dormant months (fall and winter), you should water less often. Always check the soil moisture with your finger; if it feels dry at the depth mentioned, it’s time to water.
Is Ficus elastica a lucky plant?
Feng shui says the Ficus elastica species attracts wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Other names for this indoor good luck tree include rubber fig, Indian rubber bush, or rubber bush. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) This is the King (or Queen) of good luck plants. The ‘money tree’, as it is known in Chinese tradition, is often given as housewarming gifts, and belongs near entrances to welcome good fortune according to traditions.
What is the lifespan of a Ficus elastica?
Average Lifespan: In the right conditions, a Rubber Plant can grace your space for 10-15 years, sometimes even longer. It might seem like a good idea to put your plant in a big pot so it has lots of room to grow, but the rubber tree prefers to be a bit crowded in a pot. Try to choose a pot that gives about 2 inches of soil around the whole diameter. This will give your plant plenty of room to grow and thrive.If you prune off the top of your rubber plant, the plant will branch out. Wait until your plant has reached the desired height .
Why are the leaves falling off my Ficus elastica?
Rubber Plants prefer temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). Sudden temperature changes or exposure to drafts can cause stress leading to leaf drop. Keep your plant in a stable environment, away from drafts and heaters. Occasional leaf drop is normal, but frequent loss can signal stress from different issues. Keep rubber plants in bright, indirect light, water only when soil dries, and protect from drafts or dry air. Check for pests like spider mites or scale and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.Overwatering is a far more common problem for the Rubber Plant, and there are several signs you should look for when this occurs. Generally, an overwatered Rubber Plant will have yellowing leaves and may even drop some leaves.