Rubber Plant Care: Growing a Healthy Ficus Elastica
Owen Petrakis · Oct 22, 2026 · 5 min read
Quick answer
Glossy leaves, upright growth, and easy care make the rubber plant a classic houseplant.
The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is easier going than its cousin, the fiddle leaf fig. It can grow into a tall indoor tree.
Its sap can irritate skin and is toxic to pets if eaten.
1 Light
Bright, indirect light keeps growth compact and variegated varieties colourful. It tolerates medium light but grows more slowly.
2 Watering
Water when the top few centimetres are dry. Drooping or yellow leaves can mean overwatering; curling leaves suggest underwatering.
3 Cleaning and pruning
- ✓Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to keep them glossy
- ✓Prune in spring to encourage branching
- ✓Wear gloves to avoid sap
- ✓Use cuttings to propagate in water
4 Leaf drop
Sudden leaf drop often follows moving the plant, cold draughts, or big changes in watering. Keep conditions steady.
5 Repotting
Repot young rubber plants every year or two in spring into a pot slightly larger, using a free-draining houseplant compost. Older, large plants can be top-dressed — replacing the top few centimetres of compost — instead of repotting. Restricting the pot size helps control height if space is limited.
This is general gardening information. Results depend on your climate, soil, and conditions. Follow label directions for any fertiliser or treatment, and check whether plants are toxic to pets or children before bringing them home.