The Ficus Elastica Ruby, also known as the variegated Rubber tree, is endemic to India and Malaysia’s tropical regions. It takes similar care to the Rubber Tree, but its unusual tri-colored variegation necessitates more light than the Burgundy variety to maintain the colors strong and defined.
Place your Ruby in a spot that gets plenty of bright, indirect light. The leaves will be scorched if exposed to too much direct sunlight, yet this plant will struggle in low-light environments. A few feet away from a southern or western exposure is excellent, but it can also be placed right in an eastern facing window!
If you’re unsure about the lighting in your home or business, we’ve put together a primer on how to measure light.
How do you take care of a ruby rubber plant?
Water evenly throughout the soil so that it is wet but not saturated. When watering, water the plant from top with fresh, lukewarm water, then squirt away any excess water. To promote lustrous foliage, mist or wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. During the winter, watering should be reduced.
How do you keep Ruby rubber plants pink?
Pink Rubber Trees prefer a lot of bright indirect light, although they can also handle medium indirect light. Keep them out of direct sunlight to avoid scorching their foliage.
Do rubber plants need direct sunlight?
The Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica), sometimes known as the Rubber Plant, is a low-maintenance ficus found in southern Asia. They may grow up to 200 feet tall in their natural habitat, and their buttressing roots have even been trained to grow over rivers in India to build living bridges.
Because the Ficus elastica prefers moist soil, avoid planting it near a drafty window or vent, a heater, or in full sunshine. The Rubber Plant prefers bright, indirect light, however they are exceptionally tolerant of lower light areas for a ficus. However, it is often recommended that the plant be placed near a southern facing window with sheer curtains to let the greater light to seep through.
How much sun does a ficus Ruby need?
Although you may have read that Ficus can handle lesser light, we would not recommend it for the Ruby. All of our Ficus family members appreciate direct morning sun followed by brilliant indirect light for the remainder of the day. When the Ruby is exposed to plenty of light, her green will darken and her variegation will become more pinky-orange. Because direct sunlight isn’t ideal for lengthy periods of time, avoid the stronger afternoon sun in the winter and keep her out of the summer sun altogether, or keep her in a place that receives the weaker early morning sun in the summer.
Why is my rubber plant dying?
Rubber plants are recognized for being one of the easiest houseplants to care for because they are less sensitive to their surroundings than other houseplants. This isn’t to suggest that your Rubber Plant won’t struggle from time to time if its environment isn’t right for it, so keep an eye out for warning signs and treat them as soon as possible to keep your rubber plant alive.
Changes in light conditions, over- or under-watering, dry air, and pests are the most common causes of rubber plant death.
How fast do Ruby rubber plants grow?
Rubber trees are a fast-growing species that can reach heights of 24 inches or more in a single growing season. It can reach a maximum height of 50 to 100 feet in an outdoor setting. After only 13 years, the tree may reach its full height. The broadleaf evergreen can attain canopy widths equal to its height due to its extensively branching growth pattern, giving it a rounded or oval look.
Should I shake my rubber plant?
“There is scientific evidence that plants benefit from being softly touched,” she explained. “However, avoid shaking plants too hard as some are easily destroyed.” So go ahead and stroke your houseplants, but avoid the spiky ones and wash your hands after touching hazardous plants like Dieffenbachia.”
Should I remove brown leaves from rubber plant?
The Rubber Plant has been popular since the Victorian era, and its beauty, character, and personality continue to be in high demand. In what is generally a high-visibility plant, stress can create ugly leaf discoloration.
In a pot, a Rubber Plant remains rather docile, but when planted in the ground, it can develop into a massive tree. When the plant is young, the bold, rugged leaves are the largest, but as it matures, they get smaller.
This is a tropical plant that prefers moist soil and bright indirect light. If you notice brown spots on your Rubber Plant’s foliage, you should evaluate its care.
If you don’t overwater the plant, it’ll be easy to maintain! Rubber plants are not succulents, but they do tolerate dry spells. Allow them to slightly dry out between waterings to allow their roots to breathe.
Brown leaves, unfortunately, will not recover. The good news is that once the problem is resolved, the plant can swiftly develop to replace the damage.
How do I get more variegation in my rubber plant?
The Rubber Tree comes in green, yellow, white, cream, pink, and red variegated varieties! Their vibrant hues make them the ideal statement plant for any home. Let’s go through all of the care instructions you’ll need to have a healthy variegated rubber tree.
Light
To thrive, variegated rubber trees require a lot of bright, indirect light. You’ll want to put it near a window that gets a lot of natural light. Rotate your plants frequently to ensure even development. Make sure the huge leaves are free of dust and grime so they can absorb all of the sun’s rays! Direct sunlight should be avoided because it can cause the leaves to burn.
The plant will begin to lose the beautiful variegation that has made it famous in lower light settings. Increase the brightness of the light to see more white on the leaves. You can always buy a grow light bulb to augment the light if you need it. This is a simple technique to turn any lamp or light fixture into a personal sun for your plant.
Water
One of the most crucial aspects of houseplant maintenance is watering them at the appropriate time and in the right method. Keep an eye on your variegated rubber tree to see if it needs to be watered. When the top two inches of soil are dry, water. Because these plants are prone to root rot, moist but never damp soil is ideal. When watering, make sure to water thoroughly so that water flows freely from the pot’s bottom.
Many houseplant problems are caused by improper watering, so if you’re new to houseplants or need some extra help, we recommend investing in a moisture meter like the one we use. It helps teach you when to water your plants and discover their timetable.
Humidity
The variegated Rubber Tree thrives in humid environments. Brown patches on the variegated margins are a regular issue with this plant. The environment is too dry, which is one of the reasons for this. Consider putting a humidifier in your room. All of your humidity-loving plants will be grateful. To enhance humidity around the plant, consider placing some other plant mates nearby or sprinkling everyday.
Fertilizer
During the growing season, from spring to summer, use a good houseplant fertilizer on this plant. Because of the strong variegation in the leaves, this plant grows slowly, thus fertilization during this period can actually help it develop faster. In the cooler months, avoid overfertilizing or fertilizing, as this can cause spindly growth.
Toxicity
Both animals and people are poisoned by this plant. Make sure curious pets and children are out of reach. Because the sap from this plant can cause skin irritation, wear gloves when pruning or propagating it.
Special Considerations
When it comes to changes in its surroundings, this Ficus can be a little cantankerous. Try to leave it alone once you’ve found the ideal position, away from any potential drafts.
Where should I put my rubber plant?
Bright, indirect sunshine is ideal for rubber plants. They should get morning light from an east-facing window if possible. Place your plant near a window where the light is filtered by a sheer drape or curtain.
Because the leaves of your rubber plant might burn if exposed to direct sunlight, keep it out of direct sunlight. They can also adapt to low-light environments and thrive in workplaces and other dimly lit environments. It’s a good sign that your rubber plant needs additional light if the leaves are becoming paler or the bottom leaves are dropping off.