Rubber plant care guideFicus elastica
Glossy leaves; tolerant of neglect. Ranked #9 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.
WateringWhen and how much water
Water Rubber plant when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that's typically every 7 to 10 days; in winter slow down to every 14 to 21 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain — never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
The real schedule depends on three things the calendar can't see: the actual light at the plant, the pot's size and material (terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic), and your local humidity. Botanicaly's app retunes the schedule from those signals on every reminder.
LightHow bright a spot it needs
Rubber plant is medium / indirect light: thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. The ideal lux range is 2,000 - 10,000 lux. In practical terms, place it 1-2 metres back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
TroubleshootingCommon problems
Most Rubber plant problems trace back to watering — here's how to read the leaves.
Signs of overwatering
Watch for: Yellowing lower leaves · Dropping leaves · Mushy stem base · Root rot. Let the soil dry further between waterings and make sure the pot drains freely — soggy roots are the usual cause.
Signs of underwatering
Watch for: Drooping leaves · Inward curling leaves · Brown crispy edges · Dull leaves. Water a little more often and don't let the soil go bone-dry for long.
Pet safetyToxic to pets
Toxic to pets. The plant contains proteolytic enzyme (ficin) and psoralen, which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Rubber plant out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Prayer plant, African violet, or Christmas cactus.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light: Prayer plant, African violet, Christmas cactus. See all pet-safe alternatives →
Pet-safety is hand-checked against ASPCA toxicity data — verified by people, not guessed by AI.
Field noteSomething worth knowing
Tapped commercially for its rubber latex throughout the 1800s, before Hevea brasiliensis replaced it as the global rubber source.
Get the personalised schedule
Botanicaly tunes water, light, and care reminders for Rubber plant based on your home's actual conditions. Free on iOS and Android.
Download BotanicalyFAQCommon questions
How often should I water a Rubber plant?
Water your Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that's typically every 7 to 10 days; in winter, slow down to every 14 to 21 days. Botanicaly's app tunes this further based on your home's actual light, pot size, and local weather.
How much light does a Rubber plant need?
Rubber plant is medium / indirect light: thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. The ideal lux range is 2,000 - 10,000 lux. In practical terms, place it 1-2 metres back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Is Rubber plant safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains proteolytic enzyme (ficin) and psoralen, which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Rubber plant out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Prayer plant, African violet, or Christmas cactus.
Why are my Rubber plant's leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a Rubber plant, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering — watch for yellowing lower leaves, dropping leaves, or mushy stem base. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If the leaves are drooping leaves, inward curling leaves, or brown crispy edges instead, it's likely thirsty — water a little more often. Botanicaly's Plant Doctor can diagnose it from a photo.