How to feed a rubber plant
Ficus elastica
Quick answer
Feed Ficus elastica about once a month during active spring and summer growth. Lower light and winter growth call for less feeding.

Toxic to pets
How to feed a rubber plant
- 01
When to fertilize
Feed Ficus elastica about once a month during active spring and summer growth. Regular feeding matters most when the plant has not had fresh potting mix for a while.
Reduce or pause routine feeding when light and growth fall in winter, and feed less often in lower-light conditions rather than preserving the active-growth interval.
- 02
Fertilizer type and dose
Use a balanced or water-soluble houseplant fertilizer. A high-nitrogen feed also suits figs, so check the product and label before choosing a rate.
- 03
When not to fertilize
Salt buildup or excess fertilizer can contribute to leaf-tip or root problems, while yellowing and leaf loss can also follow wet roots, low light or cold. Inspect the plant and mix before increasing feed.
All rubber plant guides
Keep reading
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · classification
- Royal Horticultural SocietyLight · watering · humidity · feeding · compost · repotting · pests
- Clemson University Cooperative ExtensionLight · temperature · watering · drainage · humidity · fertilizer · repotting · pests
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxLight · water · seasonal reduction · root and leaf drop · pests
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