The Rubber Plant Indoor (Ficus elastica) is one of the best indoor houseplants you can have in your home. It’s also commonly known as the Indian rubber tree and has a few other names such as Indian fig, elastic tree or rubber tree. Either way, it’s an excellent addition to any home. This medium-sized tropical plant is native to Malaysia and India and thrives in humid conditions. It is able to withstand both low light and high light levels and this makes it a great houseplant for most homes. The rubber plant is not just easy to care for but also adds character to your home with its unique appearance and smell. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the rubber plant so you can determine whether it’s the perfect choice for your interior.
What is a rubber plant?
The rubber plant is a tropical plant that’s been grown commercially for over a century. It is native to Malaysia and parts of India and is cultivated around the world in large quantities. It’s known by a number of names, including Indian rubber tree, Singapore Rubber, and Malay rubber tree. In fact, the rubber tree is not a tree at all, but a shrub that can grow up to about 12 feet high. It has dark green leaves with a waxy coating on both sides – which is why it is known as the “Indian Rubber Tree.” Rubber trees are grown for their sap, which is the raw material for making rubber. The trees are tapped for the sap, which is then processed into rubber.
How to care for rubber plants?
Rubber Plant Indoor like warmth and humidity, so you’ll need to keep them on a windowsill in the sunniest corner of your house. Water them once a week, and make sure the soil never dries out. Like many other houseplants, they benefit from fertilizer once a month. Keep the soil moist, but not too wet. Water them thoroughly and then let the soil dry out before watering them again. Overwatering can kill the plant. About once a month, feed the rubber plant with a balanced fertilizer. Keep the rubber plant away from direct sunlight, as this can kill it. Keep it in a shaded area or indoors.
Tips for caring for a rubber plant
Like we just mentioned, rubber plants crave warmth and humidity. Ideally, you should keep them on a windowsill in the sunniest corner of your house. However, if you don’t have such a spot, don’t worry. You can keep your Rubber Plant Indoor healthy indoors, too. But remember to keep it near a source of humidity, such as a humidifier or a tray of wet sand. The rubber plant is a tropical plant, so it likes lots of sunlight. Make sure to place it in an indoor spot that gets a lot of natural light. Remember to fertilize your rubber plant every few months. You can do this by watering the plant with a fertilizer solution. Keep the rubber plant away from drafts and don’t let it sit on a cold or wet surface.
Harmful effects of Rubber Plant
Like we just mentioned, the rubber plant is poisonous to both humans and pets. Although the leaves are less toxic than the sap, they can still cause a number of health issues. If you or your pet ingest the leaves, the symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. If you have small children or curious pets, keep the Rubber Plant Indoor away from them. If they ingest the leaves, it could cause serious illness. If you or your pet get the sap on your skin, it can cause a rash. Wash it off as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Is The Rubber Plant Good For Your Health?
While the rubber plant is toxic, it does have a few health benefits. It has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. The sap of the rubber plant has been used for treating cuts and wounds, as well as other skin conditions, such as psoriasis. Rubber plants are also great for improving indoor air quality because they remove carbon dioxide and other harmful gases from the air. One study has shown that rubber plants can reduce indoor air pollution. The study discovered that rubber plants can remove nasty chemicals such as benzene and trichloroethylene from the air. Rubber plants are also good for your mood. They increase serotonin and dopamine in your brain, which make you feel happy. They can also help lower your blood pressure and make you more relaxed.
Conclusion
The rubber plant is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy to care for houseplant. Like we just discussed, this tropical plant is easy to maintain and thrives in warm conditions. It can grow in most indoor environments and is both low maintenance and low light. The rubber plant is toxic, so keep it out of reach of children and pets. It is also good for your health, both mentally and physically.
