The Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) prefers to have the top inch or two of soil dry out before the next watering. During the active growing season the Rubber plant is typically watered about once every seven to ten days, depending on light and indoor humidity. In winter the Rubber plant uses far less water, so watering once every two to three weeks is often enough. Overwatering the Rubber plant is a common cause of yellowing lower leaves and root rot, so the pot must drain freely. When watering the Rubber plant, water thoroughly until liquid runs from the drainage holes, then discard any water left in the saucer.
The Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) grows best in bright, indirect light near an east- or south-facing window. The Rubber plant can adapt to medium light, but its growth slows and the lower leaves may drop in dim conditions. Harsh direct midday sun can scorch the leaves of the Rubber plant, leaving brown or bleached patches. Variegated forms of the Rubber plant need brighter light than the all-green forms to keep their coloring. Rotating the Rubber plant a quarter turn each week helps it grow evenly toward the light.
The cited reference lists Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) as toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and skin irritation from the milky sap. The milky latex sap of the Rubber plant can also irritate the skin of people who handle damaged stems or leaves. If a cat or dog is suspected of chewing or swallowing part of a Rubber plant, contact a veterinarian or an animal poison-control line promptly. Keep the Rubber plant out of reach of pets and children, and wash hands after pruning. This reference does not replace professional veterinary or medical advice about a specific Rubber plant exposure.
The Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) does best in a well-draining potting mix, such as a general houseplant mix amended with perlite or bark. A pot with drainage holes is important for the Rubber plant because the roots will rot in soil that stays saturated. The Rubber plant is typically repotted every two to three years, or when roots begin circling the pot or emerging from the drainage holes. When repotting the Rubber plant, choose a container only one size larger to avoid leaving excess wet soil around the roots. Spring is the preferred time to repot the Rubber plant, as it recovers fastest during active growth.
Yellowing and dropping lower leaves on a Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) most often signal overwatering or poor drainage. Brown, crispy leaf edges on the Rubber plant usually point to underwatering, low humidity, or salt buildup from fertilizer. Sudden leaf drop on the Rubber plant is frequently a response to cold drafts, relocation, or a sharp change in light. Dust accumulating on the broad leaves of the Rubber plant reduces light capture, so the leaves benefit from an occasional gentle wipe with a damp cloth. Common pests on the Rubber plant include scale, mealybugs, and spider mites, which can be managed by wiping the leaves and treating with insecticidal soap.