Rubber Tree Plant Outside
Outdoor rubber tree plants ficus elastica may grow in zone 9 if winter protection is offered.
Rubber tree plant outside. The rubber plant is definitely a tropical tree suitable for use in outdoor plantings only from u s. With its glossy leathery leaves and upright form it s a striking addition to almost any room in your house. But indoors a rubber tree typically tops out at 6 to 10 feet tall. Morning watering is the best.
If you re new to plant parenting a rubber tree is the plant for you. Outdoors rubber plants grow in full sun or partial shade. Ficus elastica is the classic rubber tree rubber plant or india rubber plant. A classic houseplant the rubber tree plant ficus elastica grows up to 100 feet tall when grown outdoors.
A rubber tree plant can survive some chilly weather it is one of the hardiest figs but if your area has winter snow or cold snaps when the outdoor temperature stays below 50 degrees fahrenheit keep your rubber plant in a container on wheels. Able to adapt to and endure lower light conditions and generally poor treatment the rubber tree is a winner indoors. In this area outdoor rubber tree plants should be planted on the north or east side of a building for protection from the wind. Water your trees when the top inch of soil becomes dry.
In its native jungle habitat in india and malaysia the rubber tree can grow up to 100 feet tall. In your home however it tops out around 6 to 10 feet. How to grow rubber plants outdoors. They prefer heat and humidity so it is a good idea to cover the roots with a 2 inch layer of mulch which will keep the soil moist longer.
Department of agriculture plant hardiness zones 10b through 11. The complete guide to choosing growing and caring for indoor plants. Native to india and malaysia elastica is among the oldest plants used as houseplants worldwide. For best results bring your summer camper indoors before you turn on the central heating.
With the right care a rubber tree houseplant can live for 10 years or more says lisa eldred steinkopf author of houseplants. Ficus elastica more commonly known as a rubber plant rubber tree or rubber tree plant is a popular houseplant because of its waxy leaves and larger than life appearance. Gardeners in usda hardiness zones 10 and 11 can grow the plant outdoors according to most rubber plant information. You can propagate a new rubber tree plant from a cutting.
Although it s native to asia it will grow outdoors in the warm climates of u s. Department of agriculture hardiness zones 10b and 11. As a houseplant ficus is very popular. Rubber plants can grow up to 100 feet in their native homeland of southeast asia.