Maintaining rubber trees »Watering, fertilizing, cutting and more

Plant the rubber tree properly

With its low nutrient requirement, the rubber tree does not need a special, commercially available substrate Potting soil or slightly sandy soil is sufficient. The pH of the soil should be close to neutral. Choose a sufficiently large plant pot, because the rubber tree can grow up to three meters high. If necessary, however, it can also be quite simple repot.

The best place for the rubber tree

The rubber tree likes it warm and bright. In contrast to many other indoor plants, it also gets along quite well with dry heating air. However, drafts cause him problems. Therefore, the rubber tree should not necessarily be placed by the frequently opened window or the door to the cold hallway.

If he feels good, then the rubber tree can grow up to the ceiling over time. In the wild, however, it reaches a height of 20 to 40 meters and the trunk can be up to 2 meters thick. The leaves, which are up to 40 cm in size, can easily become, then simply wipe them off with a damp cloth.

Water and fertilize the rubber tree

The rubber tree should only be moderate poured will. Wait until the top layer of soil has dried slightly. The rubber tree can best tolerate stale water at room temperature or rainwater. It is essential to avoid the formation of waterlogging, as the rubber tree reacts very sensitively to this. Under no circumstances should there be permanent water in the planter or saucer, as this can easily lead to rot.

As an alternative to the usual watering, you can also "dip" your rubber tree from time to time. To do this, place the plant in a large container filled with water until the soil is soaked. If no more air bubbles rise from the water, then it is time to take the rubber tree out. Let it drain thoroughly.

About every two to three weeks fertilize Your rubber tree with a commercially available liquid fertilizer. Simply mix this into the watering water. The rubber tree does not need very many nutrients, so do not dose the fertilizer too generously.

Diseases and pests in the rubber tree

With good care and appropriate Location the rubber tree is quite robust against Diseases or pests. With waterlogging or too much watering, it can easily happen that he gets his Leaves leaves.

Most commonly found on rubber trees Pests are Spider mites and mealybugs. However, they can be fought biologically without the use of harsh chemicals. Check your rubber tree for pests, especially during the heating season.

The rubber tree in winter

The rubber tree tolerates a slightly cool winter break very well, it can last from October to February. the temperature However, during this time it should not drop below about 16 ° C, because the rubber tree is pretty sensitive to cold.

During the winter break, the rubber tree needs little water and should be fertilized a maximum of two times. Is the Potting soil still relatively fresh, then you can do without fertilization in winter completely.

Prune the rubber tree

The rubber tree does not need a regular cut. However, it is easy to cut. If the rubber tree gets too big, then cut Off it at the desired height. You can use the cut piece right away Multiplication to use. You can also use side shoots for this purpose.

Propagate the rubber tree

The rubber tree can also be sown, but that is a very difficult matter. On the other hand, it is very easy to multiply Cuttings. It is best to cut these from the side shoots in spring when the rubber tree is forming new leaves. The rooting takes place in a water glass or in a damp one Potting soil. This takes about four to eight weeks. You should only repot the young rubber tree when the roots are strong.

The essentials in brief:

• easy-care
• well suited for beginners
• prefers a light to partially shaded location
• Avoid drafts as much as possible
• If possible, the temperature should not be below 16 ° C
• variegated varieties require more light for a beautiful color
• pour or dip moderately
• cool winter break from October to February
• Propagation is best done by cuttings
• occasionally suffers from pests, especially during the heating season