How Much and How Often to Water Rubber Plants
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Not only are rubber plants easy to take care of, but also, they are beautiful to look at.
But just because they are low-maintenance does not mean you should ignore their watering schedule. If you are not careful, you can easily kill your rubber plant by either overwatering or underwatering it.
So how much and how often should you water your rubber plant?
Read on to learn everything you should know about watering rubber plants, plus tips to help you grow a healthy plant.
How Often Should You Water Your Rubber Plant?
This is probably the most common question rubber plant owners have. And unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
The frequency of watering your rubber plant will depend on several factors.
However, watering your rubber plant every one to two weeks will be enough for most cases. This is enough time for the plant to dry out completely between waterings, which is important to prevent root rot.
Of course, you’ll have to keep an eye on your rubber plant and see how it’s doing. If you notice that the leaves are starting to droop, that’s a sign that it needs more water. On the other hand, if the leaves are wilting or turning yellow, you might be giving your plant too much water.
In general, rubber plants like to stay on the drier side, so it’s better to underwater them than to overwater them.
Factors That Determine How Often You Should Water Your Rubber Plants
Now that you have a general idea of how often to water your rubber plant, it is time to dive into the factors that should determine your watering schedule.
- Temperature – The temperature and humidity of your plant’s environment will play a big role in how often you need to water it. If you live in a hot and low humid climate, your rubber plant will need to be watered more frequently than in a cooler climate. This is because the higher temperatures and low humidity levels lead to more evaporation and vice versa.
- The Size of Your Rubber Plant – The size of your rubber plant will also affect how often you need to water it. Obviously, a larger rubber plant will need more water than a smaller one. In this case, you’ll just have to eyeball how much water your rubber plant needs. Start by watering it every one to two weeks and then adjust as needed.
- The Type of Soil – The type of soil you’re using can also affect how often you need to water your plant. If you’re using light and well-draining soil, your rubber plant will need more water than if you’re using heavy and clay-like soil. The reason is that the latter holds onto moisture for longer, which means your rubber plant will need to be watered less often.
How Much Water Should You Give Your Rubber Plant?
This will depend on several factors, including the climatic conditions, type of soil, and size of your plant.
In general, you should water your rubber plant until the water starts to come out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. If you’re not sure how much water to give, it’s always better to err on the side of underwatering.
Rubber plants are more tolerant of drought than they are of overwatering.
When Should I Water My Rubber Plant?
The best time to water your rubber plant is in the morning. This gives the plant enough time to absorb the water before the sun comes out and dries it up. If you water your rubber plant in the evening, there’s a chance that the leaves will stay wet overnight, which can lead to fungal diseases.
For warmer regions, rubber plants should be watered in the late afternoon or evening to minimize loss through evaporation.
How Should I Water My Rubber Plant?
If you want the best for your plant, you must water it the right way. Use room-temperature water for your rubber plant and pour it slowly onto the soil until it starts to come out of the drainage holes. Then, let the plant drain for a few minutes before putting it back in its spot.
It’s also a good idea to mist your rubber plant now and then. This will help keep the leaves hydrated and prevent them from drying out. Just be sure not to mist the plant too much, as this can also lead to fungal diseases.
Remember, rubber plants are native to tropical regions, so a bit of humidity is definitely okay.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Rubber Plant
Watering is only part of the process. If you want your plant to thrive, here are a few extra tips to help you along the way.
- Don’t Forget to Fertilize – Just like every other plant, rubber plants need to be fertilized. The best time to do this is in the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing.
- Get Pesticides to Keep Pests at Bay – Rubber plants are relatively resistant to pests, but they’re not immune. The most common pests that attack them include aphids, spider mites, and mealy bugs. If you notice any of these critters on your plant, do not hesitate to get rid of them right away. Use a pesticide that’s specifically designed for rubber plants.
- Choose the Right Pot – When it comes to rubber plants, bigger is definitely better. These plants can grow quite large, so it’s important to choose a pot that will not restrict their growth. You should also make sure that the pot has drainage holes. This is essential for preventing overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- Ensure the Plants Get Adequate Sunlight – Rubber plants need bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. If your plant is getting too much sun, the leaves will start to turn yellow. On the other hand, if it’s not getting enough sun, the leaves will start to turn a deep green color. As such, it’s important to find the perfect balance.
- Prune Your Plant Regularly – Pruning is an important part of taking care of a rubber plant. Not only does it help keep the plant looking good, but it also helps encourage new growth. The best time to prune your rubber plant is in the spring or summer.
Final Thoughts
Rubber plants are beautiful, tough plants that can survive in various conditions. However, they do need to be watered regularly. The above information should help you figure out how often and how much water your rubber plant needs.
Just remember to err on the side of underwatering, as these plants are more tolerant of drought than they are of overwatering. With a bit of care and attention, your rubber plant will thrive!
See also:
- How Much and How Often to Water Palm Plant
- How Much & How Often to Water Petunias?
- How Much and How Often to Water Cucumbers
- How Much and How Often to Water a Bromeliad Plant?
Featured Image Credit: Joa70, Pixabay
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