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When to Water Rubber Plant – The Ultimate Watering Guide!

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Want to know when to water rubber plants? You came to the right place!

Rubber plants are one of the most beloved houseplants with big, shiny leaves that can instantly add texture to your home.

You can grow them to bigger sizes or keep them contained in a pot.

So, it comes as no surprise if you want to get one for yourself as well. But you must be vigilant if you want to keep rubber plants indoors, as certain requirements must be fulfilled.

Watering is one of the main issues you may face with your rubber plant.

It can be hard to get the water level right which can cause stress to the plant and show up as prominent signs of distress.

So, one of the primary questions here is, when to water rubber plants? If you have been unable to get the watering schedule right, we have got just the information you need.

Keep reading as we dig deeper to answer your question.

Rubber plant in a pot—when to water rubber plant
When to water rubber plant? – Image via Elle Lumière.

When to Water Rubber Plant? | Important Considerations!

Rubber plants are not typically frustrating plants when it comes to watering.

It would be best to consider some essential factors before deciding on a watering schedule for these houseplants.

Let’s see when to water rubber plants.

Different Seasons

The priority factor in determining the watering needs of the rubber plant is the range of seasons.

  • Like most plants, rubber plants also see maximum growth in the spring and summer, with flowering on the plant at its peak.
  • Fall and winter seasons lead to the stunted growth and hibernation of the plants. They are not actively growing in these seasons.

As more growth activities occur in spring and summer, this is the time when the plant needs the most water, every 4–5 days or once a week.

In fall and winter, the plant needs less water—once every two weeks will be fine.

Temperature

The Ficus elastica or rubber plants thrive in tropical temperatures of between 65 to 80 degrees.

The watering needs will also vary with the temperature of the surroundings.

As they grow more in warm temperatures, you must add more water when the temperature is above 65 degrees.

The high temperature also means that the water will evaporate more quickly, so you will have to add water more frequently.

Slow down on watering in low temperatures.

During colder temperatures, the rubber plant may start to drop leaves to preserve energy. When you witness this, stop adding water until you see new leaves coming out or till the top few inches of the soil are dry.

Humidity Level

Similar to temperature, rubber plants also love high humidity levels.

If the air indoors is dry and flaky such as in winter, it is better to use a humidifier to supplement the watering.

You can also sprinkle the leaves with water to keep the moisture level up.

If the overall humidity is low, you should water every 4–5 days. In high humidity, watering once every week is fine.

Size of the Plant

A rubber plant can grow quite tall, between 6 to 10 feet, if you don’t restrain the growth.

  • The watering demands depend on the size of the plant as well.
  • If the plant is still young, it will usually be in the height range of 1–4 feet tall.
  • In this stage, the plant is still growing and needs more water.
  • However, once the plant matures and reaches a height of over 5 feet, you can water it after every 6–7 days, as adult rubber plants need less water.

Now that you know the essential considerations, let’s see when to water rubber plants, or, I should say, how to water rubber plants like a pro!

Related article: Why is My Rubber Plant Drooping? 5 Most Common Reasons!

When to Water Rubber Plants?

Let’s get back to answering your main question.

You should water the rubber plants when the soil dries out enough. Depending on the environmental conditions and your schedule, the rubber plant will need more or less water.

To check the soil, you can use a moisture meter or simply insert your finger in the soil.

If the top few inches of the soil are moist, you can wait for a few more days. If the top inches are dry, you must add more water.

You should also notice signs of overwatering and underwatering to ensure you add water at the right time.

If you have overwatered the plant, you will see the leaves turning yellow, and water may accumulate on the soil layer.

For underwatering, you can check the dryness of the soil.

Other signs include dropping leaves, dry edges of the leaves, which may be turning yellow, and other such symptoms.

Be receptive to these signs to know when to water the rubber plant.

Here’s an informative video just for you!

I Have Mastered the Art of Growing Rubber Plants Perfectly; I Think – YouTube

How Often to Water Rubber Plants?

Rubber plants are not very rigid when it comes to their watering needs.

  • You can be flexible with how much and when you add water to these plants, which is another reason rubber plants make great house companions for busy people.
  • Generally, rubber plants do better in moist soil which is not soggy or holding puddles of water.
  • Keep in mind that standing water in the roots is not suitable for the plant. If you keep up this practice, your plant will suffer the consequences of root rot and more.
  • The ideal schedule for watering the rubber plant in spring or summer is once every week or once after five days. These are the growing season of the plants, and so they need relatively more water.
  • In the fall and winter seasons, you can slow down the watering and add water once after fifteen days or even more.
  • Depending on the climate and other conditions in your area, the rubber plant may even be able to survive with watering after a month.
  • While underwatering is not a good practice for these plants if you must tilt on one side, underwatering the plant is significantly better than overwatering.

The trick is to keep the soil damp, not too soggy or too dry! That’s all!


Conclusion

I hope this answers your question – when to water rubber plants?

Rubber plants will be a bright and cheerful addition to your house. Please make sure you research before buying them and know the proper protocol for caring for them.

The important thing to remember is that Ficus elastica are tropical plants, and you must provide the appropriate conditions for them to survive.

So, the exact watering conditions will vary with the surroundings as well.

Rubber plants can survive several harsh weather conditions.

Take care of them properly, and they will last a long time.

Regards.