How to Water a Rubber Plant? Latest Method Explained in Detail
Watering a rubber plant too frequently or not watering it for a long time will both cause the rubber plant to drop leaves. During the growing period it must be watered frequently, especially in the hot midsummer season. Because of the high evaporation, it is necessary not only to water from the roots, but also to spray the leaves frequently. However, if the potting soil is too wet, the roots rot easily, so you must wait until the potting soil is dry before watering again. Let us take a look below at how to water a rubber plant!
When to Water a Rubber Plant
The principle for watering a rubber plant is “when dry, let it dry out completely; when watering, water it thoroughly.” Before each watering, decide based on the condition of the potting soil. When the surface of the potting soil turns white, that is a signal of water shortage, and at this point you can water. Because the rubber plant has large and numerous leaves, it needs more water. During the growing period it needs watering once every 2 to 3 days, and the leaves should be sprayed frequently to keep the potting soil moist. In winter, control watering appropriately; as long as the surface of the potting soil is slightly moist, do not water.
When to Spray a Rubber Plant
For rubber plants, watering is usually the main method and spraying is supplementary. Only by spraying correctly while watering can you ensure the plant grows more robustly. Spraying is generally done only when the temperature is high and the air is dry, mainly to relieve the discomfort caused by high temperatures or dryness. When there is dust on the leaves, try to wipe the leaf surface with a soft damp cloth; the leaves are large and leathery, so they are very easy to clean. However, spraying cannot replace watering; spraying 10 times is not as good as watering once. Spraying moistens the leaf surface, while watering irrigates the plant.
How to Water a Rubber Plant
1. Watering in summer: For indoor cultivation, water after the topsoil looks dry. Spraying can be done appropriately and need not be too frequent, since the rubber plant has strong adaptability. Outdoors, the potting soil can be kept moist, but waterlogging from accumulated water must also be prevented. Spraying can be done a bit more frequently; it is best to sprinkle water on the ground to increase air humidity, which works even better.
2. Watering in winter: When the rubber plant is brought indoors for care in winter, watering should alternate between dry and wet, watering once every half month, and during this period spray frequently or wipe the leaf surface with a damp cloth. If there is heating at home, you can place a metal container on the radiator and fill it with water; this can noticeably increase indoor air humidity, equivalent to a high-power humidifier, and is also beneficial to the human body.