Rubber plant grown in the ground has broad leaves and thick, sturdy stems and branches; know these 2 points and it can do well in a pot too

The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is a highly ornamental plant that can be grown in the ground or in a pot. Grown in the ground, its leaves are thick and broad, and its stems and branches are sturdy and upright. To achieve this effect in a pot, you need to master these 3 points!

Sunlight

Rubber plants cared for outdoors have no nearby shade, so sunlight is very abundant, allowing the leaves to carry out photosynthesis fully. Compared with the limited light indoors, outdoors has an absolute advantage, which is why rubber plants grow so upright and green.

If you want a potted rubber plant to grow vigorously and produce many side branches, you need to place it in a sunny spot at home. If you have a terrace, it is best to keep it on the terrace. The rubber plant is very tough; keeping it on the terrace is nothing to worry about. Instead, good light is even more helpful for its growth.

Water

Rubber plants cared for outdoors often receive rainwater. Rainwater is acidic, and the rubber plant also likes acidic conditions, so when this acidic material falls on the rubber plant, it can make its root system well developed and its leaves glossy.

By comparison, a potted rubber plant does not have this advantage and can only rely on manual watering. In many cases we water with tap water, and we may rarely go out of our way to collect rainwater to water the rubber plant. So if you want to grow a rubber plant well, occasionally collecting some rainwater is very helpful for it.

Soil

The soil in the ground is very fertile, and some fallen leaves drop directly onto the ground and after a long time have fully decomposed, forming excellent nutrient-rich soil that can provide the rubber plant with abundant nutrients. In addition, root growth is unrestricted, so how could the rubber plant fail to grow vigorously?

For a potted rubber plant, the flowerpot has limited space, so if the roots want to grow outward, there is nowhere to go. Also, after being used for a period of time, the soil loses nutrients or becomes compacted. So if you want the rubber plant to grow well, it is recommended to change the soil once a year and switch to a slightly larger pot. Only then will it grow better and have lush branches and leaves.

So for an indoor potted rubber plant, these 3 points are very important. Master them well, and it can also grow into a towering tree with lush branches and leaves!