Can Rubber Plants Be Grown Hydroponically? Detailed Guide to Hydroponic Methods and Care Points

The rubber plant is a well-known potted foliage plant, also called rubber tree, Brazilian rubber, etc. It is a large tree of the genus Ficus in the mulberry family. Many people do not know whether rubber plants can actually be grown hydroponically. In fact, the hydroponic method for rubber plants is very simple and does not require complicated steps. It can be done easily in just a few steps. Below, let us take a look at the hydroponic method for rubber plants!

Can Rubber Plants Be Grown Hydroponically?

Rubber plants can be grown hydroponically, and if the nutrients are suitable, they grow much faster than in soil. Hydroponic rubber plant cuttings root in 1 to 1.5 months. In winter, the room temperature should not be lower than 5°C. If the room temperature is too low, you can put a plastic bag over the rubber plant, tie it tightly at the bottom, and place it in a spot with sunlight, and it can basically overwinter safely.

Hydroponic Method for Rubber Plants

For hydroponic growing of rubber plants, choose a small soil-grown plant with a good plant shape and grow it in water using the root-washing method. Old roots are not easy to rot and can adapt to the hydroponic environment relatively quickly. You can also, from May to September, cut off robust growing branch tips, remove the base leaves, let the cut dry, and then directly propagate them in water. Because the canopy is relatively heavy, it is best to add ceramsite to the container, which helps fix the plant in place and also helps rooting.

Hydroponic Management of Rubber Plants

In the early stage of hydroponic growing of rubber plants, change the clean water once every 2 to 3 days. After two weeks, water roots gradually grow. When the plant has fully adapted to the hydroponic environment, move it to a place with sufficient light, add foliage plant nutrient solution for care, and change the nutrient solution once every two weeks. Rubber plants like a high-temperature, humid, and well-lit environment. The suitable growing temperature is 22 to 32 degrees, the overwintering temperature should be above 8 degrees, and it has relatively strong shade tolerance. Hydroponic rubber plants should have their containers cleaned regularly. Bacteria easily breed in hydroponic containers, so while changing the water, clean the inner walls of the container. Every two months, clean the roots of the rubber plant and prune old roots.