Hydroponic Methods and Care Management Tips for the Rubber Plant
The rubber plant, also known as the Indian rubber tree, Indian rubber fig, rubber tree, or Burmese tree, belongs to the genus Ficus in the mulberry family. It is widely cultivated in the south-central part of South China and in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, while in the vast areas from northern South China to North China it is only suitable for pot cultivation.
The rubber plant has thick, oval leaves with pointed tips, broad as a palm and glossy, remaining evergreen all year round; it is a world-famous foliage tree species. In its place of origin, the tree can grow to more than 30 m, with a stout trunk and many aerial roots, smooth twigs, and milky sap throughout the plant. The young buds are red and have bracts; the young leaves are dark red, and the old leaves are dark green.
1. Hydroponic Methods
(1) For hydroponic rubber plants, it is best to choose a small soil-grown plant with a good shape and convert it to hydroponics by the root-washing method. After washing the plant clean, plant it in a container and add water to 1/3-1/2 of the root system. For larger rubber plants, it is best to use a glass container with a planting cup.
(2) Select the old roots of a small soil-grown plant with a good shape, wash the roots, and grow it hydroponically, because old roots are not easy to rot and can adapt to the hydroponic environment relatively quickly. Alternatively, choose vigorous shoots from May to September, remove the leaves at the base, let the cut dry, and then grow them directly in water. Because the crown is relatively heavy, ceramsite needs to be added to the container to fix the plant and help it root. The picture shows a hydroponic rubber plant.
2. Care Guide
(1) Temperature and light: The suitable temperature for rubber plant growth is 22-32°C, and the safe overwintering temperature is above 8°C. The rubber plant likes sufficient diffused light; with sufficient light it grows robustly and its leaves are broad, thick, and bright, while with poor light the branches are thin and weak. In summer, direct sunlight must be prevented.
(2) Changing the water: In the early stage of hydroponic rubber plant cultivation, change the water once every 2-3 days; after water roots grow, change the water once every 10-15 days. 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.