Maintenance Landscaping Design

Rubber tree is one of the most popular houseplants. it is easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of conditions. rubber tree is a fast grower and can reach heights of up to 6 feet.

Also known as

• Ficus elastica
  
• Hevea brasiliensis
  
• rubber plant
  
• India rubber tree
  
• caoutchouc tree

Basic info

• The rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is a tropical evergreen tree that is native to the Amazon rainforest.
  
• The tree can grow up to 30 meters (100 feet) tall and has a trunk diameter of up to 5 meters (5 feet).
  
• The tree produces a latex sap that is the source of natural rubber.
  
• The rubber tree is an important economic resource for many countries, particularly in South America and Southeast Asia.
  
• The tree is widely cultivated, and there are estimated to be over 12 million rubber trees in plantations around the world.
  
• The latex sap of the rubber tree is used to make a variety of products, including tires, gloves, balloons, and toys.
  
• The sap can also be used as a waterproofing material and an adhesive.
  
• The tree's wood can be used for construction, furniture, and other wood products.
  
• The leaves of the rubber tree are used as fodder for livestock.
  
• The tree is also used in traditional medicine, and the bark and latex sap have been used to treat a variety of conditions.

Related plant:
Variegated Rubber Plant

Planting Process

1. For rubber tree, first step is to grow it in seed bed and then transplant it to the field.
   
2. The seed bed should be prepared in well-drained, sandy loam soil and should be in an area that receives full sun.
   
3. The seed bed should be prepared before the monsoon season so that the seedlings can be transplanted during the rains.
   
4. The seeds are sown in lines at a spacing of 15 cm between the seeds and 30 cm between the lines.
   
5. The seeds are covered with a thin layer of sand and the bed is kept moist.
   
6. The seedlings emerge in 15-20 days and are thinned to one per hole.
   
7. The seedlings are transplanted to the main field when they are 30-35 cm tall.
   
8. The planting distance between the rubber trees should be 10 m x 10 m.
   
9. After planting, the trees are watered regularly and weeded around the base of the tree.
   
10. The trees start bearing fruit 3-4 years after planting and each tree can yield up to 2 kg of latex per year.

Related plant:
Rubber Plant Care

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, a rubber tree needs well-drained, moist, and slightly acidic soil to thrive. The tree can grow in a variety of soil types but will not do well in overly wet or dry conditions. If the soil is too alkaline, it can cause the leaves to yellow.

Light condition

Just like other plants, the rubber tree needs sunlight to grow. In fact, it needs quite a lot of sunlight, which is why it's often grown in tropical regions. Without enough sunlight, the rubber tree will not produce the latex that is used to make rubber.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is ideal for a rubber tree is around 77 degrees Fahrenheit. This tree does not do well in areas that have a lot of cold or a lot of heat. If the temperature gets too cold, the tree will lose its leaves. If the temperature gets too hot, the tree will stop growing.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 60%. If the humidity is too low, the plant will dry out and may drop its leaves. If the humidity is too high, the plant may develop fungal problems.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a general-purpose fertilizer that is applied in early spring and again in late spring or early summer. A slow-release fertilizer is a good choice, because it doesn't have to be applied as often. When applying fertilizer, be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions. Overfertilizing can damage the roots and leaves of the rubber tree.

Light requirement

Pruning a rubber tree helps to maintain its shape, remove diseased or damaged branches, and improve air circulation. It is best to prune in the early spring, before new growth begins. When pruning, make sure to clean your pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new rubber trees from existing ones. This can be done by seed or by cuttings. When propagating by seed, the seed must be collected from the wild as the domestic rubber tree does not produce viable seeds. The seed must then be germinated, which can take several months. Cuttings are the more common method of propagation as it is faster and easier. A cutting is taken from an existing tree and then planted in soil. The cutting will then form its own roots and grow into a new tree.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the genetic potential of the tree and the growing conditions. However, good management practices can have a significant impact on the growth rate of a rubber tree plantation. Fertilization, weeding, and irrigation are some of the cultural practices that can promote faster growth.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are root and stem rot, caterpillars, and brown spot disease. Root and stem rot can be caused by too much water or too little drainage, and caterpillars can wreak havoc on the leaves. Brown spot disease is a fungal infection that causes brown spots to form on the leaves.

Basics of Growing

• Remember to water your rubber tree plant regularly, as it does not tolerate drought well.
  
• Place your rubber tree plant in a bright spot, as it needs lots of light to grow well.
  
• Be sure to fertilize your rubber tree plant regularly, as it is a heavy feeder.
  
• Prune your rubber tree plant regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it looking its best.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, as rubber tree plants are susceptible to both.
  
• Repot your rubber tree plant every few years to refresh the soil and give it room to grow.
  
• If you live in a cold climate, bring your rubber tree plant indoors during the winter months.
  
• Enjoy the unique and graceful look of your rubber tree plant as it adds interest to your home.
  
• Be patient when growing a rubber tree plant, as it can take several years to reach its full

Similar Plants

• Red gum tree
  
• Sweet gum tree
  
• Birch tree
  
• Maple tree
  
• Willow tree
  
• Oak tree
  
• Hickory tree
  
• Walnut tree
  
• Chestnut tree
  
• Elm tree

Source:
Hardy Rubber Tree - MSU Extension
Hevea brasiliensis:The Rubber Tree - Southern Illinois University ...
Ficus elastica (Rubber Plant) | North Carolina Extension …