Robyn Wilkey, our expert plant columnist, has advice on rubber trees,
an ideal plant to grow for beginners. You can send your plant questions to
Robyn at Swwgod@aol.com.
Dear Robyn:
I just moved into my first apartment and have
no experience on plants but have a great window full of sunshine for plants.
Any suggestions on my first plant purchase?
Robyn's Answer: Rubber Tree, Ficus elastica
The Rubber Tree is a fool proof beginners plant. It seemingly thrives
on neglect, but well cared for plants become impressive specimens in no time
at all.
The rubber tree is native to India, where it can grow to more than
100 feet tall.
Even when grown as a houseplant, it can be very tall, and will have
to be pruned regularly. The leaves are oval and 4-12 inches long. They are
dark and shiny green, and have sturdy stalks between 2 and 3 inches in
length.
It may be necessary to cut it back once every two to three years.
Cutting back the top will cause the plant to branch out. All Rubber Trees
need good light if they are not to shed their leaves. This is especially
true of the variegated varieties. The growth season temperature should be
about 70-77* F. The winter temperature should not go below 55* F.
Plants such as the Rubber Tree with large, broad leaves need a lot
of water. Water thoroughly once or twice a week in the summer, but less in
winter. Feed with liquid plant food in the summer, but no more than every
second or third time you water, or the plant will grow to rapidly.
Use a good commercial potting soil with a little added peat. When
the roots run our of space, usually every two or three years, move to the
next size pot.
Problems or pests:
Droopy leaves are a sure sign of acute thirst. Put the plant into
a bowl of tepid water and allow it to soak for an hour or so to allow the
root ball to become thoroughly saturated. Let the plant drain completely,
and watch watering.
Brown spots and leaf drop appear when the plant is too
cold.
Yellow leaves and dropping leaves, especially in the winter, is
a sign either of too much water or too little light in winter. Let the soil
become nearly dry before watering again and move plant to a brighter
spot.
Leaves with small, yellow spots and webs on the undersides mean
that you have been visited by spider mites. If it is an all-out attack discard
the plant before the little pests spread to the rest of the house plants.
If it is not too serious, try a miticide.
White wooly spots under the leaves mean mealy bug. Use insecticide
or try washing the plant with a mild soapy solution.
This is an excellent solitary plant in larger rooms, but it also
looks good with other plants. A definite all-rounder.
About the Author: Robyn Wilkey is an interior landscape
consultant. She is a third generation horticulturist and now lives in Bowling
Green, Kentucky. Write her at
Swwgod@aol.com. |
