The Rubber Plant: the Best Indoor Plant for Your Home
The indoor rubber plant (Focus elastic) is one of the best houseplants you can have in your home. It is also commonly known as the Indian rubber tree and has a few other names like Indian fig, elastic tree, or rubber tree. Either method, it’s a great supplement to any home. This medium-sized tropical plant is native to Malaysia and India and thrives in humid conditions. It can withstand low and high light levels, making it a great houseplant for most homes. The rubber plant is easy to care for and adds character to your home with its unique appearance and smell. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about rubber plants so you can determine if it’s the perfect choice for your interior.
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What is a Rubber Plant?
The rubber plant is a tropical plant cultivated commercially for over a century. It is native to Malaysia and parts of India and is cultivated in large quantities worldwide. Various names, including the Indian rubber tree, Singapore rubber, and Malayan rubber tree, know it. The rubber tree is not a tree but rather a shrub that can grow to about 12 feet tall. It has dark green leaves with a waxy coating on both sides, which is why it is known as the “Indian rubber tree”. Rubber trees are grown for their sap, the raw material for making rubber. The trees are extracted to obtain the sap, which is then processed into rubber.
How to Care for Rubber Plants?
Indoor rubber plants like warmth and humidity, so you’ll want to keep them on a windowsill in the sunniest corner of your house. Water them once a week and make sure the soil never dries out. Like many other houseplants, they benefit from fertilizer once a month. Maintain the soil moist but not too broadly. Water them thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry before watering them again. Excessive watering can kill the plant. About once a month, feed the rubber plant with a balanced fertilizer. Keep the rubber plant out of direct sunlight, as it can kill it. Store it in a shady area or indoors.
Tips for Caring for a Rubber Plant
As we just mentioned, rubber plants crave warmth and moisture. It would help if you kept them on a windowsill in the sunniest corner of your house. However, if you don’t have such a place, don’t worry. You can also keep your indoor rubber plant healthy indoors. But remember to keep it near a source of moisture, like a humidifier or a tray of wet litter. The rubber plant is tropical, so it likes sunlight very much. Be sure to place it in an indoor location that gets plenty of natural light. Remember to fertilize your rubber plant every few months. You can do this by watering the plant with a fertilizer solution. Keep the rubber plant away from drafts, and do not let it sit on a cold or damp surface.
Harmful Effects of the Rubber Plant.
As we just mentioned, the rubber plant is poisonous to humans and pets. Although the leaves are less toxic than the sap, they can still cause several health problems. If you or your pet ingest the leaves, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. If you have small children or curious pets, keep the indoor rubber plant away from them. If they ingest the leaves, it could cause serious illness. If you or your pet have sap on the skin, it can cause a rash. Wash it off as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Is the Rubber Plant Good for Health?
Although the rubber plant is toxic, it does have some health benefits. It has lived used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory effects. Rubber plants are also great for improving indoor air quality because they remove carbon dioxide and other harmful gases from the air. A study has shown that rubber plants can reduce indoor air pollution. The study found that rubber plants can remove nasty chemicals like benzene and trichloroethylene from the air. Rubber plants are also good for your mood. They increase serotonin and dopamine in your brain, making you happy. They can also help lower your blood pressure and relax you.
Conclusion
The rubber plant is a great choice for an easy-care houseplant. As we just discussed, this tropical plant is easy to maintain and thrives in warm conditions. It can grow in most indoor environments and is low maintenance and light. The rubber plant is toxic, so keep it out of the reach of children and pets. It is also good for health, both mental and physical.