Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica
Also known as: Rubber Tree, Rubber Fig
A complete guide to growing and propagating Rubber Plant: its care needs, how to take cuttings and root them, how long propagation takes, and how to fix the most common problems.
Rubber Plant care at a glance
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How to propagate Rubber Plant
Stem cutting (water or soil)
- Cut a 4-6 inch tip below a node and remove lower leaves.
- Blot the milky sap and let it dry for a few minutes.
- Root in water or moist soil in bright, indirect light.
- Pot up once roots reach 2-3 inches.
Air layering
- Make a small upward cut on the stem below a node.
- Wrap the wound in damp sphagnum moss and cover with plastic.
- Keep the moss moist; cut below the new roots and pot up.
Common Rubber Plant problems & fixes
Leaves dropping
Overwatering, cold, or sudden change. Stabilize conditions and let soil dry more.
Loss of variegation
Too little light. Move to a brighter indirect spot.
Brown leaf edges
Low humidity or salt buildup. Flush soil and raise humidity slightly.
Track your rubber plant cuttings & propagation in SnipLog
Log when you took each cutting, set rooting reminders, and watch your propagation timeline â free on iPhone.
Toxicity notes are a general guide based on ASPCA-style classifications â if a pet ingests any houseplant, contact your vet. Care needs vary with your home's conditions.