Why Rubber Plants Are The Most Underrated Houseplants: Best of Growing Joy Replay

If you're looking for a large, tree-like plant, a pop of color, or a cool, structural statement piece for your home, might I suggest the rubber plant? Ficus elastica is one of the most underrated houseplants out there, and today we're giving it the hype it deserves! In this Best of Growing Joy series, I pulled my conversation with Raffaele of Ohio Tropics, a fellow rubber plant lover, where we talk about everything you need to know about rubber plant care: how to help your rubber plant truly grow, how to stop it from dropping its leaves, and how to keep those glossy leaves from crisping up. Because whether it's a simple green rubber tree or a stunning variegated variety like my beloved Ficus Belize on my green wall, those huge, glossy leaves make such a statement in your home. Listen in to learn simple rubber plant care tips, plus the most common mistakes plant parents make (and exactly how to avoid them), so you can grow your very own iconic indoor tree. In this episode, we learn: [00:43] Maria’s plant and personal updates [02:12] Introducing Raffaele from Ohio Tropics [03:14] Your invitation to a free 10-day virtual garden festival! [03:58] What to expect from this rubber plant episode [06:40] How Raffael became the plant parent he is today [10:06] What is a rubber plant? [11:26] Do rubber trees produce latex? [12:53] Where can you find rubber plants in nature? [14:33] What are the different types and varieties of rubber plants? [18:54] How to water rubber plants [21:27] Raffaele’s watering tip using a turkey baster [23:21] How much sunlight does a rubber plant need? [27:35] Are rubber plants low-light plants? [28:35] What kind of soil mix is good for rubber plants? [30:52] Where to get pre-grown plants and seeds for your spring garden [32:09] The best indoor and outdoor gardening products [34:49] How to fertilize rubber plants [37:11] Rubber Plant FAQ #1: Why is my rubber plant not growing? [39:03] Rubber Plant FAQ #2: How do I get my rubber plant to branch and be bushier instead of taller? [39:51] What is the air layering propagation method? [44:15] Rubber Plant FAQ #3: Why are my new leaves smaller than the older ones? [45:32] Rubber Plant FAQ #4: Why are my rubber plant leaves dropping? [48:20] Why overwatering can cause issues to your plant (in ways you might not expect) [49:12] Rubber Plant FAQ #5: My plant looks healthy, but the branches are all over the place; why is this happening? [50:26] Rubber Plant FAQ #6: What are the tiny white spots on my rubber plant? [51:26] Rubber Plant FAQ#7: Why are the edges of my variegated rubber plant browning? [54:09] Rubber Plant FAQ #8: My rubber plant has aerial roots, but do they grow better in slightly cooler conditions? [55:18] Raffaele’s recommendations of the best rubber plant varieties for beginners [57:35] What Raffaele’s book Houseplant Warrior is about! [59:41] Where to connect with Raffaele [01:01:52] Upgrade your plant education with these two events!   Mentioned in our conversation: Houseplant Warrior: 7 Keys to Unlocking the Mysteries of Houseplant Care, book by Raffaele Di Lallo The Great Grow Along Virtual Garden Festival   Which rubber plant variety are you most excited to try? Check out the full show notes and blog to start growing your own statement rubber plant!   Follow Raffaele: Blog Instagram YouTube Book     Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and G