High Hopes for Growing a Rubber Tree

I just could not pass by the sublime rubber plant on my last visit to a wonderful florist in McLean, VA. There was one in my family's home that lived with us in the family room for about twenty years. If only it had ears!  It was about this size when my mother bought it and it grew into a Rubber tree that stood about seven stately feet tall. She gave it away after the children had all left and my parents moved to an apartment.

The rubber plant is definitely one of the most tried-and-true great houseplants you can live with. It's been available as a houseplant favorite for a long, long time because of its dramatic beauty and easy care. In 1959 Frank Sinatra sang a delightful song featuring the rubber plant called "High Hopes" !    

Here is a link to it:   High Hopes sung by Frank Sinatra

Botanically, the Rubber plant or Rubber tree is known as Ficus elastica 'Decora'. This serenely, majestic ficus is a tropical banyan tree that can grow to over 35 feet high in its native environment. It is known as a rubber plant because it does produce a latex sap.

The rubber plant is a very good choice for any beginner to the world of indoor plants. 

*To send houseplants or floral arrangements almost anywhere in the world, click below:

Flowers and Plants Etc 

Care Instructions-- 

• Prefers some direct sun but tolerates bright indirect light. 
• Let the top of the soil dry out well and then water thoroughly. A plant in a 6" (15cm) diameter pot (shown above) should need about a pint (almost 1/2 liter) of water. 
• In a 8" diameter pot, use a quart of water (1 liter)
• In a 10" diameter pot, use 2 quarts of water (2 liters)
• In a 14" diameter pot, water with 1 gallon water (almost 4 liters), when necessary
• Fertilize regularly for best growth. 
• The leaves will need dusting occasionally. A good showering outside with a garden hose of in your bathtub, once or twice a year, will help keep the leaves shiny and breathing freely. 

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***To view short video clips on indoor plant care from my 1990's TV series on growing houseplants, click here: 

 The Indoor Garden TV show

***To see a short video segment on the Rubber plant click below:

All about the Rubber Plant

©2013