If you’re looking for a houseplant that will add a touch of elegance and color to your space, look no further than the Ruby Rubber Plant. With its gentle pink and glowing red tint, this ficus is truly a gem. But caring for it isn’t as tricky as polishing a precious stone. In this article, we’ll explore the secrets to keeping your Ficus elastica ‘Ruby’ healthy and vibrant.
Key Takeaways
Let the Light Showcase Its Beauty
While ficus plants are often associated with low-light conditions, the Ruby Rubber Plant thrives with a bit more sunshine. It craves a few hours of direct morning sun, followed by filtered, indirect light throughout the day. Expose it to over eight hours of filtered light daily, and watch its leaves radiate that stunning ruby glow. However, be cautious of intense afternoon sun, as it can lead to leaf burn. Place your Ruby Rubber Plant in a brightly lit room indoors, and if it’s flourishing there, let that be its forever home.
Water with Care
Caring for the Ficus elastica ‘Ruby’ is simpler than caring for other thin-leaved ficus varieties, but it still requires attention to watering. It prefers its soil to be somewhat damp most of the time, though not soaking wet. In general, watering once a week is sufficient, but environmental factors like temperature and light exposure can influence its water needs. As the days get shorter and cooler during winter, reduce the frequency of watering. Be vigilant for any signs of over-watering, such as yellowing or falling leaves, which can indicate root rot. Remember, older lower leaves may naturally turn yellow and fall off, but rapid leaf loss warrants a closer look at your watering routine.
Soil – the Foundation of Healthy Growth
Ficus Ruby thrives in well-draining soil that retains moisture long enough for its roots to absorb. Avoid dense soil mixtures with moisture-retaining crystals, as they can suffocate the roots. When purchasing pre-mixed potting soil, read the labels carefully. Universal potting soil is suitable for ficus plants but requires a reduction in watering frequency. If your soil doesn’t drain well or you need to transplant, mix ¼ cactus soil with ¾ potting soil to improve drainage. For optimum growth, provide nutrient-rich, loose soil, creating the perfect foundation for your Ruby Rubber Plant.
Temperature Matters
To keep your Ficus Ruby healthy, maintain a temperature range between 65°F and 80°F. Never allow the temperature to drop below 55°F, as it can cause misshapen leaves and eventual leaf loss. Ensure your plant enjoys a cozy environment within this temperature range.
Embrace Humidity
Ficus Ruby thrives in relatively humid environments. Enhance the humidity around your plant to create a tropical oasis. Experiment with adding pebble trays filled with water nearby or grouping multiple plants together. Another option is to use a cool mist humidifier to increase humidity. Discover how to create the perfect humidity for your indoor plants.
Fertilize for Optimal Growth
Feed your Ruby Ficus every six weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to ¼ the recommended strength during the spring and summer. A balanced fertilizer contains equal parts phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen. Be mindful of how often you fertilize, as excessive amounts can harm the plant. Avoid fertilizing during winter, as the reduced growth rate requires fewer nutrients.
Thrive and Flourish
With proper care, Ficus elastica ‘Ruby’ can grow over 24″ each growing season, making it a relatively fast-growing houseplant. If given adequate light and warmth, this beauty can reach heights of over 15 feet indoors. To keep its towering growth in check, prune it every spring. Additionally, rotate your plant every time you water it to maintain a well-rounded shape and promote even growth.
Pet-Friendly Alert
Sadly, Ficus Ruby is toxic to pets. So, if you have furry friends roaming your home, it’s best to admire this plant’s beauty from a safe distance.
Pro Tips for Plant Enthusiasts
- When pruning your Ficus Ruby, remember to cut above the leaf nodes to promote healthy growth.
- Take your Ruby Rubber Plant outdoors during the summer for a growth boost, but return it indoors before nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F.
- Dust off your plant’s leaves regularly to help it grow, remain pest-free, and maintain a fabulous appearance.
- Rotate your ficus plant with each watering to ensure it develops a well-balanced shape.
At Ames Farm Center, we offer a range of Ruby Rubber Plants to add a touch of vibrant elegance to your indoor space. Visit Ames Farm Center to explore our collection and find the perfect addition to your plant family.
