How to Grow Ficus Rubber Plant Outdoors

Ficus rubber plants, also known as rubber trees, are popular houseplants due to their stunning foliage and easy maintenance. However, these plants can also thrive outdoors in the right conditions. In this article, we will go over how to grow a ficus rubber plant outdoors.

Choosing the Right Location

The first step to growing a ficus rubber plant outdoors is choosing the right location. These plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight, so look for a spot that receives partial shade during the day. Avoid placing your ficus rubber plant in direct sunlight as it can cause leaf burn and damage to the plant.

Additionally, ficus rubber plants prefer warm temperatures and high humidity levels. Make sure to choose a location that is protected from cold drafts and strong winds.

Prep Your Soil

Ficus rubber plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting your ficus rubber plant outdoors, make sure to prep your soil by adding compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient levels.

It’s also essential to ensure that the soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.5, as ficus rubber plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soils.

Watering and Fertilizing

When it comes to watering ficus rubber plants outdoors, it’s crucial to strike a balance between not watering enough and overwatering. These plants prefer consistently moist soil, but they do not like sitting in standing water.

During hot summer months, you may need to water your ficus rubber plant more frequently than during cooler months. As for fertilizing, use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) but avoid fertilizing during winter months when growth slows down.

Pruning and Maintenance

Regular pruning is essential for ficus rubber plants outdoors to maintain their shape and promote healthy growth. You can prune your plant anytime during the growing season, but it’s best to avoid pruning during winter months when growth slows down.

Additionally, ficus rubber plants are susceptible to pests such as spider mites and mealybugs. Regularly inspect your plant for signs of pests and treat them quickly to prevent damage.

FAQ

Can ficus rubber plants survive winter outdoors?

Ficus rubber plants are tropical plants and are not cold-hardy. They can only survive winter outdoors in USDA zones 10 and 11, where temperatures do not drop below 30°F.

How often should I water my ficus rubber plant outdoors?

Ficus rubber plants prefer consistently moist soil, but they do not like sitting in standing water. During hot summer months, you may need to water your plant more frequently than during cooler months.

What should I do if my ficus rubber plant starts dropping leaves?

Dropping leaves can be a sign of overwatering or underwatering, so make sure to check the soil moisture level. Additionally, ficus rubber plants may drop leaves due to stress caused by changes in location or temperature. Try to maintain a consistent environment for your plant and avoid moving it around too much.

In conclusion, growing a ficus rubber plant outdoors can be a rewarding experience with the right care and attention. By choosing the right location, prepping your soil, watering and fertilizing correctly, and pruning regularly, you can enjoy your beautiful ficus rubber plant for years to come.