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?