The Rubber Plant is a total classic for a reason—it’s super low-maintenance and looks stunning. Botanically known as *Ficus elastica*, its main claim to fame is those massive, glossy leaves. But if you want your plant to really show off those shiny leaves indoors, you’ve got to get the lighting just right.
Lighting Needs
Rubber Plants are big fans of bright spaces. While they’re tough enough to survive in low-light corners, they won’t exactly be “happy” there. If you pick a spot that’s too dark, don’t expect much in terms of new growth or lush foliage. It’ll just kind of sit there.
Summer Vibes
Summer is basically the Rubber Plant’s favorite time of year. The warmer months provide exactly what this plant craves:
- Tons of natural light
- Plenty of warmth
But here’s the catch: “lots of light” doesn’t mean you should leave it baking in the sun all day long. Direct, harsh midday sun is a no-go. It can actually scorch the leaves, leaving behind brown burn marks that unfortunately never turn green again.
Whether your *Ficus elastica* is spending the summer indoors or outside, the sweet spot is a few hours of gentle sun per day—think morning or late afternoon rays. If you have it by a south-facing window or on a south-facing balcony, make sure to give it some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Winter Care
Late fall and winter can be a bit of a struggle for Rubber Plants since the days get shorter and the sun hides behind the clouds. When choosing a spot for the winter, try to ensure your plant still gets at least a few hours of sunlight. Usually, an east- or west-facing window works great, as long as you aren’t keeping the blinds closed. If you have heavy curtains, try to pull them back during the day to let every bit of light in.
Not sure if your plant is getting enough light? Here’s a quick tip: On a gloomy winter day, the average room gets less than 1,000 lux. If you measure further away from the window, that drops below 500 lux. A Rubber Plant needs a minimum of 400 to 500 lux for about twelve hours a day to stay healthy. So, if it’s right by the window, you’re probably golden. If it’s tucked away in a far corner, it might be time to move it closer to the glass!
