The Rubber Tree (botanically known as *Ficus elastica*) is a total classic for a reason—it’s a hardy indoor plant that can really make a statement. But here’s the catch: if you want it to thrive rather than just survive, you’ve got to nail the care and placement. Put it in the wrong spot, and it’ll look pretty sad pretty fast.
Location Requirements
When it comes to picking the perfect home for your Rubber Tree, there are really two big things to keep in mind:
- Light
- Warmth
If you can check those two boxes, your plant will reward you by growing like crazy.
Light
Rubber Trees crave plenty of bright sunlight. However, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing—direct, scorching sun can actually damage the leaves.
Summer
During the summer, getting enough light usually isn’t an issue. The real trick is avoiding leaf burn. If you’re keeping your Rubber Tree strictly as a houseplant:
- An East or West-facing window is perfect, as it provides gentle morning or evening sun.
- If it’s sitting in a South-facing window, you’ll want to provide some shade during the peak afternoon hours.
If you decide to move your Ficus elastica outdoors for the summer, make sure to acclimate it slowly and keep it protected from that intense midday sun.
Winter
Winter can be a bit of a struggle for these plants because the days get so short. During those gloomy months, it’s more important than ever to make sure your plant is getting enough light. Even so, you still want to be careful with direct, concentrated rays.
If your plant lives right by a window year-round, it should get enough light as long as you aren’t keeping the blinds closed. However, if your Rubber Tree is tucked away in a corner far from a window, it might start showing signs of light deficiency—usually by dropping leaves or losing its vibrant color.
Warmth
You’ll want to make sure the temperature in your plant’s spot doesn’t dip below 60°F (15°C). You don’t really have to worry about it getting too warm, but just keep in mind that the plant will get thirstier during heatwaves.
Summer
If your Rubber Tree is spending its summer vacation on the patio, keep an eye on the forecast. Once the thermometer starts dropping toward 60°F, it’s time to bring it back inside. A healthy plant might handle a stray chilly night or two, but it won’t be happy if it stays cold for long.
Winter
That 60°F minimum applies in the winter, too. This means an unheated sunroom or a drafty garage is going to be way too cold for a Rubber Tree. Also, keep an eye out for cold drafts from doors or windows—these plants are surprisingly sensitive to a sudden chill!
