The Burgundy Rubber Plant is a spectacular indoor plant with thick, glossy leaves that range from a rich burgundy red to almost black. Native to the rainforests of India and South America, it can quickly adapt to common indoor temperatures. Given enough bright light, ample humidity, and with careful watering, your Rubber Tree will thrive in your home, filling the corner of a room within a few years.
Light
Your Rubber Plant prefers bright indirect light. Direct sun may burn the leaves.
Water
Water when the top 50%-75% of the soil is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer.
Humidity
As a native to the tropics, your Rubber Plant will appreciate you misting its leaves to increase humidity—especially when it gets very warm in the summer. Misting regularly also helps to keep mites (damaging insects) from making themselves at home on the leaves.
Temperature
The Burgundy Rubber Plant enjoys average room temperatures of 15-25 degrees. Avoid temperatures below 10 degrees, sudden temperature drops, or cold drafts.
Food
Feed once a month during the spring and summer with a liquid fertilizer for indoor plants.
Toxicity
Rubber Tree leaves are mildly toxic to humans and pets. Typically, ingestion will cause mouth and stomach irritation and possible vomiting.
Additional Care
Rubber plants are sensitive to being moved. If you have to move your plant around, do so gradually. Any sudden changes can cause leaves to drop. When pruning your plant, be careful of the milky latex substance that may leak out where cuts have occurred–this is a mildly toxic irritant. If you get the sap on your hands or skin, wash with warm water and soap immediately.
