I just planted a rubber plant to add to my "wanna be" tropical back yard. I have never had one before. I was surprised by the roots. Are they as invasive as they look like they are going to be? It reminds me of a ficus. Does it need a lot of room? I planted it in the bed with my white BOP. Any opinions if planting this is a mistake? Should I just put it in a pot on the patio? Thanks everyone.
I DUG IT UP & POTTED IT FOR THE PATIO. I THINK IT IS TOO MUCH FOR MY TINY YARD. Thanks everyone.
This message was edited Feb 17, 2008 1:59 PM
Rubber Plant Roots
Rubber plant is a species of ficus, that's why it reminds you of a ficus. Sorry can't help you on the invasive root question--I've only grown them in pots but I'm sure someone else will know.
Yes, it needs a lot of room, it'll grow into a huge beautiful tree! The roots are like other ficus roots, water deeply and it shouldn't be a big problem but I wouldn't plant it directly next to something whose foundation can't handle a few roots. You should definitely have it in the ground, such a beautful tree it makes.
They do make HUGE and stunning trees... VERY tropical.
Anyone have any tricks to get my Rubber trees to grow? I've had them for several months now and no new leaves. Not dying but not growning either, just sitting there like they are made out of rubber...lol
Well, they like heat and full sun. So if you're not giving them additional light and they just have the regular winter sunlight, they wouldn't be growing. They like LOTS of light! I had a tree growing in full Arizona sun, so you can imagine they might be lacking something as a houseplant- especially in winter when the sunlight itslef is not quite the same as in spring or summer..