In its homeland, the rubber tree grows into a stately tree. It can grow up to 40 meters high. In our latitudes, however, it is usually kept as a houseplant because it is not hardy.
Can a rubber tree grow outdoors?
Rubber trees can be placed outdoors as long as temperatures are 16-20°C and nights are warm. Choose a bright location with midday shade, as direct midday sun can cause damage. Bring the plant back indoors on cool nights or strong winds.
If the nights are finally warm in late spring, then your rubber tree is welcome to move into the garden. Choose a location that is bright but provides shade around midday. The rubber tree could easily get sunburned in the blazing midday sun, so it should be avoided.
By the way, this also applies to housing. East or west windows with lots of light are better for the rubber tree than south windows. Even though autumn is warm, remember that the nights may start to get cool. So put your rubber tree back in the house in good time. Otherwise the first night frosts will easily be his downfall.
What does my rubber tree need to feel good?
The rubber tree needs a lot of light and warmth to thrive. Temperatures between 16 °C and 20 °C are ideal. In winter it can be a little cooler, but not colder than 10 °C. During winter rest it needs less water than in the growth phase and no fertilizer.
The rubber tree tolerates dry heating air better than many other houseplants, but that doesn't mean that it particularly likes it. You should definitely avoid drafts completely, as the rubber tree doesn't get this at all. Since the beautiful leaves can breathe well, you should wipe them with a damp cloth every now and then (€5.00 on Amazon), otherwise the dust will collect on them.
The most important things in brief:
- ideal temperature: approx. 16 °C to 20 °C
- needs a lot of light
- doesn't tolerate the blazing midday sun well
- I like to spend the warm summer outside when the nights are warm
- bring it in on cool nights and in strong winds
Tip
The rubber tree is only suitable for planting in the garden bed in southern countries. But you can put it outside in a warm summer.
