Like all houseplants, the rubber tree should be repotted from time to time. Fresh soil is of course good for him and sometimes he needs a little more space. However, this is often not necessary.
How should I repot my rubber tree?
Rubber trees should be repotted when young after 1-2 years and older every 3-5 years. Choose a suitable planter, fill it with light soil and plant the tree without damaging the roots. Water well after repotting, but do not fertilize.
A young rubber tree needs a new pot more often than an older specimen. Repot a young plant after about a year or two. Older rubber trees, on the other hand, can remain in their planters for three to five years. If the roots are already growing out of the drainage hole or your rubber tree is no longer stable, then it should of course be repotted sooner.
What do I have to consider when repotting?
Choose a planter that suits your rubber tree. It should provide enough space for the roots, but also be heavy enough so that your rubber tree stands stable. However, he doesn't like pots that are too big. The rubber tree can grow to be several meters high, so its center of gravity shifts and it tends to tip over. You may want to shorten the tree when repotting it or give it a support.
Do not use soil that is too rich in nutrients for your rubber tree. Fill the new plant pot about a third full with this soil, possibly mixed with a little sand, then place your rubber tree in it. Be careful not to damage the roots. Once the pot is filled with soil, water your rubber tree well. He doesn't need fertilizer at this point.
Can I plant my rubber tree hydroponically?
A rubber tree can be grown well in hydroponics. However, you should not retrain an older rubber tree. He rarely survives that. If your rubber tree slowly reaches the ceiling, you can cut it back and grow the cut piece as a cutting in hydroponics.
The most important things in brief:
- Repot young plants after 1 to 2 years
- Repot older rubber trees about every 3 to 5 years
- do not fertilize when repotting
- pour or dip well
- drain excess water thoroughly
Tip
If you have repotted your rubber tree in fresh soil, it will not need any additional fertilizer for the first few weeks.
