Knowledgebase

Indoor houseplant #861677

Asked March 16, 2024, 1:51 PM EDT

elastica teneke - soil mix - fertilizing - propagation. very woody older tree

Cuyahoga County Ohio

Expert Response

Hello, 
The Ficus Elastica Teneke, commonly known as a rubber tree, has been around since Victorian times. It is reasonably easy to care for as long as you follow some simple rules.
Soil mix: a well draining soil is ideal. Standard potting mix is fine,or you can make your own with 3/4 potting soil and 1/4 perlite.

Fertilizing: about once a month, during spring and summer, fertilize with any standard, houseplant fertilizer. Please follow the directions on the package.  Spring and Summer are the times of most active growth, you should be rewarded with lots of new leaves.
If you are not seeing any growth at all, there are two possibilities: low light or being root bound. 

Propagation: to propagate a new plant from your old one, cut a section from the original plant, using kitchen shears. (Make sure they are clean and sharp). Cut right above a leaf, on a diagonal. Make sure you have enough length so that when it is planted in a pot, it looks good. Remove any leaves toward the bottom of the cutting so they don't sit in water.  
Put the cutting in a clear container filled to the top with room temperature water, making sure the stem is immersed.  Put the container with the cutting in a sunny spot and wait for roots to form. It may take a few months, but they will form.
Once the roots become full and thick, it's time to plant in soil. 
Select a pot, fill with your favorite potting mix and wait for it to grow. Patience Is key here. 
Because your tree is older and woody, your cuttings will come from the top of the plant. 

I hope this helps. Please contact us again if we can answer any more questions.








Christine H. Replied March 19, 2024, 10:54 PM EDT

Loading ...