Houseplants
Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica
Glossy architectural leaves; sturdy once settled.
- Typical watering
- Every ~8 days
- Light
- bright indirect
- Difficulty
- easy
- Safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
Care tips
- Let the top half of soil dry out
- Wipe leaves to keep the shine
- Prune the top to keep it bushy
Common questions
How often should I water a rubber plant? +
A healthy indoor rubber plant typically wants water every 8 days or so. Treat that as a starting cadence, not a rule — pot size, light, and season all shift it, so check the soil before you pour.
How much light does a rubber plant need? +
A rubber plant does best in bright indirect light. If it stretches, fades, or stalls, adjust its spot before changing anything else.
Is a rubber plant toxic to cats or dogs? +
Yes — the rubber plant is considered toxic to cats and dogs (per the ASPCA plant lists). Keep it out of reach, and call your vet if you suspect a pet has chewed it.
Typical guidance for a healthy rubber plant — your own conditions (and your vet, for animals) come first.
Related guides
- African Violet Blooms nearly year-round on a windowsill if you master one skill: watering from below.
- Air Plant No soil, no pot - just a weekly bath and a good shake-dry keep it going.
- Alocasia Polly Sculptural arrowhead leaves that demand warmth, humidity, and forgiveness for winter dormancy.
- Anthurium Glossy heart-shaped blooms that keep coming for months if the humidity stays up.
- Areca Palm Feathery pet-safe fronds that ask mainly for steady moisture and no cold feet.
- Arrowhead Plant Starts as a tidy clump of arrow leaves, then reveals its true self: an enthusiastic vine.