If you just got a new rubber plant home or you already have one sitting at the corner of your room waiting for you to repot, but you are not sure what kind of soil would be the best fit? I know choosing the right soil mix can be daunting. So, what’s the best soil mix for a rubber plant? Let’s find out!
Rubber plants prefer soil that has good drainage and some moisture-holding capacity. A mix of two parts of potting soil with one part of perlite or coarse sand and a handful of compost would be ideal. Avoid using a heavy soil mix that retains water for too long, as it leads to root rot.
When I first began with houseplants, I was totally confused by all the advice and tips. Thus, I decided to try them all. Well, some worked wonders while others failed miserably.
I know you don’t want your plants to suffer and like to learn all the good stuff without complicating things. That’s why I am here. Today we shall know all about soil mix for rubber plants too in layman’s terms.
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Factors to consider while choosing the soil mix
You don’t have to learn some sort of science to understand all about soil for your rubber plant.
However, you need to understand your plant’s needs so that you can choose the most appropriate soil for them.
So what do rubber plants need to thrive in? There are two primary requirements of rubber plants. That includes:
- The soil must be well-draining
- The soil must retain some moisture and shouldn’t dry out quickly
The soil needs to drain quickly because rubber plants cannot tolerate overwatering well.
If the plant roots don’t get a chance to dry out between the watering regimes or the soil remains soggy at all times, then it is an open call for disaster.
Your rubber plant is likely to suffer from root rot, droopy leaves, and other problems.
On the other hand, rubber plants also need the soil to hold little moisture between the watering regime.
If the soils dry out pretty quickly, then your rubber plant may starve for water and give up on you. So, maintaining a balance is critical.
Please note: Rubber plant enjoys moist soil, but that doesn’t mean the soil needs to be soggy or wet at all times. Let the soil dry out a little bit before you water the plant again.
Also read: Signs of root rot in rubber plants
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What is the best potting soil for rubber plant
Rubber plants are not such demanding plants, and they can do well in most types of soil. However, for the best result, we would recommend using a potting mix enriched with nutrients.
Now before we get down and pick a bag of mix, we need to understand that most of the potting mix holds the moisture for a longer period, and as a result, you cannot use any store brought combination for your rubber plants.
Yes, your rubber plant may still do well if you have a moisture meter, or you are really trained with the watering regime, but for most of us, it will not work out.
So, with that out of the way, you can still get a good quality potting mix and do a small DIY project to make it fit for your need.
I shall share with you two recipes that can work for you pretty well:
Recipe 1:
- Take 2 parts of Miracle Grow Indoor potting mix
- Mix a part of perlite/pumice/coarse sand into the mix
Recipe 2:
- Take a part of cactus soil
- Mix a part of the compost
- Add a part of peat moss/cocopeat
Both of these recipes work excellent for most of us. The first and preferred choice would be going with a mix of Miracle grow indoor potting mix with a part of perlite.
One of the best combinations for your rubber plant as a miracle grow potting mix is rich in organic material and coconut coir that holds moisture long enough for our rubber plants to thrive.
All we need is that extra bit of aeration and drainage, which can be achieved by adding some perlite into the mix. You may also use coarse sand or pumice if perlite is not available.
The second mix can also work well but needs more work. For this mix, you need to take a part of cactus soil.
We prefer Hoffman Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix in which we add a portion of compost and a part of peat moss/cocopeat to retain adequate moisture and minerals for the plant to thrive.
Also read: How often should you fertilize your rubber plant?
Can I use cactus soil for rubber plants?
Cactus soil is an excellent soil for any houseplants.
But again, it is a well-draining soil designed for use in succulents and cactus, and if you want to use the same soil for other house plants, including a rubber plant, then we need to prepare the same to hold some moisture in it.
It is crucial to do so because most houseplants don’t do well in dry soil. You can prepare this soil for your rubber plant by adding cocopeat, peat moss, or coconut coir into the mix.
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Pot size of rubber plant
It’s ideal to start a rubber plant in a 1-3 gallon pot. You can also choose the pot size depending upon the size of the plant.
Although this measurement is just an estimate for a beginner but here is how it goes: If your rubber plant is a foot tall, use a pot of 1 gallon, if it’s 2 feet tall, use a 2-gallon pot, and so on.
As it grows in size, you can repot the plant into a larger pot as and when needed. Also, when repotting, always move the plant to a slightly larger container.
Please don’t move the plant to a pot too big as it can hamper your rubber plant’s growth.
Say your rubber plant was at an 8-inch pot, then go with a 10-inch pot while repotting. Don’t go ahead and throw it into a 14-inch pot as it might not do well.
Also read: How fast do rubber plant grow?
When should you repot a rubber plant?
You should only repot a rubber plant when it outgrows its current pot. Your plant will start giving you signs that they need a change.
Until then, you should not repot them. A good average would be anywhere between 2-3 years.
If your rubber plant shows signs of being root-bound, you may need to repot them sooner; else, don’t bother to repot them if they are thriving in the current size pot.
Also read: How to propagate a rubber plant
Final thoughts
What type of soil would be suitable for your rubber plant? Any well-draining soil shall work fine for the plant.
The soil must not remain soggy or absorb too much moisture. However, it must have some moisture-retaining capacity.
You can also prepare your own soil mix by combining cocopeat/peat moss and perlite and some garden soil.
Alternatively, you can use any succulent potting mix and add some cocopeat/peat moss to hold just the right amount of moisture for your rubber plants to thrive.
Also read: How to care for a rubber plant? A complete guide
Source: Soil and leaf nutrient, Short-term effects of organic amendments on soil fertility, Soil Fertility and Diversity of Microorganism