Plant Care Ficus Decora

Ficus Decora

4.5 out of 5 (4 experiences)

Ficus Decora has a Large, lush leaves plant personality Large, lush leaves
Ficus Decora has a Fast grower plant personality Fast grower

About Ficus Decora

Ficus elastica, more commonly known as the rubber tree, has a white, milky latex that is a source of natural rubber. They’ve also been shown to have excellent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The aerial roots of the rubber tree have been used to create incredible living bridges in India. The bridges get stronger over time as the roots slowly fuse together, and some are over a hundred years old! 🌉

Taxonomy

Ficus elastica 'Decora'
Ficus
Moraceae
Rosales

Also known as

Indian Rubber Plant

How to care for Ficus Decora

💦 Water

How often to water your Ficus Decora

Water needs for Ficus Decora
0.5 cups
every 9

Ficus Decora needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Calculate water needs of Ficus Decora

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for Ficus Decora in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Ficus Decora: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

Ficus Decora love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Ficus Decora does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Ficus Decora in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Ficus Decora

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Ficus Decora: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Ficus Decora after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

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💡 FAQs
💦 Water Needs

Ficus Decora prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Ficus Decora Water Frequency →

Ficus Decora Root Rot →


☀️ Sunlight Needs

Ficus Decora requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Ficus Decora Light Requirements →

Ficus Decora Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.


💨 Humidity

Ficus Decora prefers dry environments. Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.

Ficus Decora Humidity Needs →


🪴 Soil

Ficus Decora does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Ficus Decora →

When and How to Successfully Repot Ficus Decora →


💩 Fertilizer

Ficus Decora should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!


❄️ Dormancy

It’s common for Ficus Decora to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.


🌎 Native Region

Ficus Decora is native to worldwide Tropics.


🌱 Propagation

Ficus Decora can be propagated by the stem method. To propagate:

  • Make a cut just above the node. The node is the break in the stem where the leaf emerges.
  • To get the cutting to root, you can either:
    • Place the cutting in water until roots emerge and are ~2” long and then transplant into well-draining soil, or
    • Place the cutting directly into well-draining soil and water when dry.

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for Ficus Decora

Ficus Decora

Ficus Decora


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say

Ficus Decora has a Large, lush leaves plant personality Large, lush leaves 3
Ficus Decora has a Fast grower plant personality Fast grower 2
Ficus Decora has a Survivor plant personality Survivor 2
Ficus Decora has a Easy to propagate plant personality Easy to propagate 1
@allie avatar
@@allie
leaf-1 21 Plants
xp 2,999 XP
globe Simcoe, Ontario
06/04/2021

Cute little vera gated plant. Looks awesome and takes very little care

Fast grower Fast grower
Large, lush leaves Large, lush leaves
Easy to propagate Easy to propagate
Survivor Survivor

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