Rubber (House) Plant - Larger Leaf Wanted

Hi Peeps

I've had this rubber plant for well over 12 years and it doesn't produce large leaf anymore.
For the last 10 years it has been positioned in a large west facing window.

I'm a bit stingy with water regarding my house plants for fear of overwatering.

About 5 years ago went away for two weeks and returned to loads of leaf drop that's probably why it looks a bit lanky. I did water it before I departed but I'm under the impression it was too dry.

Any tips on promoting larger leaf.

Thanks in advance.

 

Not really.
It's the environmental conditions that dictate the overall size and health of the plant.
So yours is growing to the best of its abilities in the environmental conditions you have it in.

For a bigger leaves and a healthier plant you'd need to change those conditions to provide more of a tropical climate - which is not easy in west London.

Rainwater is best for houseplants and leafy house plants will benefit from a monthly feed with seaweed extract during the growing season - about 1 teaspoon extract in 1 L water. Baby Bio is fine to use too as it's mostly seaweed extract.
It's also a good idea to flush the pot with a gallon or so of rainwater once a year in summer to flush out the build-up of unused fertilizer that will accumulate in the compost.

 

Hard cold facts. Need a property in Menorca Rubber Trees grow amazing out there!

 

Relocating to Menorca sounds like a good plan- let us know how the plant responds

Rubber Ficus are annoying, they don't die but just stand there as if embalmed for years and years. Certain parts of Soviet Union history spring to mind.

Personally I'd take advantage of spring and firstly re-pot the plant in fresh houseplant compost in a bigger pot. Then thoroughly clean the leaves wiping both sides with a very weak seaweed solution. Repeat monthly (the wiping part, not the repotting).

Increasing humidity might also help if you are fortunate enough to live in a house that doesn't have a damp problem. Taking the plant with you to shower every now and then might do it good. Just go easy on the shower gel.

I would also be tempted to experiment and once the plant looks like it's alive rather than embalmed, cut one stem around there-ish and either stick it into the mother plant's pot or into a jar of water to see if it roots.



The best case scenario is that the cut stem sprouts with new, more vigorous growth and the cutting roots.

Good luck!

 

The plant seems to be coming out of dormancy as each stem tip seems to be setting new leaf (alas not very large). Will see how they unravel before making any decision. A prune would tame the messy thing but may also ruin it's unruly character

 

Rubber plants air layer quite well. I propagated one that was too tall for its space and we discarded the bottom bit when the top section produced roots.
I cut diagonally up the stem for an inch or so and then wedged some damp sphagnum moss into the slit and wrapped more round the outside, then wrapped clingfilm around the outside and sealed the top and bottom with tape, then left for 3 months or so at which point roots were visible.

 

I think the main thing with rubber plants is they survive where others would die.
Survive being the operative word, they just struggle on even when unhappy.
That was why they have always been popular, but you rarely see one that is thriving outside a conservatory.