What are the conditions required for growing rubber? (2024)

FAQs

What are the conditions required for growing rubber? ›

Rubber trees require moist and humid climates with heavy rainfall of more than 200cm. It grows well in equatorial climate and temperature above 25-degree celsius.

Native to the Amazon rainforest, the hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree) grows well in all tropical areas. Today, most of the production takes place in South East Asia.

Despite natural rubber being native to the Amazon basin, approximately 90 percent of the world's current rubber supply is grown in Asia. Much of this comes from Southeast Asia – specifically Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. These four countries accounted for roughly 70 percent of the global value of.

Rubber is a tropical tree crop which is mainly grown for the industrial production of latex. Like oil palm it requires a high and year-round rainfall with little or no dry season and stable high temperatures; soils should not be particularly rich, but must be deep and well drained.

Grow your rubber plant in bright but indirect light and water only when the top two inches of the compost have dried out. In drier rooms, mist regularly to increase humidity around the plant, and dust or wipe the leaves to ensure they can photosynthesise properly.

The ideal temperatures are 60 to 65 °F at night and 75 to 80 °F during the day. Avoid temperatures lower than 55° F, sudden drops in temperatures, and cold drafts. Water rubber plants thoroughly, but let the soil dry slightly to the touch between watering times.

Light Requirements

Rubber plants like bright light and a lot of it, but not direct sunlight. A sunny spot shielded by a sheer curtain is often perfect for rubber plants. You can tell if your rubber plant needs more light if it becomes leggy, its leaves lose their luster, and lower leaves fall off.

Rubber plants are easy to care for and can grow quickly under the right conditions. They're sturdy, tolerant and simple to please. Keep their soil slightly moist, make sure they get plenty of sunshine, and if you're at a comfortable temperature, they'll be comfortable too.

If you mean can you legally grow one in your backyard in the US, yes. You can grow one anywhere on your property. Propagation of Hevea brasiliensis, the rubber tree, is not restricted in the US.

Despite the rubber tree plant's tropical origins, it's surprisingly adaptable to growing indoors. Just give it time to adjust to changes and typical in-home temperatures, humidity and lighting serve rubber trees well. Light – Rubber plants do best with bright, indirect sunlight, such as an east-facing window.

Which soil is best for rubber? ›

Rubber is grown in literate or loamy soil, mostly in slope and undulated land or slightly high elaborated flat land where there is no possibility of water stagnation, and having well drainage facilities.

Fertilizer. If you'd like your rubber plant to grow fuller and bushier, you can apply fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season. The best fertilizer for rubber plants is made up of 24% nitrogen, 8% phosphorus, and 16% potassium.

(B) Developmental stages of inflorescence with (I) first-stage inflorescence (<5 mm), (II) second-stage inflorescence (20 mm), (III) third-stage inflorescence (40 mm), (IV) fourth-stage inflorescence (80 mm) and (V) fifth-stage inflorescence (> 80 mm). (C) Female flower of rubber tree. (D) Male flower of rubber tree.

It grows best in soil that drains quickly, so if the potting soil it's in is on the sandy side, it's to facilitate drainage. You can use regular potting soil but be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings. A soil mix for cactus has more sand in it than regular potting soil and would be a good choice as well.

Though the rubber plant is hardy outdoors only in warm climates, it's easy to grow indoors. One warning: The thick, milky sap secreted by the plant can irritate skin and trigger those with latex allergies, and is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

Rubber Plants are not fans of the cold. They thrive in a cozy spot with temperatures hovering between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Too chilly and they'll throw a fit, with leaves drooping in despair.

The plant will most likely drop leaves (or it can die) if it is near a draft. The rubber trees thrive on an indoor temperature of 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Today, most rubber tree plantations are in South and Southeast Asia, the top rubber producing countries in 2011 being Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, India and Vietnam.

Rubber plants are dormant in the winter, so whether they are grown indoors or out, they need less water. "Water them every 2 to 3 weeks when the soil feels dry," says Mercer. "Dormant plants will not require any feeding."