The Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica) is a popular houseplant prized for its glossy, large leaves and upright growth habit. Originating from tropical and subtropical regions, this plant thrives in warm, stable conditions, which is why it is often kept indoors in temperate climates. Moving your rubber tree outside for the summer is an excellent way to encourage a burst of new growth and enhance its overall vigor. This relocation requires careful preparation and specific attention to environmental needs to prevent shock or damage.
Essential Outdoor Requirements
The primary consideration for placing a Ficus elastica outdoors is selecting the correct location, focusing on light and temperature. Rubber trees flourish in bright, indirect light or filtered sun, similar to conditions under a jungle canopy. Positioning the plant where it receives harsh, direct afternoon sunlight will cause severe sun scorch, visible as bleached or brown spots. An ideal spot provides gentle morning sun followed by shade.
Temperature Stability
Temperature stability is equally important, as this tropical plant is extremely sensitive to cold. The rubber tree should not be moved outside until all risk of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 55°F (13°C). Brief exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause the plant to go into shock, resulting in leaf yellowing and eventual leaf drop. Maintaining temperatures within the range of 65°F to 85°F (18°C-30°C) allows the plant to grow most effectively.
Gradually Moving the Rubber Tree Outside
The process of moving the plant from indoors to the fluctuating outdoors is called “hardening off” and must be done gradually to prevent shock. The rubber tree should first be placed in a shaded, sheltered spot for a few hours each day during the first week. This allows the plant to adjust slowly to the increased intensity of natural light and the drying effects of wind.
Over the next one to two weeks, the plant can be gradually exposed to longer periods of light and brighter areas. Signs of stress, such as leaf discoloration, sudden leaf drop, or a bleached appearance, indicate that the transition is too quick. Placing the plant close to a building or wall offers protection from strong gusts, which can tear the large leaves or rapidly dry out the potting medium.
Summer Care and Monitoring for Pests
Once the plant has successfully acclimated to its outdoor spot, its care routine must be adjusted for the intense summer conditions. Watering frequency must increase significantly compared to indoor care, as higher temperatures and increased air circulation cause the potting mix to dry out faster. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring the container drains completely to prevent root saturation.
Fertilization and Pests
Summer is the active growing season, making it the proper time to support growth with fertilization. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, often diluted to half-strength, can be applied every two to four weeks. This nutrient boost encourages the development of new, healthy foliage.
The outdoor environment also introduces a greater risk of pest infestation, so daily visual inspections are necessary. Common outdoor pests that target Ficus species include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Spider mites can be identified by fine webbing or tiny yellow speckles on the leaves, while mealybugs resemble small, white, cottony masses clustered in leaf axils.
Preparing the Plant for the Return Indoors
The outdoor vacation must end when the weather begins to shift, and the plant should be brought inside well before the first overnight temperatures dip below 60°F (15°C). The most significant risk of returning the plant indoors is the accidental introduction of outdoor pests to your entire houseplant collection. A thorough inspection and cleaning process must be completed before the plant is moved inside.
All leaves and stems should be wiped down with a damp cloth or sprayed with a strong jet of water to dislodge any insects. To address pests potentially hiding in the soil, the entire pot can be soaked in water for about 15 minutes, which often forces out soil-dwelling insects. A mandatory quarantine period of two to four weeks in a separate room is necessary to confirm the plant is entirely pest-free before it is integrated back into the home environment.