Summer Glow-Up! 10 Indoor Plants To Take Out

7. The Bold Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Rubber Plants are just so incredibly striking, aren’t they? Whether you’ve got the classic dark green variety, a moody burgundy one, or even a variegated type, those big, shiny leaves are instant attention-grabbers. I have a burgundy one named “Roxanne” (because she doesn’t have to put on the red light, her leaves are already red…ish!), and while she’s a steady grower indoors, taking her outside for the summer is when she really shines.

Why Your Rubber Plant Will Love a Summer Getaway

If you’re looking to give your Rubber Plant a serious boost, a summer vacation outdoors is the way to go. Indoors, they grow, but outdoors, they can hit a real growth spurt! You can significantly boost growth and leaf size. Seriously, those new leaves that unfurl can be noticeably larger and more impressive than the ones grown indoors. Roxanne always seems to stand a bit taller and prouder after her summer stint, with leaves that are just incredibly lush. For Ficus elastica care, this is a fantastic way to encourage a more substantial, tree-like plant.

Finding That Perfect Sun-Dappled Spot

When you’re scouting a summer home for your Rubber Plant, you’re looking for bright, indirect light. They appreciate plenty of light, but direct, scorching sun can be too much for their beautiful leaves. However, some gentle morning sun being beneficial is definitely true. I’ve found that a spot where Roxanne gets an hour or two of early morning sun, followed by bright, filtered light for the rest of the day, is her happy place. It seems to really invigorate her.

Just be careful with that intense afternoon sun, especially if you’re in an area where summers get really hot – that can lead to leaf burn even on these tough leaves. It’s all about finding that perfect balance. Think of it like a comfortable spot under a light canopy, where it’s bright but not blazing.

The Transition Dance: Acclimatize and Shine!

Now, Ficus plants, including our beloved Rubber Plants, can be a little notorious for being drama queens if you change their conditions too abruptly. So, it’s super important to acclimatize them to prevent leaf drop. Trust me, you don’t want to move your gorgeous plant outside only to see it start shedding leaves like crazy. A slow and steady transition over a week or so is key. Gradually increase its exposure to the outdoor conditions each day.

Another really good tip for outdoor Rubber Plant care is to clean their leaves regularly. Outdoors, they can gather dust, pollen, or even little critters more easily. A wipe-down with a damp cloth not only keeps them looking their glossy best but also helps with photosynthesis and pest prevention. Happy, clean leaves are efficient leaves! I try to give Roxanne’s leaves a gentle wipe every week or so when she’s outside.

Rubber Plants as Outdoor Statement Pieces

Once your Rubber Plant is happily settled outdoors, it becomes such a robust plant that creates a focal point. They have a natural gravitas that can really anchor a space. They are especially wonderful on a spacious patio or deck, where their size and bold foliage can be truly appreciated. They really are fantastic statement plants for your patio.

Roxanne, in a large, handsome pot, becomes queen of the patio. Her dark, glossy leaves provide a stunning contrast to lighter-colored walls or brighter flowering plants nearby. She adds a touch of sophisticated, almost jungle-like drama. If you’re looking to create a tropical deck plants vibe, a healthy Rubber Plant is a fantastic choice. They have a real presence and can make your outdoor area feel much more designed and lush.

So, if you want to see your Ficus elastica reach new heights (literally!) and develop even more impressive foliage, a carefully planned summer outdoors could be just the ticket.

Next up, we’re going to talk about a plant that truly brings the exotic vacation vibes home. It’s a bit of a celebrity in the plant world! Click that “Next” button to see who’s on deck.