Gum trees are perfect for beginners. Still, they need a little care. This includes repotting them from time to time.
Gum trees thrive without you having to make a fuss about them. And that even if you sow a rubber tree and pull it yourself. Over time, however, the Ficus Elastica outgrows the flower pot - which usually becomes a shaky affair. Then it's time to repot the rubber tree.
A good way to tell when you need to repot your gum tree is to look at the flower pot's drainage hole. If the root finds a way out, a new pot is needed. The same applies if you discover the first pieces of root just below the surface of the earth.
Rubber trees don't like big pots
It sounds unusual, but a pot that is too large is not necessarily beneficial for the Ficus Elastica. The root thrives particularly well when it suffers from a slight lack of space. The problem is rather that the rubber tree grows quite quickly and the stability suffers. If you are looking for a new plant pot, you should therefore ensure that the base width and height are sufficient to ensure stability.
It is also important that you avoid waterlogging. After all, you cannot always use planters with drainage holes, especially with larger rubber trees. In completely closed tubs, however, waterlogging quickly forms, which the rubber tree cannot tolerate. To keep the roots from standing in water, simply fill the bottom of the pot with pebbles for drainage. With large tubs, you can also use coarser stones. Excess water now collects between the rocks and is soaked up by the roots when the soil is no longer releasing sufficient moisture.
How to repot
You can put the rubber tree in a new planter particularly well in spring. The period between the end of February and the first weeks of March is usually recommended. To ensure that everything works, it is best to proceed as follows:
❶ If the new flower pot does not have drainage holes, you must first create drainage. Finally, fill fresh potting soil in the lower third. rubber treesappreciate soil containing compost with a little peat mixed in.
❷ Carefully remove the tree from the old pot. Be careful not to damage the root. Then place it in the new jar.
❸ Now fill the plant pot with soil until the root is covered a good bit and the tree is standing securely.
» Tip: Is it If your Ficus Elastica is a large specimen, you can improve its stability with a support. The support also serves to ensure that the tree grows straight up.
❹ After transplanting, water the soil until well soaked.