---
title: "How to water Rubber plants"
description: "Keep your Rubber plants (Ficus elastica) healthy. Learn when to water, how much, and easy techniques to prevent rot, ensuring a thriving plant."
url: "https://getplanta.com/discover/watering/rubberplants"
published: "2025-11-20T08:44:36.916Z"
modified: "2026-10-06T10:19:49.610Z"
author: "Planta"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/vXlX-M3CQn-Y4fbtYs1cWA.webp?size=large"
---

# How to water Rubber plants

## How to water

The top soil should be dry before watering again. If the soil is still moist, you risk giving the plant too much water and it can rot. There are several ways to water Rubber plants - they aren’t very picky. Choose a way that suits you the best.

**If the soil is wet - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.**

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/vXlX-M3CQn-Y4fbtYs1cWA.webp?size=large)

## Water over the soil

1. Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap
2. Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes
3. If you have a tray under the pot when watering, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your plant sit in water
4. If you watered under a tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

> Rubber plants love water, but want to dry out at the same time. Water it well and then let the soil dry out before watering again.  
> — Planta tip

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/qOiz4B-vRJGV5uc3X5BtXw.webp?size=large)

## Bottom watering

1. Fill the plant tray with water
2. Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray
3. Wait for about 10 minutes
4. Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray
5. If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray
6. Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

### Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

## Water bath

1. Fill a bucket or any other vessel with lukewarm water
2. Lower the whole pot down in the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water
3. The water will now start to bubble - wait until it stopped
4. Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off
5. Put your Rubber plant back in the cachepot or on the tray
6. After 1 hour, check that your plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

> Rubber plants are somewhat drought-tolerant and it’s easier to kill a rubber plant from too much water than from too little, so you don’t need to stress about it drying up a bit.  
> — Planta tip

## Ofte stillede spørgsmål

### When should I water my Rubber plants (Ficus elastica)?

Wait until the top soil is completely dry before watering your Rubber plants again. Watering while the soil is still moist can lead to root rot.

### Is it better to overwater or underwater a Rubber plant?

It is generally easier to harm a Rubber plant from too much water than from too little. Rubber plants are somewhat drought-tolerant, so don't worry if they dry out a bit.

### How do I know if my Rubber plant has absorbed enough water when bottom watering?

After letting the plant sit in water for about 10 minutes, feel the soil to see if it is moist throughout. If it is still dry, add more water to the tray and wait another 20 minutes before removing any excess.

### Do I need to water my Rubber plant from the top if I usually bottom water?

Yes, it is important to water your Rubber plant over the soil occasionally, even if you primarily bottom water. Bottom watering does not wash away salts and minerals that can accumulate in the soil.

### How can I prevent root rot in my Rubber plant?

To prevent root rot, always allow the topsoil to dry out completely before watering again. Also, ensure the plant never sits in standing water after it has been watered.

## How to water Rubber plants

1. Check that the top soil is completely dry before you start watering.
2. Pour water over the soil, using a watering can, or place the plant directly under a tap.
3. Continue adding water until it starts to run out from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
4. If you used a tray, remove all collected water immediately; never let the plant sit in water.
5. If you watered under a tap, ensure water has stopped running out before returning the plant to its spot.

---

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