Q.Repotting My Rubber Tree…
I recently was given a rubber tree that had been a staple at the lobby of my work. It was always in a south facing window, it has been there for quite a few years, and it is root bound. When I lifted the fake moss off of the top I found that there are 4 to 5 inches of roots with no dirt anywhere in sight. It obviously needs repotting but being that it is in a new home, how long should I wait? Do they grow well like that and should I leave it? My favorite spot for it is an east facing window, will it adjust okay? oh I also have heard to take a paper towel moistened with baby oil and rub it on the leaves, should I do this?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
As to being rootbound, I would give it a month or so to adjust to its new environment before giving it the stress of a new pot.
They can take being rootbound, but this one does sound extremely rootbound to the point where it may have trouble getting enough water so it will need to be repotted after it has adjusted.
You should not wipe the leaves with oil. While it does look nice, the oil can clog the stomata in the leaves. They are the equivalent of pores in your skin. It can cause problems for the plant if they get blocked.
