Are rubber tree plants poisonous to cats?
Yes, they are considered toxic; however, most cats are aware of plants that are not good for them, and unless it were to eat a fair amount of the plant, the toxicity level is rather low. It is also dependent on the variety and how much is ingested. These articles provide additional plants to look out for: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/keeping-your-pet-safe-identify-poison-plants-in-your-house.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/plants-toxic-to-cats.htm
My rubber tree plant has little yellow mushroom-like things growing in the soil. Is this bad and, if so, what do I do?
It is most likely a fungus (mushrooms). Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/getting-rid-of-mushrooms-growing-in-houseplant-soil.htm
I moved my rubber tree plant from indoors to out on our covered patio for the summer. I am noticing some tiny white spots on some of the leaves. I thought it might be whitefly but they are not powdery and don't blow off. Any ideas?
It sounds like a pest infestation, like mealy bugs. Can you give us more detail about the spots? We can give more detailed remedies for the pest if we can figure out what it is for certain. In the meantime, treat the plant with a neem oil and keep it away from other plants to keep it from spreading.
These articles should also help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/mealybugs-white-residue-on-plants-leaves.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
When is the right time to prune a rubber tree plant?
This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/rubber-tree/prune-rubber-tree.htm
We have had our two and a half foot tall rubber tree plant for 2 years and it hasn't grown taller or wider. It sheds leaves once or twice a year, grows little ones near the top of the dirt, but never actually grows in height or width. Don't understand why. The pot it is in is big enough for the plant to be 10 feet tall, so I know the pot is not too small.
The pot might be too big! Plants fill the available soil with roots before they turn their attention to growing leaves. Also, the soil might have too much moisture. I once had a rubber tree that had been 1' tall with small leaves for several years. When I started to test the soil all the way to the bottom of the pot, and not water it until the bottom soil was feeling only the slightest bit damp, it almost overnight began to grow.
The trunk is not split completely. Yes, I do have additional branches below the split, but that would 'create' a tree only about 4' high and it seems a shame to lose everything else. Is there a way to restore the tree? I could provide pictures if anyone can help, please! Thank you.
As long as the split is down the trunk and not across the trunk, the tree can recover. Tie the split together and it should be fine. The split likely will not ever join back together, but as long as the bark is intact, the tree can live fine being that way.
Can a rubber plant live outside in the wintertime in New York?
No. Rubber trees are only hardy to 30 F. If it gets colder than 30 F where you live, it should not be planted outside. However, potted plants do enjoy spending summers outdoors.
I think you should consider rubber trees (ficus decora) as hardy to 40 degrees, to be on the safe side.