Find Your Ask the Expert: Croton vs. Rubber plant?
I want to purchase either a croton or varigated rubber plant for my southeast window to be placed about4-5 feet away. Which would do better for that location and which would be easier for me to care for?
Susi
Susi,
Both will work for a Southeast window exposure. I find that rubber plants (Ficus elastica) are easier to grow. Croton’s (Codiaeum) are temperamental. Water stress is a big issue for crotons, if you don’t give them the right amount of water they tend to shed their leaves rather quickly. The rubber plant, on the hand, tends to be more forgiving. It may drop leaves but will rebound quicker.