Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

rubber plant small leaves

Are you noticing your rubber plant has small leaves? The rubber plant, also known as Ficus elastica, is a favorite for New Zealand homes and offices thanks to its robust growth and glossy foliage. However, if you’ve brought home a stunning rubber plant only to find it’s producing small leaves rather than the large, luscious ones it's known for, you may be wondering what’s gone wrong and how to encourage bigger leaves. Understanding the reasons behind rubber plant small leaves will set you up for impressive indoor greenery.

Stromanthe triostar plant.

Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured leaves and grows compactly to about 50 cm tall and 40 cm wide. Stromanthe Triostar makes for a wonderful office and house plant and is great for bringing colour and joy to a space.

From $33.05

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical
callisia-bubbles--3

Callisia repens

5 from 2 customers

Callisia repens goes by several common names such as the Bubbles Plant, Turtle Vine, and Pin Panther Plant. The Turtle Vine is a very popular indoor plants owing to its lush and colourful foliage. The creeping stems host small leaves that emerge with pink colouring and then age to a fresh green colour. It grows with a somewhat rounded shape to about 15 cm tall and 20 cm wide and can be trimmed as necessary. Callisia repens makes for a magnificent pot plant and is well suited to offices and the like.

From $22.01

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 15 cm
Spread: 20 cm
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$20.01
haworthia-attenuata-
Haworthia attenuata

Haworthia attenuata, commonly known as the Zebra Haworthia, is a small succulent that features rosettes of thick and fleshy leaves. The dark green...

From$17.87
heterocentron-elegans-4
Heterocentron elegans

Heterocentron elegans, commonly known as Spanish Shawl, is a tender groundcover suited to warmer climates. It produces small and lush, dark green...

From$20.01
Ficus Black Knight growing in a pot with lush, dark foliage.
Ficus 'Black Knight'

Ficus ‘Black Knight’ is a striking indoor plant characterised by its large, glossy leaves, which range from deep green to nearly black tones. This...

From$37.19
pb-8-planter-bags-1
PB8 Planter Bags (Potting Bags For Plants)

These PB8 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 4.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

From$51.69
vinca-elizabeth-cran-1
Vinca Elizabeth Cran

Vinca Elizabeth Cran is a variety of the commonly known, Lesser Periwinkle, features small, dark green leaves which are held densely on stems that...

From$20.01
murraya-paniculata-4
Murraya paniculata (Orange Jessamine)

Murraya paniculata, commonly known as Orange Jessamine, this is an attractive, medium-sized shrub grown for its foliage and flowers. It grows...

From$26.15
sansevieria-hahnii-
Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

Sansevieria Hahnii, commonly known as the Dwarf Snake Plant or Serpent Plant, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

From$32.95
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
pb-three-quarter-planter-bags-
PB¾ Planter Bags (Planting Bags)

The PB ¾ Planter Bags are 80 microns thick and ags hold 0.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$15.47
tilia-cordata-1
Tilia cordata

Tilia cordata, commonly known as the Small Leaved Lime, is grown for its lush foliage and great form. The medium sized, heart-shaped leaves emerge in...

From$515.35
pb-18-planter-bags-
PB18 Planter Bags (Grow Plant Bags)

These PB18 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 10 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$77.47
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$28.91
chlorophytum-curly--2
Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

From$22.01
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants (Acid Fertiliser)

Using fertiliser for acid loving plants is important for plants such as Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Daphne’s, Gardenia’s, and Hydrangea’s who...

From$8.64
pb-12-planter-bags-
PB12 Planter Bags (Grow Bags For Plants)

These PB12 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 6.75 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$57.76
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
pittosporum-small-ball-
Pittosporum 'Small Ball'

Pittosporum 'Small Ball' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its naturally rounded growth habit, dense foliage, and tidy appearance. This dwarf...

From$22.01
portulaca-pizzaz-sunset-
Portulaca Pazzaz Sunset (Moss Rose Plant)

Portulaca Pazazz Sunset, commonly known as the Moss Rose plant, is a low-growing perennial with fabulous flowers. Bright orange and yellow flowers...

From$26.15
indoor-plant-fertiliser-tablets-1
Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

From$36.00
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$27.36
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.51 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$23.04
plant-pots-
2.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$37.44
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$79.20
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$48.96
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
bergenia-cordifolia-rotblum-
Bergenia 'Rotblum' (Heart Leaf Bergenia)

Bergenia 'Rotblum' is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its bold glossy foliage and vibrant deep pink flowers that appear in late winter and...

From$18.95
aechmea-fasciata-
Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

From$44.09
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Callisia, Chlorophytum, and Ficus, or related Categories - Planter Bags, Spades, and Groundcover Plants.

Search rubber plant small leaves

Why Do Rubber Plants Develop Small Leaves?

Rubber plants with small leaves are usually reacting to their environment or care routine. Insufficient light is the most common cause; rubber plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. If your plant is in a dim corner, try moving it closer to the window. Poor nutrition can also result in rubber plant small leaves. Like other indoor beauties such as the Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant) or Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant), rubber plants appreciate a regular feeding schedule during spring and summer. Watering plays a key role too—under-watering or soggy soil can stress your plant and limit leaf size.

Tips for Boosting Rubber Plant Leaf Size

Eager to see those iconic large leaves? First, check your lighting situation. Rubber plants need plenty of bright, indirect light, so position them near a north- or east-facing window. Avoid harsh direct sun, which can burn leaves. When repotting or planting, use quality tools such as the Ace1 Planting Spade for minimal root disturbance.

Next, make sure your rubber plant receives consistent moisture but doesn’t sit in wet soil. Allow the top few centimeters of potting mix to dry out between waterings. Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser every four to six weeks during the growth season to promote larger, healthier leaves.

Common Leaf Size Comparisons

If you’re comparing leaf sizes among different houseplants, know that a rubber plant with perfect conditions will develop leaves that are much larger than most indoor species. For smaller-leaved varieties like Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' (Small Leaved Ligularia), smaller foliage is normal. However, when a typically broad-leaved plant like Ficus elastica produces tiny leaves, it’s a sure sign something needs adjusting in your care routine.

Rubber Plant Small Leaves: When to Repot

Congested roots can lead to rubber plant small leaves. If your plant has been in the same container for years, inspect the roots. They may be circling the bottom and inhibiting new growth. Repot your rubber plant into the next size up and be gentle—tools like the Ace1 Planting Spade are helpful for keeping the roots intact.

Other Indoor Plant Options

If you love dramatic foliage, consider broad-leaved companions like the Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant) or the Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant). If you’re interested in unique leaf shape and garden texture outdoors, the Perovskia atriplicifolia (Perovskia plant) and Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' (Small Leaved Ligularia) are fantastic choices.

Give your rubber plant the proper care, and you’ll soon be rewarded with those stunning, glossy leaves that are the hallmark of a healthy Ficus elastica.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
While Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) and Schefflera arboricola are household names, Cornus kousa 'Satomi', Metrosideros 'Tahiti', and Ilex Largo are rising stars in the plant world.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews