Hey everyone,

I’m a bit confused about my rubber plant (Ficus elastica) and whether I should change anything or just leave it alone.

Summer (when I got it)

• Got the plant in summer. It has two stems
• Placed it near a wall at the end of a west-facing window (bright indirect light, but not directly in front of the glass)
• Went through normal acclimation
• After settling in, it started a strong growth phase and was pushing new leaves. Happy me
• One leaf came out slightly damaged/deformed (plant otherwise looked fine)
• Both stems produced red sheaths (new growth points), but they stalled and never pushed new leaves

Winter

• Growth slowed/stopped (which I expected)
• No real change in the stalled red sheath — it stayed in place

Spring (current conditions)

• Moved plant to the front of the same west-facing window (much brighter, more direct light exposure)
• Has been in this brighter spot for about 2 months now
• Still no restart in growth
• The same red sheath from last year is still there — firm/smooth, but not elongating or opening

Watering

• Earlier: watered on a rough schedule (about every 2 weeks, ~2 cups each time)
• Currently: switched to watering only when topsoil dries out, then watering thoroughly and letting excess drain out
• Nursery pot has good drainage

Soil

• Still original soil from the plant store (has not been repotted since purchase)
• Not sure of exact mix or quality

Current condition

• Leaves are firm and healthy-looking
• No yellowing or leaf drop
• No pests that I can see
• Overall plant looks healthy, just “stuck”

What I’m wondering

• Is this normal rubber plant behavior indoors (long stall phase)?
• Did it simply need the brighter front-window position earlier, and now just needs more time?
• Or is the growth point likely done, meaning I should expect a new one instead?
• Should I consider checking roots or leave it undisturbed?

Trying not to overreact or keep moving it around, but also don’t want it sitting stagnant for months if something is off.

Any thoughts appreciated.