Hevea brasiliensis is a tropical tree, growing best at temperatures of 20-28°C with a well-distributed annual rainfall of 1,800-2,000 mm. It grows satisfactorily up to 600 metres above sea level (but can grow much higher), and will grow well on most soils provided drainage is adequate. Its required temperature and rainfall define its prime growing area as between the 10° latitudes on either side of the equator, but its actual extent is much greater.

Hevea is indigenous to the Amazon Basin where it grows within 5° of the equator. Thus the traditional rubber growing areas have tended to lie within 10° north or south of the equator, but various factors have extended this range to 29° north in China, India and Myanmar and to 23° south in the Sao Paulo region of Brazil. It will also grow at considerable altitudes (over 1000m in Uganda and Colombia).

Excessive rainfall interferes with tapping and collection, although rainguards lessen this hazard. Drought is also a serious problem, although it is probable that Hevea could be cultivated with irrigation. Prolonged periods of low temperature lengthen the time for trees to reach maturity. High salinity is a problem in some drought-prone areas.

In China high winds are aggravated by being accompanied by low temperatures. In that country it is normal to cultivate rubber in relatively small blocks to lessen wind damage and to grow windbreaks of Eucalyptus. Hevea is sensitive to high water tables and severe tree damage may result from flooding. Some clones developed on Hainan Island are capable of surviving temperatures as low as -1°C. Tapping panels are sealed or dressed during winter.

Hevea is relatively insensitive to soil-type, but higher yields and disease resistance can be expected if it is grown on highly fertile soils. Unfortunately, the return on cultivation precludes its growth on high quality land in many countries. The effect of soil on SALB resistance has been shown in Guatemala where Oriental clones can be grown on the volcanic soils on the Pacific coast, but not on the poorer soils of the Atlantic coast.

Rubber growing areas:

light green: indigenous (in Africa & South East Asia includes non-Hevea, such as Ficus elastica)

dark green: cultivated Hevea

brown: experimental/historical

yellow: guayule