Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

🌳 Rubber Plant

Here is a detailed and practical overview of the Ficus elastica, commonly known as the Rubber Plant, prized for its bold foliage and modern indoor appeal.

🌱 Basic Information

• 🏷️ Common Name: Rubber Plant, Rubber Tree

• 🌍 Native To: Southeast Asia (India, Indonesia, Malaysia)

• 🌱 Plant Type: Evergreen perennial tree

• 📏 Height: 4–10 ft indoors (can grow taller with care)

• 🪴 Growth Habit: Upright, woody stem with branching over time

🍃 Foliage & Appearance

• 💚 Leaf Shape: Large, oval to elliptical

• 🎨 Leaf Colors: Deep green, burgundy, dark purple, variegated

• ✨ Texture: Thick, leathery, glossy

• 🌿 New Growth: Emerges from a red or green sheath

• 🌸 Flowers: Extremely rare indoors and not ornamental

☀️ Light Requirements

• 🌤️ Best: Bright, indirect light

• 🌞 Can Tolerate: Gentle morning sun

• 🌑 Avoid: Very low light (causes leaf drop)

• 🎨 Variegated types need brighter light for color

💧 Watering Needs

• 🚿 Water when top 2 inches of soil feel dry

• ⚠️ Overwatering leads to root rot

• 🌱 Prefers evenly moist soil, not soggy

• ❄️ Reduce watering during winter

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

• 🌡️ Ideal Temp: 18–30°C (65–85°F)

• ❄️ Avoid temperatures below 15°C (60°F)

• 💦 Prefers moderate humidity

• 🌫️ Wipe leaves; occasional misting helps in dry air

🌱 Soil & Fertilizing

• 🧱 Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix

• 🌾 Fertilizer: Balanced liquid fertilizer

• 🗓️ Feed every 4–6 weeks during spring & summer

• 🚫 Do not fertilize in winter

🔁 Propagation

• ✂️ Methods:

  • Stem cuttings

  • Air layering (best for woody plants)

• ⏳ Rooting takes 4–8 weeks

• 🧤 Milky sap appears—handle with care

🛡️ Common Problems

• 🍂 Leaf Drop: Sudden temperature change or low light

• 🟡 Yellow Leaves: Overwatering

• 🐛 Pests: Spider mites, scale, mealybugs

• 🧼 Clean leaves to maintain shine and prevent pests

☠️ Toxicity Warning

• ⚠️ Toxic if ingested (pets & humans)

• 🐶🐱 Keep away from cats and dogs

• 🧤 Sap can cause skin and eye irritation

🌬️ Special Benefits

• 🌿 Known for air-purifying qualities

• 🏡 Makes a strong architectural statement indoors

• 🌳 Long-lived plant with proper care

• 🎍 Improves interior aesthetics instantly

⭐ Why Rubber Plant Is a Top Choice

• 🌿 Bold, dramatic foliage

• 🧠 Easy to care for once established

• 🌞 Loves bright interiors

• 🪴 Excellent floor plant for homes & offices

• 🎨 Available in stunning dark-leaf varieties