Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica
The Rubber Plant is a striking architectural houseplant known for its large, leathery, and high-gloss leaves. Native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, it can grow into a massive tree in the wild, but indoors it serves as a sophisticated focal point, reaching impressive heights while remaining relatively low-maintenance.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Easy
Humidity
Moderate
Pet Warning
The plant contains a milky latex sap that is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested. It can also cause skin irritation (dermatitis) in humans upon contact.
Care Guide
Rubber Plant Care Guide
Light
Provide bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. While it can tolerate lower light, the plant may become leggy and lose its luster. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the thick leaves.
Watering
Water when the top 50-75% of the soil is dry. Soak the soil thoroughly until water drains from the bottom, then discard excess water. Overwatering is the most common cause of leaf drop.
Humidity and Temperature
Maintains best growth in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. It prefers moderate humidity but adapts well to average home conditions. Use a pebble tray or humidifier if the air is exceptionally dry.
Foliage Maintenance
Due to the large surface area of the leaves, they tend to collect dust. Wipe the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to ensure the plant can photosynthesize efficiently.
Pruning
Prune in the spring to control size or encourage branching. Note that the plant will bleed a milky white sap when cut, which can be messy and irritating to skin.
Troubleshooting
Bottom leaves falling off: Often caused by overwatering or cold drafts.
Pale new leaves: Typically a sign of nutrient deficiency or insufficient light.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10 water-soluble fertilizer
Soil
A well-draining, aerated potting mix containing peat moss, pine bark, and perlite.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
6 to 10 feet (indoors)
Growth Rate
Fast
Propagation
Stem cuttings or air layering.
Common Varieties
Tineke
The 'Tineke' Rubber Plant is characterized by its large, thick, oval leaves that feature a striking variegated pattern of forest green, sage, and creamy white, often accented by a subtle pinkish midrib.
Burgundy
The 'Burgundy' Rubber Plant features broad, glossy, leathery leaves in a dramatic near-black hue, highlighted by vibrant red midribs and undersides.
Ruby
The 'Ruby' Rubber Plant features broad, glossy, oval leaves characterized by a dramatic tricolor variegation of forest green and cream heavily flushed with vibrant pink and burgundy tones.
Robusta
The 'Robusta' variety is distinguished by its exceptionally broad, leathery, oval leaves that display a deep forest-green color and a prominent central midrib.
Doescheri
The 'Doescheri' variety is distinguished by its narrow, pointed leaves that display a marbled mix of dark green and grey, edged with broad creamy-yellow margins and accented by pink-tinted midribs.
Ficus elastica 'Doescheri
A sophisticated and rare variegated cultivar of the Rubber Tree, 'Doescheri' is prized for its narrow, lance-shaped leaves compared to the standard broad-leaf varieties. Its foliage presents a striking mosaic of creamy yellow, grey-green, and deep forest green, often accented by uniquely pink or orange-tinted midribs and leaf sheaths.
Ficus elastica 'Shivereana
The Ficus elastica 'Shivereana', widely known as the Moonshine Rubber Plant or Speckled Rubber Tree, is a rare and breathtakingly beautiful cultivar. It is prized for its large, leathery leaves that feature a unique, mosaic-like variegation. The foliage displays a stunning splatter of pale cream, neon lime, and dark emerald green. This plant is a slower grower compared to other rubber plants but offers a sophisticated aesthetic that serves as a living piece of art in any interior.
Rubber Tree 'Burgundy
The Ficus elastica 'Burgundy' is a striking ornamental houseplant known for its thick, leathery, and glossy leaves that feature a deep, dark burgundy to near-black color. Its upright growth habit and dramatic foliage make it a popular statement piece in modern interiors. It is a cultivar of the species originally native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia.
Rubber Tree 'Ruby
The Ficus elastica 'Ruby' is a striking ornamental plant famous for its vibrant, tri-colored foliage. Its large, leathery leaves are painted with shades of rose-pink, creamy white, and deep forest green. This plant is a cultivar of the traditional Rubber Tree and is prized for bringing a bold, tropical aesthetic to indoor environments while acting as a natural air purifier.
Rubber Tree 'Tineke
A stunning cultivar of the classic Rubber Tree, 'Tineke' is celebrated for its large, waxy leaves featuring a painterly camouflage pattern of cream, gray-green, and dark green. This striking foliage adds a sophisticated architectural element to any indoor space, though it requires slightly more attention than its darker-leaved relatives to keep its variegation vibrant and healthy.