Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica
A popular indoor tree with large, thick, glossy leaves that can grow tall and statuesque indoors. Burgundy and variegated cultivars add dramatic color to the classic deep-green form.
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Water
- When top inch dries; avoid soggy soil
- Difficulty
- Easy
Got a plant like this?
Identify any plant from a photo, free.
Overview
Rubber Plant is a member of the fig genus grown for its broad, leathery, high-gloss leaves. Once tapped commercially for latex, it is now a leading ornamental houseplant, available in deep green, dark burgundy ('Burgundy'), and cream-and-pink variegated forms ('Tineke', 'Ruby').
In the wild it becomes a massive tree, but indoors it stays a manageable upright plant that can reach the ceiling over time. Its bold foliage and easy care make it a designer favorite.
How to identify it
Identify it by:
- Leaves: Large, oval, thick, and glossy, 5-12 inches long, with a prominent central vein
- New growth: Emerges from a colorful pointed sheath (often red or pink) that drops off
- Color: Deep green, dark burgundy, or variegated cream-pink-green depending on cultivar
- Sap: Exudes a milky white latex when cut
- Habit: Upright, tree-like; can reach 6-10 feet or more indoors
Care & growing
- Light: Bright indirect light; variegated types need more light to keep their color
- Water: Water when the top inch dries; let it dry slightly more in winter and avoid soggy soil
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix
- Temperature: 60-80F (16-27C); avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature swings
- Feeding: Balanced fertilizer monthly during spring and summer
- Propagation: Stem cuttings or air layering
- Tip: Wipe the leaves to remove dust and keep them glossy; prune the tip to encourage branching
Habitat & origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia, including northeastern India, Nepal, and Indonesia, where it grows as a large evergreen tree in tropical forests and can develop dramatic aerial and buttress roots.
Worldwide it is grown as an indoor ornamental, and outdoors as a landscape and street tree in tropical and subtropical regions.
Frequently asked questions
Why are the leaves dropping?
Leaf drop is usually caused by overwatering, cold drafts, or sudden environmental changes. Keep watering consistent and avoid moving it abruptly.
How do I make it bushier?
Prune or pinch the growing tip. This encourages the plant to branch instead of growing as a single tall stem.
Why is the variegation fading?
Variegated cultivars need plenty of bright indirect light. Too little light causes them to revert toward green.
How big does a rubber plant get indoors?
As a houseplant it stays an upright, tree-like form that can reach 6-10 feet or more over time, though it becomes a massive tree in the wild.
Rubber Plant guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Rubber Plant.
Rubber Plant identified by the community
Real specimens identified with Plant Identifier.
