Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica
A popular indoor evergreen tree known for its large, glossy, thick oval leaves and upright growth. It features a woody stem that can secrete a white milky latex when cut.
- Light
- Bright, indirect light (about 6-8 hours a day); direct afternoon sun may scorch the leaves, while too little light leads to leggy growth.
- Water
- Water thoroughly once the top 2-3 inches of soil have dried. Reduce frequency in winter. Yellowing leaves often indicate over-watering, while drooping leaves can suggest under-watering.
- Growth
- Perennial evergreen tree. Indoors, it reaches 6-10 feet; outdoors in native habitats, it can grow over 100 feet. Features an upright, branching form.
Care instructions
Thrives in bright, indirect light. Allow the top half of the soil to dry out between waterings. Use well-draining potting soil and fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright, indirect light (about 6-8 hours a day); direct afternoon sun may scorch the leaves, while too little light leads to leggy growth.
Watering
Water thoroughly once the top 2-3 inches of soil have dried. Reduce frequency in winter. Yellowing leaves often indicate over-watering, while drooping leaves can suggest under-watering.
Soil
Well-draining, aerated potting mix. A peat-based mix with perlite or pine bark is ideal. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0).
Hardiness zone
USDA Zones 10-12; it is not frost-tolerant and should be kept above 50°F (10°C).
Growth habit
Perennial evergreen tree. Indoors, it reaches 6-10 feet; outdoors in native habitats, it can grow over 100 feet. Features an upright, branching form.
Bloom season
Rarely flowers indoors. In nature, it produces small, oblong yellow-green pseudocarps (figs) that require specialized wasps for pollination.
Propagation
Most successfully propagated via air layering or stem-tip cuttings using a rooting hormone in warm, humid conditions.
Common pests & issues
Scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. Root rot can occur if soil remains waterlogged. Leaf drop is common when the plant is moved or experiences sudden temperature changes.
Similar species
Ficus lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig) has larger, violin-shaped leaves. Ficus maclellandii has much narrower, willow-like leaves.