Ficus elastica aka Rubberplant

Ficus elastica, the rubber plant, is an evergreen tree. It belongs to the mulberry family, Moraceae. Its native range runs from Nepal to western Yunnan and western Malesia. It grows in hill forests, including cliffs and limestone hills. Gardeners grow it indoors in cool regions and outdoors in warm ones.

Indoor plants often stay around 2–10 feet [0.6–3 metres] tall. RHS gives a grown height of 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. Outdoor landscape trees reach 35–45 feet [10.7–13.7 metres]. Their crowns spread 25–30 feet [7.6–9.1 metres] wide. Wild trees can reach 180 feet [55 metres], according to Useful Tropical Plants. Young plants have stiff stems with few branches. Older trees form spreading crowns and aerial roots. Brown bark may stay smooth or become slightly rough. The thick, glossy leaves grow in an alternate pattern. They have smooth edges and an oval shape. New leaves may show red before turning dark green. Some leaves have bronze tones beneath.

Tiny flowers grow inside the fleshy structure that forms a fig. A specific fig wasp must reach them to pollinate them. Plants seldom flower or fruit indoors. Mature trees in hot climates can bear small yellow figs. These grow in pairs or crowded groups. Seeds develop only where the needed wasp lives. The leaves give this plant more garden value than its flowers.

Indoors, give it bright light without harsh direct sun. Outdoors, it grows in sun or part shade. It accepts clay, sand, or loam if water drains well. Water moderately during growth, then cut back in winter. Let the soil become fairly dry between waterings. Outdoor trees withstand drought once grown. USDA sources place it in zones 10–12; RHS rates it H1B. It needs warmth and protection from frost and cold drafts. Gardeners use it for shade, screens, containers, and specimen planting. Its latex once supplied rubber.

Strong winds can break branches, and large surface roots need space. Fallen leaves and figs can create litter. Too much water or cold drafts may cause leaf loss. Scale, aphids, mealybugs, thrips, and spider mites may attack it. Honey fungus is another reported risk. Food-use sources report eating young leaves and unopened leaf tips. The fruit has little food value. These reports do not establish pet safety. Sap can irritate pets' mouths and cause drooling or vomiting.