Ficus elastica aka Rubberplant

Taxonomy

Ficus elastica, also known as the rubber fig, rubber bush, rubber tree, or rubber plant, is a species of flowering plant in the Moraceae family. It is native to South and Southeast Asia but has become naturalized in other parts of the world, such as Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and Florida. While it is not used for commercial production of natural rubber, some varieties of Ficus elastica have a white, milky latex that can be a source of natural rubber. One popular variety is the Ficus elastica Ruby, which is native to tropical regions of India and Malaysia and has unique tri-colored variegation that requires bright light conditions to keep the colors strong and defined. Other popular indoor varieties include F.elastica decora, F.elastica robusta, F.elastica black prince or burgundy, and various variegated types. The rubber plant is a great choice for indoor decoration, with broad shiny leaves that make it a perfect centerpiece on a table, shelf, or windowsill. As it grows taller, it can be placed next to a fireplace, television area, or door entrance. The leaves of Ficus elastica have unique patterns and colors and have been shown to have excellent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. In addition, the aerial roots of the rubber tree have been used to create incredible living bridges in India that become stronger over time as the roots slowly fuse together. Some of these bridges are over a hundred years old!

Common names

Rubberplant

How to care for Rubberplant

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Rubberplant is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Rubberplant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Rubberplant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Rubberplant requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Rubberplant is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Rubberplant to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Rubberplant is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

No extra humidity is necessary for the Rubberplant. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Rubberplant should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Rubberplant’s native range is worldwide Tropics.


More info:
Wikipedia