Ficus elastica
aka
Rubber Plant
Taxonomy
Ficus elastica, also known as the rubber fig, rubber bush, rubber tree, rubber plant, Indian rubber bush, or Indian rubber tree, is a flowering plant in the Moraceae family. Native to South and Southeast Asia, it has become naturalized in Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and Florida in the United States. Despite its common names, it is not used for commercial rubber production.
This tropical evergreen tree can grow to a height of 4m (13ft) or more and is commonly grown as a houseplant in temperate climates. It has broad, elliptical foliage that is variegated, with a length of up to 40cm (16in). The upper surface of the leaves is dark green and cream, while the lower surface is lighter. The leaves have a prominent reddish-brown midrib and leaf stalk. Only the largest plants may produce yellow fruits in cultivation.
If you're looking for a unique ficus variety, the Rubber Plant is a great choice. This plant has special leaf coloration, with red, pink, and white parts that will catch the attention of your visitors. Native to southern China and southern Asia, Rubber plants are popular houseplants due to their easy care requirements. They can grow up to 10 feet (3m) indoors and variegated varieties are the result of genetic mutation, causing certain parts of the leaves to be unable to produce chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for green leaf coloration. Caring for a variegated Rubber Plant is similar to caring for a regular one, with special attention needed for sunlight exposure.
Common names
Rubber Plant
How to care for Rubber Plant
With its straightforward care requirements, Rubber Plant is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
To ensure optimal growth, the Rubber Plant prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
During the wintertime, it is common for Rubber Plant plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
More info:
Wikipedia