Tropical

Ficus elastica

Also called Rubber Plant, this tropical species stands out with its large, glossy leaves and strong vertical growth.

Overview

Ficus elastica is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia.

In its natural habitat, it grows in warm and humid conditions, where steady warmth and filtered light support its dense foliage.

Plant Specifications
Botanical name	Ficus elastica
Common name	Rubber Plant, Rubber Tree, Indian Rubber Tree
Family	Araceae
Genus	Ficus
Plant type	Tree (perennial)
Foliage	Evergreen
Maturity	3 to 5 years
Lifespan	40+ years
Native area	Southeast Asia
Toxicity	Toxic to humans and other animals

Plant resilience

Not flood
tolerant

Drought
tolerant

Growing season

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Close-up of Ficus elastica

Plant care

Ficus elastica is a resilient plant that rewards consistency with bold foliage. With the right balance of light, watering, and stable conditions, it can thrive indoors and maintain its structured, upright form.

Ficus elastica

Light

Prefers bright indirect light, but it can adapt to lower light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods, as it can cause leaf burn.

Soil

Thrives in a well-draining mix, such as orchid bark, perlite, peat, or coco coir, mimicking its natural environment and preventing compaction. To avoid root rot, the soil should remain moist but not soggy.

Water

Water when the top of the soil is dry. Water thoroughly to ensure moisture reaches the roots but avoid standing water, as overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and root rot.

Humidity

Thrives in moderate to high humidity, ideally around 40%-60% or higher. If the air is too dry, consider using a humidifier to keep the humidity high.

Temperature

Best kept in a warm environment, ideally between 18-27°C (65-80°F). Avoid exposure to cold drafts or temperatures below 10°C (50°F), as cold stress can damage the leaves.

Pruning

Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to trim damaged, yellowing, or unruly stems. Wear gloves, as the milky sap can cause skin irritation.

Fertilizer

Feed it with a balanced fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer. Reduce feeding in autumn and pause it entirely during the winter, when the plant enters dormancy.

Propagation

This plant is easily propagated through stem cuttings. Select a stem with at least one leaf node, trim below it, and allow the cut end to dry for a few hours. Place it in water for a few weeks before transitioning to soil.

Common pests

Watch for pests like spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. Signs include webbing, sticky residue, or discolored spots, which can be treated with neem oil or insecticidal soap, covering both sides of the leaves.

Troubleshoot

Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering or poor drainage, while brown edges often signal low humidity or underwatering. Leaf drop may result from sudden changes in temperature or light.

Ficus elastica in the wild

More information

Ficus elastica is more than just a popular houseplant. Its history as a commercial rubber source and its wide range of cultivars make this bold, glossy tree a fascinating choice for any indoor space.

Did it once produce rubber?

Before Hevea brasiliensis became the standard, Ficus elastica was one of the primary sources of natural rubber. Its milky white latex, visible whenever a stem or leaf is cut, was commercially harvested across parts of Asia.

Hevea eventually replaced it due to higher latex yields, but the "elastica" in the name remains a direct reference to that industrial past. It is worth noting that the sap can cause skin irritation and is toxic if ingested.

Ficus elastica white sap

Why so many color varieties?

Rubber Plants come in a surprisingly wide range of colours. From the classic deep green of the original species to the near-black of 'Burgundy', the creamy variegation of 'Tineke', and the pinkish new growth of 'Ruby', there is a cultivar to suit almost any interior.

Each cultivar shares the same upright habit and texture, making the choice of cultivar able to dramatically change the mood of a space.

Ficus elastica 'Tineke'

Ficus elastica 'Ruby'

How tall can it grow indoors?

Given enough space and light, Ficus elastica can reach 1.8-3 metres (6-10 feet) indoors over several years. In its native rainforests, the same species towers beyond 30 metres and develops a broad, spreading canopy.

Pruning can manage its height and encourage a more branching shape, though many growers let it grow tall and use it as a bold vertical feature.

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Ficus elastica

Overview