Ficus elastica

Rubber Plant Care & Identification Guide

Ficus elastica, the majestic Rubber Plant or Rubber Tree, is an ultra-classic, bold tropical houseplant. Renowned for its thick, leathery, oblong leaves that showcase a stunning polished, high-gloss shine, it provides unparalleled architectural drama, filtering indoor air while demanding incredibly minimal maintenance.

Sunlight Bright Indirect Light

Watering Low to Moderate

Soil Mix Rich Aerated Well-draining

Temperature 15°C - 29°C

Toxicity Toxic to Cats & Dogs

Botanical macro photography of Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) - Plant AI care database

How to Identify Rubber Plant

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) is a remarkable ornamental species widely appreciated for its unique aesthetic and structural foliage. Recognizing its definitive visual traits is key to distinguishing it from other similar plants.

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Key Visual Features: Thick, leathery, oversized oval leaves with a brilliant mirror-like gloss and a distinct red protective sheath covering new growing tips.
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Color Variations: Deep burgundy-black (Burgundy), solid dark green (Decora), or striking cream and pink variegation (Tineke, Ruby).
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Common Confusions: Confused with Peperomia obtusifolia (Baby Rubber Plant, which is a small compact species, while Ficus elastica grows into a tree).

💡 Plant AI Tip: Not sure? Take a photo with Plant AI to identify your houseplants instantly.

Complete Care & Cultivation Guide

Follow our detailed scientific care guide to keep your Rubber Plant thriving and gorgeous all year round.

Water when the top half of the potting soil is completely dry. Drought-tolerant; more sensitive to overwatering than underwatering.

Prune in spring to maintain desired height. Cut above a leaf node; use gloves to protect skin from the sticky, toxic white latex sap.

Apply half-strength liquid foliage fertilizer once every 4 weeks in spring and summer. Skip feeding in autumn and winter.

Thrives in bright indirect sunlight. Variegated types (Tineke/Ruby) require bright indirect light to preserve their cream-pink patterns.

Highly aerated potting mix: 3 parts peat moss or coco coir, 1 part perlite, and 1 part coarse sand or orchid bark.

Easily propagated via stem cuttings or air layering. Keep cuttings in warm, high-humidity spots until roots develop.

Warm room conditions (15°C-29°C). Protect from sudden cold drafts below 12°C, which can cause leaf drop.

Repot every 2 years in spring into a larger pot with drainage. Prefers slightly snug containers to stabilize its heavy canopy.

Prone to mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. Clean the broad glossy leaves regularly to keep them dust-free and healthy.

Susceptible to root rot under waterlogged conditions, causing yellowing foliage and mushy stems.

Wipe leaves monthly with a damp microfiber cloth to maximize gloss and light absorption. Keep away from heaters.

Common Diseases & Treatment

Root Rot

Symptoms: Leaves yellow, wilt, and drop off; stems turn mushy and dark near the base; roots turn mushy and black.

Action: Trim decayed roots and repot immediately into fresh, highly porous potting soil.

Sooty Mold

Symptoms: A powdery, soot-like black layer covers the glossy leaf surfaces, usually following a pest infestation.

Action: Wipe away mold with soapy water, treat underlying pests (scale/aphids) with neem oil, and improve airflow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the leaves of my Rubber Plant turning yellow and falling off?

Yellowing and dropping leaves is almost always a sign of overwatering. Let the potting mix dry out completely before watering again.

How fast does a Rubber Plant grow indoors?

In bright indirect light, it is a fast grower, easily growing 1 to 2 feet per year, eventually reaching ceiling height.

Can I grow a Rubber Plant in low light?

Solid green varieties can tolerate medium light, but variegated types like 'Tineke' will lose their variegation and turn green.

Is the white sap of a Rubber Plant dangerous?

Yes, the milky latex sap is toxic to pets and irritating to human skin. Always wash hands immediately if you come into contact with it.