Plant encyclopedia›broad-leaved Indian rubber plant

broad-leaved Indian rubber plant

Also known as: rubber plant 'Decora'

A tropical evergreen tree or shrub, often grown as a houseplant. Leaves are large, broadly oval-shaped and glossy dark green with pale reddish undersides; mature leaves have an ivory white midrib on the upper side

Scientific classification

Species: broad-leaved Indian rubber plant (Ficus elastica 'Decora')
Genus: Ficus
Family: Moraceae

Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity: Houseplants · Conservatory Greenhouse
Plant type: 2.5-4 metres
Height: 1-1.5 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

broad-leaved Indian rubber plant pictures

Distribution of broad-leaved Indian rubber plant

Distribution map

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Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of broad-leaved Indian rubber plant

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broad-leaved Indian rubber plant care guide

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering.

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings with bottom heat in spring or summer

Growing

Grow in houseplant compost in bright but filtered or indirect light. During growth water moderately and apply a high nitrogen fertiliser every month; water sparingly in winter. Topdress annually and repot every 2-3 years. See houseplant cultivation for further information

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