rubber plant

Also known as: Assam rubber; caoutchouc; India rubber fig; India rubber plant; India rubber tree; snake tree

Large, tropical evergreen tree, often grown as a houseplant. Large, broadly oval-shaped, glossy dark green leaves, occasionally red-flushed, with bronze-coloured undersides are 30-45cm long. Yellow figs are produced in clusters on mature trees in hot climates

Scientific classification

Species: rubber plant (Ficus elastica)
Genus: Ficus
Family: Moraceae

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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: 18 – 27 °C
Ideal temperature

rubber plant pictures

Distribution of rubber plant

Distribution map

Eastern Himalaya to Northern Malaysia

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of rubber plant

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rubber plant care guide

Water when soil is dry to the touch
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: 18 – 27 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Water when soil is dry to the touch

Fertilizing

Monthly in growing season

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 or by air layering

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

More growing and care information →