Ficus elastica
Ficus elastica (Rubber Plant) Care Guide
Featured photoficus-elastica.jpgFicus elastica is the rubber tree, a large South Asian forest fig grown indoors for its thick, glossy, leathery leaves. Many cultivars exist — the burgundy Robusta, the cream-margined Tineke, the pink-flushed Ruby — all sharing the same tough constitution. It is a far more forgiving alternative to the fiddle leaf fig and tolerates a wider range of indoor conditions.
Care facts at a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- Water when the top 3 to 4 cm of mix has dried.
- Humidity
- 40–60 %
- Temperature
- 18–27 °C
- Soil
- Well-draining houseplant mix with extra perlite.
- Toxicity
- Mildly toxic. Milky latex sap can irritate skin and mouth. (humans) · Toxic to cats and dogs per ASPCA Ficus listing. (pets)
- Origin
- Forests of northeastern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and southwestern China.
- Mature size
- 1.5 to 3 metres tall indoors.
Overview
Ficus elastica grows as a 30 metre tree in its native range and was once cultivated for natural rubber, although it was superseded by Hevea brasiliensis. Modern indoor plants stay a slim, manageable tree shape.
Care Priorities
- Bright filtered light keeps the leaves glossy; deep shade slows growth markedly.
- Wipe leaves every few weeks — they collect dust quickly.
- Water on the dry side of moist; rubber plants tolerate brief drought.
- Variegated cultivars need brighter light to keep the cream and pink sections healthy.
Common Problems
Yellow lower leaves with healthy upper foliage are usually overwatering. Brown crisp edges are dry air. Sudden leaf drop is often a cold draught or watering swing.
Sources & further reading (3)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-28
- botanical-garden — accessed 2026-04-28
- toxicity-database — accessed 2026-04-28
Frequently asked questions
Robusta vs Tineke vs Ruby — same plant?
All cultivars of Ficus elastica. Robusta has plain dark green leaves, Tineke has cream margins on green, Ruby is variegated with pink flushes.
How fast does it grow?
Moderate — 30 to 60 cm a year in good conditions. Pruning the leader makes it branch, doubling its width over a year or two.
Can I propagate from a cutting?
Yes. Stem cuttings root in water or moist mix; air layering on the parent plant is the most reliable method for thick stems.
