Ficus

Ficus elastica

Rubber Tree

Family: Moraceae

Genus: Ficus

Species: Elastica

Cultivars: Tineke, Shivereana, Ruby, Moonlight.

Common names: Rubber Tree or known solely by cultivar name.

Difficulty: Medium-high

Description: This beautiful tree has large stiff leaves that come in brilliant colors from deep green, maroon, yellow, and various combinations. It is commonly called the Rubber Tree because it is the plant that latex is harvested from to make rubber used in tires! It is glossy and classy and makes any room a little more tropical. The leaves will require more dusting than some other plants to not block out photosynthesis.

Mature size: Found in its natural habitat, it can become massive and reach heights of up to 100 feet! Indoors, it is still large, typically getting 6-10 feet tall within 3-5 years. It will require trimming in most homes. 

Light: High light like from a south or west window. It can handle direct light if adjusted and will appreciate as much light as it can get!

Water: These trees need the goldilocks of watering. You want to water when the top 25% of the soil has dried. It will lose leaves if it does not get enough water. However, it is still easily prone to root rot and should not be watered too frequently. 

Temperature: Ideal between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid temperatures below 55 degrees. It is not cold hardy. Avoid drafts that may cause irregular temperature swings. 

Humidity: As a tropical plant, this plant will appreciate higher humidity levels. It will require higher humidity than most people have in their homes. Place a humidifier near the plant to keep the area more humid. When young, the plant will thrive in a glass cabinet, but it will outgrow the cabinet and will require a green house or attention to daily humidifier refills.

Soil: This plant requires lots of richness and air in the soil, while still being able to retain water. We use 2-parts coco-coir, 1-part coco husk, 1-part bark, 1-park charcoal, ½-part worm casting.

Nutrition: This plant should be fed with a balanced fertilizer at half recommended dose on a monthly basis. If using grow lights, fertilize year-round. If using only natural light, fertilize from May to September. The variegated varieties will also benefit from using silica in every watering to help maintain the highly variegated sectoral patches. Use silica at half strength year-round. 

Repotting: Only repot when the roots are coming out of drainage holes. Move up to 3 pot sizes bigger when transplanting. This plant requires drainage holes in all planters. Do not fertilize for at least 2 weeks after transplanting and ensure the soil stays evenly moist for the first week. Due to the intolerance to drying out, it does poorly when root bound.

Toxicity: This plant has toxic sap that affects all animals and humans. The leaves themselves are lightly toxic to more sensitive individuals. The symptoms of the toxins are from the latex and cause burning and rash. It should be noted that latex is a common allergen and those with this allergy should not own this plant or use extreme caution. It is poisonous to humans, dogs, and cats causing nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. If ingested contact your doctor or vet immediately. 

Native to: Southeast Asia rainforests. It has become invasive in Florida and Shi Lanka. 

Companion Animals: This plant has a toxicity profile that makes it incompatible for any animal cage.