If you are looking for an indoor plant that makes a bold statement, then look no further than a Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica). Besides being an attractive low maintenance plant, it also purifies the indoor air. 

  • Common names           Rubber fig, Rubber plant.
  • Indian names:               Rubber plant ( Hindi and Kannada)
  • Botanical Name:          Ficus elastica 
  • Family :                             Moracae

      

Plant Features:

  • Plant type :                   Tree, Indoor plant.
  • Foliage type :               Evergreen, shiny oval leaves.
  • Life-Cycle:                    Perennial
  • Height :                          Up to 50 feet, Up to 3 m indoor variety.
  • Width/Spread:           25 feet / 6 feet trunk diameter
  • Flowering season:    All season
  • Flower:                         Yellowish green
  • Toxic:                             Rubber plant sap is toxic and causes mild irritation burning sensation in eyes if it comes in contact.
  • Propagation:              Rubber tree is commonly propagated from cuttings or air layering.

Popular varieties 

  • Ficus elastica ‘Tineke’– With variegated green and white leaves having overtones of burgundy and red veins.
  • Ficus elastica ‘Doescheri’– Also called as “Indian Rubber tree”. It has dark green foliage with patches. Plants of this variety needs more natural light than most of the other variety.
  • Ficus elastica ‘Back prince’- This variety has thick dark green leathery foliage with bronze undertones and large rounded leaves.
  • Ficus elastica ‘Decora’- This variety has thick dark green leaves.
  • Ficus elastica ‘Robusta’-This variety produces larger green leaves that grow around 18 inches long.
  • Ficus elastica ‘tricolor’ – This variety has green leaves with patches of pink and cream. 

          

Rubber plant is an evergreen tropical plant that can grow up to 50 feet. It can be grown indoors (up to 3 m) as an ornamental plant. Para rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is grown for for the production of commercial rubber.

Rubber plant care and  growing requirements :

Sunlight : Place the plant on a bright and well-lit spot that receives indirect or morning sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, especially in the afternoon sun. Otherwise, the leaves will eventually fall off.

Soil : Use well-drained quality potting mix and a container with proper drainage.

Water : Apply moderately, whenever the top one-inch of soil feels dry. Provide sufficient drainage to plant and avoid excess watering as it may cause root rot.

Humidity : Rubber plant prefers moderately cool, moist and humid air. For humidity, you can use a humidifier or set it on a tray with pebbles and water.

Pests : The rubber plant is resistant to pests and diseases. However, if grown in poor conditions and low light,  pests like spider mites and mealybugs cause a problem.

To treat the pest problems, as soon as you notice the insects on your Rubber Plant, spray the entire plant with insecticidal soap or Neem oil, making sure to get both sides of the leaves. 

Care

  • Wipe and clean the leaves with a damp sponge once in a week.
  • Avoid over-watering or misting of leaves with very cold water as rubber plant loses its leaves due to over watering or when sprayed with cold water. 

This is it, all about Rubber plant,  Easy to take care of and makes your home feel special!

“The large, dark, vibrant foliage of rubber plant looks really beautiful and the plant with minimal care does a brilliant job of  freshening-up indoor air! That’s all you need to know about the Rubber plant to get started! Plant one at your home and take care of this delightful plant”

 

” I hope this article inspires you to add a rubber plant to your home. If you have any other tips for growing a rubber plant, please do share. We would love to know how you keep your plant healthy!”

Happy-gardening

 

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