Ficus elastica: the verdict
Commonly known as the Rubber Plant , Ficus elsatica is a problematical evergreen plant that brings a touch of the tropic into the home . It has loggerheaded , calendered leaves and that can strain up to 1 pes ( 30 cm ) long . The plant can grow to 8 feet ( 2.5 m ) or so indoors . It vaunt tune - purifying qualities and its mere lines give it a presence that can raise any room .
While it ’s not the most demanding plant , growing ficus elastica does need some specific care for the works to thrive indoors . grade it in a bright quoin or against a unsheathed wall for the best effect . Do n’t overwater or move it around too much . Keep it off from drafts .
Ficus elastica was the first and , for a long time , the only sign of the zodiac industrial plant we had in our rest home when I was a fry . So I can testify to it longevity and the powerful front it bring in to a elbow room .
Ficus elastica
Basic need *
Light
Moderate
Ficus elastica
urine : growth catamenia
body of water : dormancy
Low
Humidity
⭐ ️ ⭐ ️ ⭐ ️ ⭐ ️ ⭐ ️5 Star House Plant
Pros
secure visual appeal
Air refinement lineament
Can grow into a big flora
Long endure with undecomposed care
inmate
Sensitive to overwatering
Ficus elastica
Toxic to people and pets
Sensitive to igniter and temperature changes
Can outgrow its position
Ficus elastica Robusta
US Buyers
Ficus elasticaRobusta
UK Buyers
Star Ratings
We rate plants from 1 to 5 stars based on ease of attention , visual appeal and time value for money .
- Full details of upkeep prerequisite are in the attention guide below .
Ficus elastica: quick care guide
give care for the Ficus elastica is moderately challenging . The plant life does not demand constant care , but it does need a consistent act . It ’s not too unmanageable to look after once you have it establish in the right place .
Level of care : Moderate
Level of tutelage definition
Ficus elastica
say more about house plant tending in worldwide in our comprehensive guide to the 7 critical requirements ofhouse plant carehere .
Ficus elastica key facts
Ficus elastica stand out for its ability to develop middling fast . Its growth charge per unit of up to 24 column inch per time of year mean it quick transforms into a overlooking presence , requiring space to expound and occasional pruning .
Ficus elastica demand undimmed , indirect sunshine to avoid tall-growing growing or leaf scorching . Place it near an east or south - facing windowpane , protected from direct sun by sheer curtains . deficient light can leave in swag or yellowing leaves .
Propagation
extension byair layeringis recommend for beginner and is an interesting process to . It involves wrapping a moist medium around a partially cut root word . This advance root development at the cut .
Once the roots are of a goodish sizing , you may sever the stem for a raw plant . This method acting typically takes a few week to see consequence .
Forstem cutting :
Ficus elastica: ideal location for optimum light
mind – the white milky sap that ooze from the cut stem is a skin irritant , so moisten off any splashes as soon as you’re able to .
Common Problems and Solutions
The Rubber Plant is not too susceptible to problems , as long as you keep it in fairly constant conditions with the right light level and you do not over - water it .
Ficus elastica troubleshooting guide
Leaves and shoots
Roots
Pests
Winter care
In wintertime , reduce watering and discontinue fertilisation . Keep the industrial plant out from cold drafts . you could use humidifier to set off the drying core of warming systems if this proves to be a trouble .
Read more about how tooverwinter your mansion plantshere .
Buy
So , if you ’ve got this far and are feeling like you ca n’t resist this beautiful industrial plant , I ’ve list some buying options below – reckon on whether you are US or UK based .
The buy golf links are affiliate links , which means I ’d be pay a ( very ) small direction if you go on and buy after clack these connectedness . But that does not affect the cost you pay .
Ficus elastica varieties to grow
There are some lovely genus Ficus pliable smorgasbord you’re able to grow with variations in their leafage colour . Here is a leaning of the good ones :
Other great foliage plants
See our guide to caring for these other :
Key references and resources
Alloway , Z and Bailey ( F ) . ( 2018)RHS Practical House Plant Book : take The Best , Display Creatively , Nurture and Care , Royal Horticultural Society , UK .
Camilleri , L and Kaplan , S. ( 2020 ) , Plantopedia : The Definitive Guide to Houseplants , Smith Street Books .
Hessayon , Dr D.G. ( 1991)The New House Plant Expert , PBI Publications , UK .
Ficus elastica: spray leaves for humidity and to keep clean
Brickell , C. ( 2016).Royal Horticultural Society AZ encyclopedia of garden plant . 4thEdition Dorling Kindersley .
Squire , D. ( 2017).Houseplant Handbook : Basic Growing Techniques and a Directory of 300 Everyday Houseplants , CompanionHouse Books .
Nelson , G ( 2021 ) . industrial plant – House plants : Choosing , Styling , Caring . Mitchell Beazley . London
Brickell , C. ( 2011).American horticultural society encyclopedia of plants and flowers . Penguin .
Martin Cole has been an avid plant devotee and gardener for more than 20 geezerhood and loves to talk and write about gardening . In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year competition . He is a member of the National dahlia Society .
He previously exist in London and Sydney , Australia , where he have a diploma course in Horticultural studies and is now based in North Berwick in Scotland . He founded GardeningStepbyStep.com in 2012 . The internet site is propose at everybody who fuck plants or has been bitten by the horticulture bug and wants to know more .
Gardening pace by Step has beencited by Thompson and Morgan , the UK ’s largest mail order plant retailer , as a website that publish proficient gardening content .
