Ficus elastica

Botanical Name — Ficus elastica

Common Name — Rubber Plant 

Plant Family — Moraceae

Background

Ficus elastica is a tree native to southern Asia. In the wild, it can grow up to 100 feet tall, but as a houseplant it usually caps off at about 8 feet. This plant’s attractive, ovular foliage comes in many varieties, from the moody maroon-green of Burgundy to the creamy-edge variegated Decora. Remarkably adaptable and easy to care for, Ficus elastica makes an excellent large statement plant that doesn’t demand a plant pro’s attention to stay alive. 

Growth Requirements

Sun

• Ficus elastica prefers plenty of bright, indirect light or dappled sun. Too much direct sunlight will burn the leaves, but low-light conditions could lead to leaf drop. 
• An ideal spot is right in front of an east-facing window or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window. 

Temperature/ Humidity 

• These plants prefer high humidity, and warm temperatures. They will thrive in temperatures above 65 ºF. Mist them daily or place a humidifier near by to increase ambient moisture. 

Water

• Water your rubber plant when the soil starts to dry out. Feel the soil down to about two inches and if it feels like a wrung out sponge, it’s safe to water. 
• If leaves high up on the plant start to drop, dial back on watering. 
• Water less often during the winter, as the soil will dry out slower.

Soil/Roots

• Rubber plants prefer a fertile soil mix that is well-draining, yet moisture-retentive. A high-quality, soil-based potting mix is ideal. Soil mixtures can be amended up to 25% with coco coir, which improves soil structure by keeping it light and airy, while also offering increased moisture retention. Compost, up to 25%, is another great amendment which improves the nutrient quality of soil. 

Flowering

• Ficus elastica typically bloom during the spring, although indoor plants rarely produce blooms. 
• An interesting note is that Ficus flowers are actually hidden inside of what we know as their “fruit”. The “fruit” is actually an enclosed inflorescence containing hundreds of small, inconspicuous flowers inside. Figs are pollinated by a specialized wasp. The wasp enters via a small opening where it both pollinates the flowers and lays its eggs. Once pollinated female flowers inside the receptacle bear small fruits containing seeds. 

Fertilization

• Ficus elastica plants benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season. In temperate regions this is typically limited to spring and summer. 

Propagation

• Ficus elastica plants propagate reliably from stem cuttings. Use a clean sharp knife to remove a healthy branch. Also remove leaves at the base of the cutting; leaves that are buried in soil or submerged in water can encourage rot. 
• Let the sap on the cutting dry for about an hour, then brush with rooting hormone. Place in moist soil and keep in a warm environment while the plant reroots. During this period, keep the soil consistently moist.

Health

Diseases

• Ficus elastica can fall victim to both bacterial and fungal diseases. Leaf spot diseases are some of the most common among Ficus plants and tend to be caused by either bacterial or fungal infections. These types of diseases tend to be invited by the conditions Ficus plants favor the most: warmth and high levels of humidity. 
• To control leaf spot, remove affected parts of the plant to prevent the spread of the disease. Open windows or place a fan nearby to improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering, as water sitting on the leaves can encourage disease.
• Root rot is another disease that can often plague Ficus elastica plants. Overly saturated soils are the primary causes of this issue. Avoid over watering and aerate your soil regularly. You can do this by gently poking several holes in the soil using a pencil or chopstick. Plants that have been affected by root rot should be repotted into fresh soil, and water should be gradually reintroduced, allowing the plant time to stabilize. 

Maintenance (pruning, legginess, repotting)

• Ficus elastica do not require much maintenance. They can be pruned for shape or to encourage fullness. 
• These plants will start to drop leaves at the base of stems and become leggy if they are not receiving enough light. 
• Ficus elastica plants should be repotted once every one to two years. When repotting, select a container that is 2”-4” wider in diameter to give the plant plenty of room to grow. 

Toxicity

• Ficus elastica plants are toxic to humans and pets. All parts of the plant contain a highly irritant sap. Ingestion of any part of the plant can cause throat irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Dermal contact with any part of the plant can cause irritation and redness. 
• Keep this plant out of reach of pets and small children. Wear gloves and take care when handling this plant.