Ficus elastica
rubber plant
Northeastern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, southern China, Malaysia, Indonesia; tropical and subtropical lowland forest
Overview
Ficus elastica is an evergreen tree from southern Asia, growing 100–200 feet (30–60 m) in tropical native range and 36–120 inches (90–305 cm) under indoor culture. Leaves are leathery, glossy deep green, oblong-elliptic with rounded tips, 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) long and 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) wide. New leaves emerge wrapped in a red-pink stipule that persists for 1–2 weeks before dropping; the unfurling leaf is bronze-red and matures to deep green over 7–14 days. The latex sap, the source of the plant's common name and once an industrial source of natural rubber before being supplanted by Hevea brasiliensis, is white, sticky, and toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested. Skin contact with the latex causes contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Indoor plants rarely flower or fruit; outdoor mature trees in tropical zones 10–12 produce small yellow-green fig syconia 0.4 inch (1 cm) that ripen to dark purple. Aerial roots develop on humid mature plants and form supplementary trunks at the soil line. Cold-tender: leaf damage occurs below 50°F (10°C) and tree death below 28°F (−2°C). Growth rate is moderate — 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) per year indoors with adequate light, slowing to half that rate in low light. Common indoor pests include scale, mealybug, and spider mite.
Native Range
Native to lowland tropical and subtropical forests of northeastern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, southern China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Andaman Islands. Begins life as an epiphyte on host trees and matures into a free-standing strangler fig that may engulf the host.Suggested Uses
Grown as an indoor specimen tree in temperate climates and as a landscape tree in tropical zones 10–12. Container culture in 5–15 gallon (20–55 liter) pots with well-drained potting mix supports indoor heights of 36–120 inches (90–305 cm). Aerial roots and aggressive root growth in landscape plantings damage paving and foundations within 10–20 feet (3–6 m) of the trunk.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 10'
Width/Spread2' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
Indoor plants rarely flower. Outdoor mature trees in tropical zones 10–12 produce yellow-green fig syconia 0.4 inch (1 cm) sporadically through the year, ripening to dark purple over 4–6 weeks. Pollination by host-specific fig wasps (Blastophaga clavigera) is required for fertile seeds; the wasp is absent outside southern Asia, so cultivated trees outside the native range produce sterile fruit only.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy deep green, leathery, oblong-elliptic, 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) long; new growth red-tingedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in bright indirect light at 60–80°F (16–27°C). Direct midday summer sun scorches leaves, while deep shade slows growth to a near halt. Watering occurs when the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of potting mix have dried — typically every 7–14 days in active growth and every 14–21 days in winter. Air humidity 40–60% reduces leaf-edge browning. Overwatering in low light causes root rot from Phytophthora spp. and Pythium spp. species. Plants are re-potted every 2–3 years into a container 2 inches (5 cm) larger than the root ball.Pruning
Pruning is performed in spring at the start of active growth. Stems are cut to maintain height and to promote branching, since F. elastica produces a single dominant leader without tip removal. Each cut releases white latex sap, which dries within 1–2 hours and seals naturally. Cuttings of 6–10 inch (15–25 cm) sections root in moist potting mix or water within 4–8 weeks.Pruning Schedule
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spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons