Source of natural rubber
The milky sap of the Ficus elastica was once used to make rubber. Hence the name rubber plant.
Ficus Elastica
Ficus Elastica
Everything you need to know about the Ficus elastica or rubber plant. Varieties, care, ideal location and our XXL Ficus elastica collection in one place.
The most important thing in 30 seconds
- The Ficus elastica or rubber plant comes from tropical Southeast Asia and belongs to the Moraceae family
- Likes a bright spot with indirect light; variegated varieties need more light than green ones
- Let the top layer of potting soil dry out before watering and avoid waterlogging
- Robust and easy to care for, ideal for beginners
- Mildly toxic to dogs and cats due to the milky sap in the plant
- Available in varieties such as the green Robusta, the variegated Tineke and the dark-red Abidjan
About this Rubberboom planting guide
Did you know?
Three facts about the Rubberboom that you may not have known yet.
Forest giant in the wild
In its natural habitat in Asia, the rubber plant can grow into a tree thirty metres tall with imposing aerial roots.
Glossy air purifier
The large, glossy leaves filter substances from the air, making the rubber plant one of the better air-purifying houseplants.
Rubberboom types and differences
Robusta
The classic rubber plant with deep-green, broad and glossy leaves. Robust, fast-growing and the easiest to care for of the three.
Tineke
Graceful variety with cream to green variegated leaves and sometimes pink accents. Needs a little more light to keep its variegation.
Abidjan
Dramatic variety with dark burgundy, almost black glossy leaves. A warm, elegant eye-catcher.
Top 5 Rubberboom
Onze favoriete planten voor een Rubberboom interieur, gekozen door onze stylingexperts. Met per plant de reden waarom hij werkt.
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Rubberboom care step by step
Follow these steps to keep your Rubberboom healthy.
- 1
Watering
Let the top two to three centimetres of potting soil dry out before watering again. The rubber plant dislikes waterlogging, so always pour away excess water. In winter you water noticeably less.
- 2
Light and location
Give the rubber plant a bright spot with indirect light. Variegated varieties such as the Tineke need more light than the green Robusta. Avoid harsh midday sun and cold draughts.
- 3
Leaf care
Wipe the large, glossy leaves regularly with a damp cloth. This keeps the leaves glossy and lets the plant absorb more light for photosynthesis.
- 4
Feeding
During the growing season from March to September, give plant food for green houseplants every two weeks. In autumn and winter the plant needs no feeding.
- 5
Repotting
Repot the Ficus elastica every one to two years in spring into a pot a few centimetres larger. Use airy potting soil with good drainage.
Frequently asked questions about the Rubberboom
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Rubberboom.
How often should I water my rubber plant?
Water as soon as the top two to three centimetres of potting soil feel dry. During the growing season that is on average once a week, less in winter. Make sure no water is left standing in the pot, because waterlogging leads to root rot.
Why is my rubber plant dropping leaves?
The occasional lower leaf dropping is normal. If a lot of leaves fall, the cause is often too much water, cold draught or a sudden change of location. Choose a fixed, warm and bright spot and keep the watering rhythm stable.
Why is my Tineke losing its variegation?
Variegated varieties need more light than green ones to keep their pattern. If the plant is too dark, the leaves turn greener. Move the plant to a brighter spot, but out of the harsh midday sun.
Is the Ficus elastica toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, the plant is mildly toxic to pets. The milky sap can cause irritation of the mouth and stomach if ingested and can irritate the skin. Therefore keep the rubber plant out of reach of cats and dogs.
Which location is ideal for a rubber plant?
A bright spot with indirect light is ideal. The green Robusta tolerates some partial shade, variegated varieties need more light. Avoid harsh midday sun, radiators and cold draughts.
How big does a Ficus elastica get indoors?
Indoors the rubber plant grows to one and a half to two metres tall. With us you choose the desired size directly, from a compact specimen to an XXL rubber plant of 200 centimetres.
How do I keep my rubber plant full and branched?
A rubber plant often grows straight up by nature. If you want a fuller, branched plant, you can top the growing tip in spring. The plant then forms side shoots. With us you will also find ready-branched specimens.
Why is my rubber plant not growing?
In autumn and winter slow growth is normal. If growth stays absent in spring and summer, check whether the plant gets enough light, whether the pot is not too small and whether you feed during the growing season.
Plant concepts explained
- Variegated leaf
- A leaf with several colours or patterns, as in the Tineke. Variegated varieties need more light than green ones.
- Milky sap
- The white, sticky sap released when the plant is damaged. It is mildly toxic and can irritate the skin.
- Aerial roots
- Roots that grow above the ground, characteristic and imposing on old rubber plants in the wild.
- Topping
- Cutting off the top growing tip to make the plant grow fuller and branched.
- Growing season
- The period from March to September during which the plant grows actively and benefits from regular feeding.
- Drainage
- The drainage of excess water from the pot, essential to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Resources and further reading
-
Kew Gardens
Scientific description and origin of Ficus elastica
-
Royal Horticultural Society
Care guidelines for Ficus elastica
-
Missouri Botanical Garden
Botanical description and origin
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