Ficus plants are a genus of woody shrubs and trees. They are best known for the edible fruits they bear, which can vary from the well-known common fig, to the more niche species whose fruits are vital to both local economies and local wildlife. In the wild, they grow in warm, temperate conditions.
Rubber Plant
Botanical Name: Ficus Elastica
Ficus Elastica, or the Rubber Plant, is a shrub characterised by thick leaves with – big surprise – a rubbery texture. These leaves are usually dark green, but certain variations of the species show a variegated colouring, which means they have more than one colour – in this case, this describes Rubber Plants whose leaves have dark green centres bordered by white. Some Rubber Plants may also be burgundy. Although the Rubber Plant doesn’t bear fruit like other figs, it does have a quirky pink stamen.
There is no need to splash out on expensive soil for the Rubber Plant – it will do nicely with a pre-mixed soil from the store. They don’t like an extreme amount of water, nor do they appreciate being kept dry, so a decent water once a day (more if it is very hot) is a good idea. The Rubber Plant likes sunlight and should be kept on a sunny balcony or in a room which receives a lot of sunlight (it is unlikely to fit on a windowsill). Prospective owners should be aware that – even indoors – the Rubber Plant can grow to 10 feet in height and six feet in width (compared to 30 feet in the wild), so it should probably be kept on balconies or in rooms with high ceilings and lots of space.
Plant Care
Always reaching for the sun from afar. Bright & indirect sunlight please.
Pure plant neglect, wait until it gets dry around 2 inches down, before giving it the drink of its life. Water around every 10 days or so.
Regular
Don’t risk it for a chocolate biscuit. These plants are toxic if ingested.
If you are a noob to houseplants then Rubber is a brilliant first plant to adopt, he’s very easy to look after. A great air purifying plant, NASA approved.
It wouldn’t hurt to give his leaves a damp wipe over now and then to remove dust particles.
