Ficus elastica (Rubber Plant)

Botanical & Common Names
- Botanical name: Ficus Elastica
- Common names: Rubber plant

Background & Origin
Ficus elastica, commonly known as the rubber plant, is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, particularly India, Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In the wild, it grows as a large tree in warm, humid forests, where it can reach impressive heights and develop aerial roots to support its spread. Historically, the plant was an important source of natural latex, which gave rise to its common name. Its thick, glossy leaves are an adaptation to its rainforest environment, helping it retain moisture and thrive in the filtered light beneath the forest canopy.

Care Level
- Care level: Easy
- Suitable for beginners: Yes!

What It Loves
- Bright indirect sunlight
- A consistent watering routine
- Some humidity

What It Dislikes
- Overwatering or sitting in soggy soil
- Cold draughts
- Prolonged direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves

Best Rooms for This Plant
- Living rooms
- Bathroom
- Kitchens
- Bedrooms

Growth Potential
- Typical height indoors: Up to 2m tall with time
- Typical spread: Up to 30-90 cm wide
- Growth rate: Fast during spring and summer
- Pruning required: Occasional, to manage size or old foliage

Care difficulty: This plant has moderate care needs.

Light requirements: For this plant to thrive it needs a medium to bright indirect light, a few feet from an east or west-facing window is best.

Watering: Do not overwater - wait for the top 2 inches of soil to dry out.

Humidity: Moderate humidity is fine

Toxicity: Toxic to humans and pets.

Feeding: They can be fed during the spring and summer every 2-4 weeks. Always follow the instructions on the packaging of your feed of choice.

Repotting: Repot every two to three years during spring or when it has outgrown its current container. Size up one to two inches bigger than its current container and make sure the pot has adequate drainage holes.