Ficus elastica complete guide

In this guide you'll learn: How & where to buy the Ficus elastica, how to care for your plant and answers to FAQs to keep your plant happy

About ficus elastica

The Ficus elastica is an incredibly popular, easy-to-grow tropical foliage plant also known as the ‘Indian rubber tree’, featuring large and vibrant glossy green leaves that make a statement in the corner of any room.

While the tree can reach 30 metres in the wild forests of South and Southeast Asia, the rubber plant rarely eclipses 3 metres as an indoor plant, and will reward you with fresh, shiny and beautiful new leaves if provided with some relatively basic and easy-to-achieve growing conditions.

Rubber plants are popular in homes and offices because they are so easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. The most common problem is overwatering, which is easy to solve, but typically it will be happy in most indoor climates that are comfortable to you.

If you’re looking for your first plant, this is a good option that is long-lived with minimal maintenance and is very rewarding. If this is the plant for you, read our buyer’s guide below to get your plant delivered direct to you.

Ficus elastica in the House & Office

The Ficus elastica grows large and dark glossy green leaves that are perfect for capturing dust and creating clean, oxygenated air that keeps offices and homes fresh.

In fact, studies from NASA show that the plant is effective in reducing levels of toxic particles in the air, including formaldehyde, although it wasn’t particularly too high on their list of selected plants.

Ficus elastica Size

As this tree can grow to a significant size in the wild, it can still become a very large plant when grown indoors. While it can reach up to 300cm indoors, it often doesn’t reach this size and can be controlled by providing it with less fertiliser and by reducing light.

Height: up to 300cm / 118in / 9.8ft

Spread: up to 180cm / 70in / 5.9ft

Ficus elastica Care

Light: Your rubber tree will thrive in bright indirect light, but should be kept away from strong, direct light such as through a south-facing window. Keep your plant within a few feet of most bright windows, but at least five feet from a south-facing window to give it good and bright light that isn’t too strong.

Soil: A well-draining potting mix which still retains a good level of moisture is most appropriate. If creating your own mix, combine standard potting soil with a 30% mix of perlite and other materials to increase drainage, and ensure that your pot has a drainage hole so that the soil doesn’t become water-logged.

Watering: Your Ficus elastica will benefit from a small amount of water once a week, or whenever the top one inch of soil feels try. Daily watering is not necessary and can contribute to root rot.

Humidity: While these plants can be happy enough with most indoor climates, they do prefer humidity levels over 50%. For optimal growth, provide a humidity level of more than 60% by grouping your plant together with others, turning on a humidifier or by sitting the pot on top of a tray of pebbles and water. Keep your plant in a well-lit bathroom or kitchen where the humidity is highest in the home.

Feeding: Fertilising your rubber plant can be done with a standard houseplant feed every couple of weeks during summer, but should be cut back to once per month during spring and early autumn, and not at all during winter.

Temperature: Your plant will be comfortable at most indoor temperatures down to 15°C / 60°F’, but ideal temperatures for it to thrive are 18-24°C / 64-75°F’. Growth will slow to a halt as the temperature approaches freezing, and your plant may suffer some damage if exposed to freezing temperatures.

Ailments: These plants can be prone to leaf drop, which can happen after transplanting, suddenly changing its environment, or if exposed to strong, direct sun for too long. 

Further care: Read our full care guide to help your plant thrive.

Where To Buy Ficus elastica Online

• Ebay (UK) / (USA)
• Etsy
• Bloombox Club (UK) / (USA)
• Local Facebook Groups

The Ficus elastica rubber tree is a relatively easy-to-find and popular houseplant that is available at most plant retailers and garden centres.

We would recommend that you buy from a well-rated, positively-reviewed retailer online which can show a respectable return policy.

Marketplaces like Ebay and Etsy are often great places to find plants, where you can even choose the exact plant you’re looking for. However, if you are only looking for a standard Ficus elastica and not a rare cultivar, it may be much more cost-effective to not choose your own plant.

If you do buy online, you should inspect your plant after receiving the delivery and be sure to not introduce an infected or infested plant to the rest of your plant collection, to prevent any possible spread.

If you are unhappy with the plant you receive in any way, contact the retailer and begin the return and refund process, and never settle for a houseplant that is damaged or otherwise unhealthy.

FAQs

Is Ficus elastica Fast Growing?

The rubber tree can grow at a very quick rate during the summer growing season if provided with a good level of bright light and regular feeding, often needing to be repotted every two years and putting on several inches of height each year.

Is Ficus elastica Toxic to Cats and Dogs?

The rubber tree secrets a latex sap which can irritate the skin and throat of both humans and animals, therefore it is best to keep pets and children away from these trees.