Ficus Elastica – Indian Rubber Bush Plant

Ficus Elastica – Indian Rubber Plant is a popular ornamental plant from the fig genus. This tree type plant species with attractive foliage is an excellent choice for indoor and outdoor decoration. It has broad shiny oval leaves and fleshy stems. This tropical plant is easy to grow. The ornamental flowers bloom rarely indoors. A white latex separate from Ficus Elastica’s sap was formerly used to make rubber.

Add beauty and style to courtyards, porch and living room with this easy to care Rubber plants. Grants green life to your indoors and serve to refreshen the air of your office or home place.

Scientific name: Ficus elastica
Common Name: The rubber fig, rubber bush, rubber tree, rubber plant, or Indian rubber bush, Indian rubber tree
Family: Moraceae
Benefit: Ornaments Plant. Nasa recommended air purifying house plant, which removes formaldehyde from the air.

Sunlight: Rubber Plants prefers bright sunlight but not hot temperatures.

Soil: It needs a well-drained loamy soil

Water: It has a high tolerance for drought, but dry soil causes falling leaves. This plant prefers humidity and thrives in wet, tropical conditions, however wet soil may cause root or stem rot. Water it in every 2 weeks, when the topsoil becomes dry.

Temperature: Ficus Elastica plants like temperatures between 60- 65º F.

Fertilizer: It requires a very small amount of fertilizer. Use balanced liquid fertilizer on a monthly basis during the growing season.

Re-potting: Ficus Elastica plant needs repotting every 3 – 4 years only.

Propagation:  By cuttings or by layering.

Toxicity: Toxic to Pets. The latex of Ficus elastica is an irritant to the eyes and skin and is toxic if taken internally