2 named cultivars

tropical

Rubber Plant

Ficus elastica

$29.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Ficus elastica, the rubber plant, is an evergreen tree native to tropical Asia that grows as an upright, spreading specimen, often beginning life as a hemiepiphyte with robust aerial roots. The thick, leathery, glossy leaves reach up to 12 inches long and emerge wrapped in distinctive bright pink-to-red stipules.

This species is distinguished by its milky, latex-rich sap and its minuscule flowers, which are borne entirely internally within small, paired, axillary syconiums. Outside its native range, the plant rarely flowers due to the absence of its specialized pollinating fig wasps.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides bold, architectural structure with its large, glossy, dark green leaves and colorful pink-to-red emerging stipules.

Serves as a durable, low-light-tolerant indoor foliage plant that thrives in standard container cultivation.

Negligible wildlife value when grown indoors, though mature outdoor trees in tropical climates provide occasional cover.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tropical

Height

118"

Width

47"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Medium

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Tropical Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to pets; skin irritant

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Fast Growing Trees

In Stock$29.95

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Planting

How to Grow

Place the container in a location that receives bright, indirect light indoors, or partial shade if grown on a frost-free patio.
Plant in a well-draining, fertile, humus-rich loam or high-quality commercial potting mix with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Water thoroughly only when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch, and reduce watering frequency significantly during fall and winter.
Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every four to six weeks during the active spring and summer growing seasons.

Pro Tip

Amateurs frequently overwater this species, causing root rot that mimics drought-induced leaf drop. When pruning to encourage branching, avoid cutting back into thick, bare, woody stems, as old wood lacking green nodes fails to resprout.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Wipe the broad, glossy leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve light absorption.
Wear gloves when pruning to protect skin from the irritating, milky latex sap.
Ensure the growing container has ample drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the roots.

Don't

Do not allow the pot to sit in standing water, which rapidly triggers fatal root rot.
Do not prune hard into old, leafless woody trunks, as they lack the ability to shoot back.
Do not expose the plant to temperatures below 32°F, as frost causes severe tissue damage or death.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Indoor AccentContainer Patio PlantTropical Specimen Tree

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Rubber Plant questions

What zones can Rubber Plant grow in?

Rubber Plant is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Rubber Plant deer resistant?

Yes — Rubber Plant is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Rubber Plant bloom?

Rubber Plant typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Rubber Plant need full sun?

Rubber Plant does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Rubber Plant drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Rubber Plant handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.