Species
Ficus elasticaRubber Plant1 other cultivar
The Story
Plant Bio
Ficus elastica is a broadleaf evergreen tree native to eastern parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia, growing as a stately structural plant with thick woody stems. The species features thick, leathery, glossy elliptic leaves and produces minute, unisexual flowers completely enclosed within hollow, fleshy receptacles.
'Burgundy' is distinguished by its very dark, deep green leaves that carry a heavy blackish-burgundy cast and a prominent dark red midrib. New foliage shoots emerge wrapped in bright reddish-pink sheaths, providing a stark color contrast against the mature dark canopy.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tropical
Height
118"
Width
70"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate to high
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
South Asia and Southeast Asia
Toxicity
Toxic to pets and humans (milky latex sap)
Bloom period
Spring – Summer
In flower about 6 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Position the container in a location receiving bright, indirect sunlight or partial direct morning sun.
- Plant in a well-draining, organically rich potting mix with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0.
- Water thoroughly only when the top few inches of soil have dried completely, ensuring the pot drains fully.
- Wipe the large leaves gently with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove dust and maintain photosynthetic efficiency.
Pro Tip
Avoid cutting back into bare, old wood during pruning, as dormant buds on completely leafless brown stems frequently fail to break. Maintain bright, filtered light to preserve the intense dark maroon-black pigmentation; low-light environments cause the leaves to fade to a dull green.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Do allow the soil to dry out moderately between waterings to prevent root rot.
- Do provide bright, filtered light to maintain the deep burgundy foliage color.
- Do apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer monthly during the active spring and summer growing seasons.
Don't
- Don't allow the pot to sit in standing water or soggy, poorly drained soil.
- Don't prune deeply into old, leafless woody stems where new growth cannot easily regenerate.
- Don't expose the plant to freezing temperatures or cold, drafty windows.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
India Rubber Plant questions
What zones can India Rubber Plant grow in?
India 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.
When does India Rubber Plant bloom?
India 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 India Rubber Plant need full sun?
India Rubber Plant does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is India Rubber Plant drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), India Rubber Plant handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow India Rubber Plant with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.