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Indian rubberplant (Ficus elastica)

Ficus elastica is a large evergreen broad-leaved tree and is commonly grown as an indoor foliage plant in temperate regions. It is reported to be perennial.

LightSources differ somewhat on light conditions: bright filtered or indirect light and partial sun are suitable, and the plant can tolerate lower light and some sun, but strong direct summer or afternoon sun may scorch the l
WaterWater regularly and moderately during growth, watering thoroughly after the surface of the growing medium dries while avoiding overwatering or standing water; reduce watering in winter.
HumidityIt is generally reported to prefer moderate humidity and to need little air movement.
TemperatureThe few available sources report a minimum temperature of about 12.8 °C. It is generally reported to be suitable for a defined USDA hardiness-zone range. It is generally frost tender; keep above freezing.
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Overview

Ficus elastica is a large evergreen broad-leaved tree and is commonly grown as an indoor foliage plant in temperate regions. It is reported to be perennial.

Origin and habitat

It is native from eastern South Asia into Southeast Asia, including Nepal, Bhutan, northeastern India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Yunnan in China, Malaysia, and Indonesia, although sources differ slightly on the boundaries of its native range. It can grow in hill forests, particularly on cliffs and limestone hills, and young plants may initially grow as epiphytes in natural environments. It is native to tropical to humid tropical environments and is also widely grown as an outdoor ornamental tree in tropical and subtropical areas and as an indoor plant in colder regions; records from natural environments extend to relatively high elevations.

Characteristics

Sources differ on mature height, placing it at about 250–400 cm, while the few available sources report a mature spread of about 100–150 cm. It is reported to grow quickly, with large, simple, entire, leathery, glossy leaves that are mainly elliptical to oblong; young plants have larger leaves, and new leaves develop inside a sheath-like structure whose outer sheath falls away after the leaf unfolds. The flowers occur within the characteristic enclosed inflorescences of the genus and do not attract general pollinators with bright colors or strong fragrance; pollination depends on a specific fig wasp, and flowering is rare indoors. A flowering season is reported, and sources differ regarding the small yellow-green, elliptical figs and whether reproductive seeds can form, which is associated with the presence of the specific fig wasp.

Light

Sources differ somewhat on light conditions: bright filtered or indirect light and partial sun are suitable, and the plant can tolerate lower light and some sun, but strong direct summer or afternoon sun may scorch the leaves.

Watering

Water regularly and moderately during growth, watering thoroughly after the surface of the growing medium dries while avoiding overwatering or standing water; reduce watering in winter.

Humidity and airflow

It is generally reported to prefer moderate humidity and to need little air movement.

Temperature and dormancy

The few available sources report a minimum temperature of about 12.8 °C. It is generally reported to be suitable for a defined USDA hardiness-zone range. It is generally frost tender; keep above freezing.

Growing medium and mounting

Use well-drained potting mix; suitable conditions include loam kept moist but well drained, with acidic, neutral, or alkaline conditions all acceptable.

Feeding

Feed regularly during the growing period; sources recommend a high-nitrogen fertilizer or liquid fertilizer from spring through autumn.

Propagation

It can be propagated by cuttings or layering, and cultivated plants are often propagated vegetatively.

Common problems

Potential pests include spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids, while honey-fungus-related disease and root rot may also occur. Strong direct summer light may cause leaf scorch, insufficient light may cause loose growth stretching toward the light, favorable growing conditions can lead to rapid enlargement and crowded roots, and overwatering should be avoided. It is sensitive to frost and low temperatures and should not be exposed suddenly to strong summer or afternoon direct sunlight; indoors, avoid cold drafts and direct airflow.

Identification

Distinguishing features include large glossy leathery leaves, a conspicuous sheath-like structure before leaves unfold, white latex released when injured, and aerial roots and prop-like root systems on mature plants.

Photos

Ficus elastica
📷 Alvesgaspar (talk) · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Ficus elastica
📷 VuThiAnh · CC0 · source
Ficus elastica
📷 Yoav Daniel Bar-Ness, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded · CC BY · source

Sources