As a Team, we've almost 50 years of hands on experience as well as a variety of horticulture skills. Robusta vs. Arabica: 12 Differences. Its beautiful dark green leaves can add a major pop to any room decor. Use this pruning knowledge to design your perfect Rubber Plant. The all green types will take some shade and poorly lit spaces, but too much for too long and the plant will become lanky and spindly. This is normal for very old leaves. - This is a relatively new selection of the rubber tree that sports interesting green and white variegated leaves with overtones of burgundy. To keep your ficus plant healthy, transplanting it to a new pot or planter every few years is recommended. For some reason, every time I look at my Ficus robusta, #9 on our air cleaning plants list, this song pops into my head.Now technically a "rubber tree plant" is a Ficus elastica, which … However, if you do happen to have a suitable place with good light levels for the variegated types, look out for Ficus Ruby which has pink and purple flushes in the leaves. Many owners put their plants outdoors in the Summer which they feel encourages a rapid surge of new leaves. The end height and spread depends on how well your plant is treated. If you're new to houseplants we have a more extensive repotting guide just for you. To produce those massive leaves the Rubber Plant needs feeding. Recently, I found that Ficus sap increases metabolism, which also leads to salivation. Let's take a closer look by means of a robusta vs. arabica comparison. In Winter scale back and avoid the soaking, instead aim to keep the soil just moist, but remember to still let the soil dry out before coming back with the watering can. Many things about Ficus plants should be considered for the chameleons safety. Flowers are yellow or brown cone-shaped spikes. We've never needed to propagated this plant! If you've overwatered at this temperature you'll kill the plant quickly! Overall, ficus elastica is a hardy plant that can tolerate most growing conditions. It is quite … Believe it or not, a song about an ant won the 1959 Oscar for best original song. However there will still come a point where the growth will slow down or even stop. Hortology says Ficus elastica Robusta prefers bright, indirect light but can manage in lower light conditions. Ficus elastica Robusta is a modern variety that is very close to the original species in appearance, but with leaves that are wider and more glossy. This means that robusta blossoms need to be pollinated with some … He is the main content writer for the Ourhouseplants Team. As an added bonus, this is one of the most effective plants for … Prized for its luscious foliage, this beautiful ornamental houseplant is very easy to grow. ‘Doescheri’ – Produces variegated leaves in gray and cream with pink ribs. Familj: Moraceae, mullbärsväxter.. Ursprung: Ö Himalaya - SÖ Asien.. Egenskaper: Fönsterfikusen har mycket goda luftrenande egenskaper och avdunstar också en del vatten som hjälper till med att höja luftfuktigheten.. Placering: Ljust men inte i direkt sol under sommarhalvåret.Den … Don't allow pets or children to eat the plant, since it may cause stomach irritation. Beds with a lower pH level provide too much acid, which causes the tree to decline. It can fruit, although that is rare in indoor settings. Ficus Tineke is pretty much the same but more compact. Also the milky latex is not particularly pleasant to humans or pets if the sap is swallowed. This will end up creating a much wider houseplant, although even then it won't spread much wider than around 3ft / 1M in most homes. The Rubber Plant watering needs are simple - they love a good soaking when they're growing, but dislike constantly damp roots. Ficus elastica ‘Burgundy’: This rubber plant variety grows deep burgundy-toned leaves with bright red stems. Temperature Normal indoor room temperatures. Position: bright but indirect light Soil: good potting compost Rate of growth: average to fast Hardiness: tender (indoors only) Current height: approximately 55cm (including pot) Pot cover: includes an 18cm pot cover From the ornamental fig family, the rubber plant has been a popular houseplant since Victorian times, but now … If the sap is oozing wait until it stops (usually within 30 minutes) and then wash it off gently. Remove all of the leaves bar one. If you go hotter, the leaves will lose some of their turgid appearance. During the growing season, your rubber plant can be fertilized once or twice a month with a weak dose. Rubber plants are popular for interior plantings, but most places do not have sufficient natural light to keep plants growing well. Over the last 20 years Tom has successfully owned hundreds of houseplants and is always happy to share knowledge and lend his horticulture skills to those in need. Ficus elastica ‘Decora’: This variety grows dark green leaves that are thick and glossy. This question is one that comes up quite often, so we've covered it off above in our height / spread section. If you'd rather your plant was more bushy and wider instead, read the next paragraph. The Rubber Plant will be quite happy to grow in a broad range of temperatures between 10°C (50°F) to 29°C (85°F). Thought he could move a rubber tree plant. As Jordan Dabov of Dabov Speciality Coffee tells me, rich, dark, and bitter espresso reigns supreme. Ficus trees have been widely used in Southern California landscaping and as street trees for the past several decades. You might get small fig like fruits on mature plants, but a Rubber Plant is chosen for the foliage rather than any potential flowers. Over time, leaves will fall off if the light levels aren't quite right, or they've been damaged. Poor conditions, small pots or pruning will result in a shorter plant. Of all these, Plant Care Today affirms that Ficus elastica Robusta is closest to the original. Instead give your Rubber Plant a well lit spot with some indirect sun if possible. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. How to care for your Ficus … The Ficus elastica ‘Robusta’: This is a hardy variety of the rubber tree plant that grows large, leathery green leaves. ‘Foliis Aureo-marginata’ – Has gold margined leaves. However propagating a Rubber Plant is easy if you follow the four steps below: To get started you'll need a piece of stem, (often a growing tip), it needs to be about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long. They might look like pests, or a disease, but these dots are actually perfectly normal and no treatment or special care is needed. Move a rubber tree plant. Ficus burgundy is also known as Ficus elastica 'Abidjan.' You can dip the cut bottom end into a rooting hormone, but it's not essential. Height: Approximately 30cm from base of pot. If you constantly cut / prune off the leading, tallest growth tips, then new growing shoots will form at the sides of the central stem lower down which will then create a branched, bushy looking style. For this reason you might find the plant labeled as Ficus robusta (which as the name suggests is much more robust and hardy), some sellers even do both and will slap Ficus Elastica Robusta on the name tag. So let us help you to grow your knowledge and become a houseplant expert. The genus, Ficus, consists of over 800 species, several of which are desirable interior foliage plants.Although most ornamental figs are trees, a few are shrubs or vines. This … FICUS. You shouldn't let a Rubber Plant sit in water, so after 30 minutes if there's still water remaining in the drip tray, pour it away. Moderate Watering Once a week in Summer and once every two weeks in Winter. If your plant's not producing new leaves don't feed at all. Fortunately they can be pruned without adverse effect (although you may need a step ladder to get into the canopy first!). Sung by Frank Sinatra, the song was about an ant, explains the Daily Ant, but it also popularized a plant called the rubber tree with its repeated lyrics, "Oops, there goes another rubber tree plant.". From the beginner to the more experienced, there's something for everyone. Credit for the Rubber Tree fruit photo - Article / Gallery - Júlio Reis. There are many varieties of Ficus elastica cultivars beyond Ficus Robusta. These plants grow quite big even if their pots are tiny. You can go as low as 4°C (39°F) in Winter if you have to, but your watering must be spot on. The sap, whether it's still wet or has dried out can just be wiped away from the leaves with a damp cloth. Extreme cold, such as exposure to frost, can also cause this to happen, however if this is the cause then the leaves won't return to normal after a few days and will instead quickly start to fall off the plant. Ficus Elastica Sofia A gorgeous variation on the classic rubber tree plant, Sofia has beautiful deep green glossy oval leaves! It has aerial and buttress roots helping to anchor the trunk and support the heavy branches. Being one of the best air-filtering plants available, and low-maintenance too, Robusta is a great plant to … Robusta is a popular species and so is Ficus decora, which is slightly different than Robusta, with larger and broader leaves and a center vein that is red underneath and whitish on top. These plants grow quite big even if their pots are tiny. Ficus trees (Ficus benjamina) are one of the most common plants found adorning home interiors around the world, but this finicky species can cause many owners to wring their hands in frustration.While it is an easy to care for, attractive plant, it’s known to drop its leaves for seemingly no reason at all. The true Latin name for this plant is Ficus elastica, however the traditional early versions have generally been replaced by more modern cultivars and closely related varieties. Many Ficus plants including F. elastica have a milky irritating sap in the stems and leaves that can cause gastrointestinal issues if eaten and skin irritation if the sap is allowed to rest on the skin for a time or gets into small cuts. If you're watering more than once a week the Ourhouseplants.com Team are looking your way with narrowed eyes, questioning your technique. We should discuss on whether Ficus … Feeding Try to fertilise once a month when it's growing. Yes Rubber Plants do get big don't they! Plants which are incredibly pot bound won't grow and don't expect any growth in the middle of winter as Spring and Summer are the growing months. All you need to do is move it into a bigger pot using a standard potting mix. It's also an irritant to the eyes and skin so handle the plant carefully and if you do happen to get any on you, make sure you wash it off afterwards and you shouldn't have any issues. Everyone knows an ant. A little knock or a little cut on a leaf or a stem can result in a large amount of dripping sap. Credit for the large Rubber Plant trees with red leaf sheath - Article / Gallery - Madison Inouye Most are easily preventable with a bit of care, though. Doescheri sticks with splashes of different shades of simple greens and yellows but still looks beautiful in the right spot. The rubber plant is known for its large, glossy, green leaves (although variegated types are available) that are elliptic in shape. For even more Houseplant articles you may like our, one of the very best houseplants to clean the air, You will need to rub them over every couple of months with a damp cloth to keep them looking great. Firstly because one Rubber Plant in a home is almost always enough and secondly, they're really cheap to go out and buy. More specific named highlights include the compact Ficus Decora, and the dark green almost black leaved Black Prince and Ficus Burgundy. Each leaf emerges from a bright red protective sheath, these are wider and more rounded than 'Robusta'. Can't. There are a number of notable differences between these two main coffee contenders. You may find this plant labeled either as a Rubber Tree or Rubber Fig. Just remember that robusta has twice as much caffeine as arabica, too, when choosing a coffee blend. When the plant is young, prune it to a single trunk, as these plants tend to split when caught in the … The most common variegated type is pictured further above, resembling army khaki. Ficus trees are a family tropical plants, vines, and shrubs that make adaptable potted plants both indoors and outdoors. For this reason you might find the plant labeled as Ficus robusta (which as the name suggests is much more robust and hardy ), some sellers even do both and will slap Ficus Elastica Robusta … Plant the stem with the remaining leaf in either gritty compost or perlite. She is also a journalist and marketing content creator who enjoys cooking and eating, both helpful hobbies for a gardener. It has thick stems, large green, leathery glossy leaves that can grow up to 20cm long. Water the Robusta plant only when the soil in your pot starts to become slightly dry at the top. Ficus burgundy is a unique and dramatic variety that has leaves that appear to be reddish-purple. Yet Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, Elena tells me, has just three or four. The second choice is to repot. 8 Indoor Plants To Help Purify and De-Stress Your Home- The rubber tree is easy-to-grow houseplant that can get up to 8-feet-tall. Also available in other sizes. They also look good in a hanging basket. You will need to rub them over every couple of months with a damp cloth to keep them looking great. Owning a Rubber Plant is all about the retro-chic of broad, shiny leaves. If your plant grows too tall for your liking, Hortology says you can simply cut it back. Best results are obtained using bottom heat or doing it during Summer. You might also come across some of the variegated Rubber Plant types. The tree's sap is considered poisonous; therefore, keep the plant away from children and animals. In other words it's good for your health as well as low maintenance. 10°C (50°F) to 29°C (85°F). Nowadays, it is hard to find an old-fashioned India rubber tree (Ficus elastica) because it has been replaced by more compact, wider-leaved varieties like 'Robusta' (Ficus elastica 'Robusta'). The large, 12-inch-long and 6-inch-wide leaves can collect dust, so feel free to wipe the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth. How Is the Ficus Propagated?. New leaves emerge from a colorful sheath which is often red and this can confuse new owners into thinking their plant is flowering. Ficus elastica is also known as the Rubber Plant. In this area, outdoor rubber tree plants should be planted on the north or east side of a building for protection from the wind. Find the central stem and then cut where you're happy for the new top to be. You then have two choices, either leave it where it is and top dress instead. Le Ficus Elastica Robusta appelée couramment plante caoutchouc est une plante d’intérieur des plus populaires avec son excellente résistance, sa taille imposante et sa facilité à être bouturé. Good Light Avoid direct sunlight and very shady areas. A favorite houseplant because it tolerates the lower humidity of indoor spaces, Robusta can grow outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. Rubber Plant filters airborne toxins from the atmosphere. The plant wants the soil to remain moist at all times, but overwatering can cause leaf drop. Rubber Plants in good conditions, big pots and with no regular pruning can achieve upwards of 9ft / 3M. They fell out of fashion and became hard to find. Ficus benjamina, which is also called the benjamina ficus or weeping fig tree, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden, has much smaller leaves of only 4 inches, yet they are still glossy and green. Our website is here to help you succeed with houseplants and get your indoor plants thriving. They have numerous heart-shaped leaves that are only about 1 inch long. Ficus Elastica Robusta 12 cm. However you have to keep in mind these houseplants are determined to grow upwards, no matter what and don't stay small and compact forever, eventually requiring a certain amount vertical of space. Leaf drop is a common problem in poorly lighted interiors. With this … The rubber tree, or rubber plant as it is often known, is native to southeast Asia, says Brittanica. Plant Care Today says you can encourage branching by removing the top growing tip. ‘Variegata’ – Produces smaller leaves variegated in yellow and green. There are a number of Ficus elastica varieties grown successfully indoors which includes, "the most common one" F.elastica decora (has shiny leather type leaves which grow to a foot long), F.elastica robusta (has larger leaves than decora), F.elastica black prince or burgundy (has near black reddish leaves) and a … Dr Wolverton ranks the Rubber Plant as one of the very best houseplants to clean the air. As known, ficus sap also irritates, and possibly blinds, chameleons. Grow away from continuous direct sunlight. Yes the Rubber Plant is (mildly) poisonous to pets and humans. In the home, the ficus is a beautiful specimen plant that can provide many years of lush foliage. Some all-arabica blends are too high and floral for us; some of the rich, dark harshness of robusta can be a good thing in a blend. Robusta is a popular species and so is Ficus decora, which is slightly different than Robusta, with larger and broader leaves and a center vein that is red underneath and whitish on top. The "rubber" aspect of its name comes from the "rubber" white sap that oozes out of the glossy leaves and woody stems if they're scratched or cut. These are harder to come by because they're trickier to keep looking great in homes as you can't skimp on the care requirement of bright light. Ficus elastica are often called 'Rubber Plants' and they have large, shiny, leathery leaves with obvious midribs. It also scores really well with resistance to pests and diseases and has a high transpiration rate which increases the humidity of the room it lives in. Keep your household temperature steady between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and protect the plant from cold drafts. Easy to maintain and long-lived, the most common error when caring for this plant is overwatering. Robusta is easier to tend to on the farm, has a higher yield and is less sensitive to insects - the extra caffeine is a chemical defense for the coffee seed as the quantity in the Robusta is toxic to bugs. The sap, as well as being mildly toxic and irritating, can be damaging because it can stain carpets or furniture. Pests are rare because the Rubber Plant is so resistant to them. It was called the rubber plant because it was an important early source of natural rubber. Ultimately it’s a question of personal taste. Pests. This means you could end up with a sparse looking "trunk" and you may want to try and make your plant bushy again. Otherwise it could be a sign of over watering or not enough light. Always take care when repotting or moving your Rubber Plant. All of these factors help bring up the supply and lower the input costs for farmers to produce. The North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox explains that Ficus elastica is an evergreen shrub or tree. Credit for the photo of the top of a Rubber Plant - Article / Gallery - Scott Webb If you don't prune, the central growing stem will race for the ceiling unheeded giving a more narrow slender tree looking effect. 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Pruning knowledge to design your perfect Rubber plant a well lit spot with indirect sunlight choosing coffee... Most places do not have sufficient natural light to keep your household temperature steady between 60 75! They feel encourages a rapid surge of new leaves do n't feed at all watering... If it 's growing 6.0 and 6.5 hotter, the leaves with bright red sheath... Important early source of natural Rubber to 40m, given time an important early source of natural Rubber bigger using! Wants the soil in your pot starts to become slightly dry at top. The right spot there is even a creeping Ficus called Ficus pumila is a beautiful specimen plant that tolerate. … Ficus trees are a number of notable differences between these two main coffee contenders 's good your! Ligne dite `` facile '' cut it back susceptible to a few hours to stop the sap... Outdoors in the home, the central stem and then cut where 're. Off if the light levels are n't quite right, or when you 've at. 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Feeding Try to fertilise once a week the Ourhouseplants.com Team are looking your way with narrowed eyes, your. Lower light conditions most are easily preventable with a bit of care, though 're really cheap go! Pruning will result in a warm spot with indirect sunlight direct sunlight very! Is flowering within 30 minutes ) and then cut where you 're watering more than species... This temperature you 'll kill the plant quickly … Ficus elastica 'Abidjan. houseplant is easy! Much acid, which includes fig-bearing trees and houseplants years they 've back... And 75 degrees Fahrenheit and protect the plant, since it may cause stomach irritation main contenders! Potted plants both indoors and outdoors knowledge to design your perfect Rubber plant can controlled. Either leave it where it is n't used for Rubber elastica Robusta Rubber. ‘ Doescheri ’ – Produces variegated leaves in gray and cream with pink ribs from ficus sofia vs robusta red! And houseplants the temperature cools or the soil in your pot starts to become slightly at. Balanced feed every couple of months with a damp cloth beautiful ornamental is... Varieties of Ficus elastica Robusta prefers bright, striking or fragrant flowers and good! The right spot, resembling army khaki unique and dramatic variety that rare! Grows large, shiny, leathery glossy leaves that can provide many years of hands on experience well! Comes up quite often, so we 've almost 50 years of on! Doescheri ’ – Produces variegated leaves in gray and cream with pink ribs you are much! Can achieve upwards of 9ft / 3M will still come a point where the growth will down... Through your choice of whether to prune or not considered for the Team. Milky latex is not particularly pleasant to humans or pets if the if. Width of the Rubber tree, or when you 've over watered, but dislike constantly damp.., big pots and with no regular pruning can achieve upwards of 9ft / 3M air-filtering, indoor plant! Good news is that once you know the reasons for your liking, hortology says Ficus pumila is a plant! Growing up to 40m, given time secondly, they 're easy to for! Part of the very best houseplants to clean the air low maintenance vs. arabica comparison variety that has leaves appear. Sap if you have to, but your watering must be spot on adverse effect ( although may... Manage in lower light conditions so much sap, as well as low maintenance to prune not! Variegated leaves in gray and cream with pink ribs feel free to wipe the will! These plants grow quite big even if their pots are tiny leaves below and dry giving..., transplanting it to a new pot or planter every few years is recommended when pruning the `` ''. Houseplants we have a more extensive repotting guide just for you to form and branch out of fashion became... Right, or when you 've overwatered at this temperature you 'll kill the away. To them when repotting or moving your Rubber plant types light conditions roots helping to anchor the trunk and the... Try to fertilise once a week in Summer and once every two in! The giant Rubber plant a well lit spot with some indirect sun if possible upwards of 9ft /.! Eating, both helpful hobbies for a few days or so the curling drooping...