Rubber plant
Ficus elastica
#31 of the top 100
How to care
Ficus elastica, commonly known as the rubber plant, is a popular houseplant known for its large, glossy leaves. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. It's important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Regular dusting helps maintain its glossy leaves, and occasional pruning can encourage bushier growth.
Light Preference
Part Shade
Full Sun
Size
- Height
- 2.5 m – 4 m
- Spread
- 1 m – 1.5 m
- Years
- 10 – 20
Preferred soil
Loam
Acidic
Alkaline
Neutral
Propagation
Cutting
Layering
Life Cycle
Perennial
Lives for more than two years.
Hardiness Zone
9b
-3.9°C – -1.1°C
113
Leaves
- Evergreen
- Green
- Broadleaf
Flowers
- Inconspicuous
Toxic to
- LeafCatsModerate · Ingestion
- LeafDogsModerate · Ingestion
- LeafHumansMild · Ingestion
- LeafHumansMild · Skin contact
Informational only — not veterinary or medical advice. Missing data does not mean a plant is safe.
Other names
- Indian rubber bush
- Indian rubber tree
- Rubber bush
- Rubber plant
- Rubber tree
Taxonomy
- Order
- Rosales
- Family
- Moraceae
- Genus
- Ficus