Ficus Elastica | ‘Rubber Tree’

Other Names: Rubber Tree, Rubber Fig, Rubber Plant, Ficus Decora

Difficulty Level: Medium

Light: Medium to High

This hardy plant will thrive in bright indirect light, but can tolerate medium light and a few hours of direct sun. Popular varieties include: Decora, Melanie, Tineke, Ruby and light requirements will vary depending on variegation.

Watering Frequency: Low

This plant likes to have its soil dry out a bit between waterings, so underwatering is better than overwatering. If your plant is in a pot 6 inches or smaller, water it when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry. If it’s in a pot larger than 6 inches, water when the top 2-3 inches of soil is dry. Be sure to saturate the entire root ball when watering. 

Facts: 

• One of the easiest plants in the Ficus family

• Likes to be root bound

• Can be propagated through cuttings with nodes

Warning Signs: 

If healthy leaves start dropping, your plant may need more light and/or less water. If leaves are sagging, it likely needs more water. Mushy or yellowing leaves are a key sign of root rot and overwatering.