Ficus Elastica Robusta – Rubber Plant – HydroCare

Owning a Rubber Plant is all about the retro-chic of broad, shiny leaves. 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.

As its name suggests, Robusta is quite robust, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and the occasional grope from curious passers-by. Being one of the best air-filtering plants available, and low-maintenance too, Robusta is a great plant to add lush, tropical foliage to your interior spaces.

Horty Hints

Leaf got you down? Using a sterile sharp blade, put a shallow cut slightly above the leaf node (where the leaf was). Before you know it, new growth will fill in the blanks.

Insufficient light can trigger leaf drop! Find a more suitable location and your plant should quickly recover.

Sticky latex will ooze from the ends of cut stems! This can be an irritant, so make sure to wash your hands afterwards.

Light

Ficus elastica Robusta prefers bright, indirect light but does cope quite well in lower light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight as this will scorch the plant.

Watering

Keep on eye on the water meter. Water when the meter has been on minimum for 7 to 10 days. See our HydroCare set up guide for more information.

Temperature

This Ficus does fine in normal household temperatures but will thrive in a slightly warmer environment: between 16-24°C. Avoid cold draughts.

Humidity

This Rubber Plant has no specific humidity requirements, although for an added boost, consider giving your Ficus an occasional misting or relocating to a steamier room like the bathroom or kitchen.

Feed

Add a Hydroculture liquid feed every 2 to 3 waterings during the spring and summer months.

HydroCare Plant Food

Height & Growth Rate

Can grow to many metres tall in its native environment. Indoors however, it is up to you: simply trim to maintain your desired height. Typical indoor heights are anything from 30cm to 2m. Moderate to fast-growing.

Toxicity

Considered poisonous due to the latex in the sap, therefore keep away from children and animals. Avoid this plant if you have a latex allergy. Contains allergens that may result in asthma symptoms.

Air Purifying

This plant filters airborne toxins such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide and is part of our clean air plant collection.

Origin

The Ficus genus is native to the tropics of East Asia, while the elastica Robusta species originates from India and Indonesia specifically.

Please note: images show how this plant may look at various stages of maturity. The size you choose may look different.

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