Ficus elastica, also known as rubber plant, has large, glossy, sturdy leaves. Choose from the dark green Robusta, Tineke, Abidjan and Belize, as a bush, branched or as a standard, up to around 2 metres tall.
The Ficus elastica Robusta has large, dark green leaves and is the toughest variety. Here you will find it as a 140 cm bush, on a stem of 120 and 200 cm, and branched at 150 cm in a wide ø38 cm pot. The Abidjan has dark red to almost black leaves and comes on a 150 cm stem. The variegated varieties have more colour. The Tineke has green leaves with a cream edge, and the Belize has leaves with pink and cream tones.
Variegated rubber plants need a bit more light to keep their pattern. In a less bright spot, a green Robusta does better.
Bush, branched or on a stem
A bush is leafy from the pot upwards and fills a corner next to a sofa or cabinet. A branched rubber plant grows wider and gives a full, green plant. A rubber plant on a stem has a bare trunk at the bottom with a crown above, which leaves room for furniture or low plants underneath. The 200 cm standard is the largest in this collection and suits a tall living room or an office. You will also see plants of this size among the large plants from 150 to 200 cm. We measure height from the bottom of the pot to the tallest leaf.
Light, water and care
A rubber plant likes a bright spot, without harsh midday sun through glass. A position a few metres from a window is usually good. It copes better with a bit less light than a Ficus lyrata, but grows more slowly then.
Water when the top few centimetres of compost are dry and do not leave the plant standing in water. In winter it needs less. Wipe dust off the large leaves with a damp cloth so they keep their shine and catch more light. A damaged leaf or a cut branch releases white milky sap, which can irritate the skin, so wear gloves when pruning. Read more tips in the Ficus care guide.
Delivery and pot
In the Netherlands your rubber plant arrives within 4 to 5 working days, packed upright in a sturdy plant box. Delivery in the Netherlands is free from €99. If the plant arrives damaged, send us a photo and we will send a new plant free of charge. The plant comes in a nursery pot. You always choose a decorative pot separately, so you decide the colour and size yourself.
Frequently asked questions
How do you care for a Ficus elastica?
Put a rubber plant in a bright spot without harsh midday sun through glass. Water when the top few centimetres of compost are dry and do not let it stand in water. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth now and then. In winter it needs less water than in summer.
How fast does a rubber plant grow?
In a bright spot a rubber plant grows steadily in spring and summer, regularly producing a new leaf at the top. In winter and in a dark spot, growth almost stops. If it gets too tall, you can cut back the top in spring. It will often branch out sideways afterwards.
Why is my rubber plant losing leaves?
Leaf drop usually comes from too much water, too little light or a sudden change, such as a move or cold. It is normal for a lower leaf to turn yellow and fall now and then. If many leaves fall at once, first check that the soil is not too wet and that the plant is not in a draught.
What is the difference between the Robusta, Tineke and Belize?
The Robusta has large, dark green leaves and copes best with a bit less light. The Tineke has green leaves with a cream edge. The Belize has variegated leaves with pink and cream tones. Variegated varieties need more light to keep their colour, so put them closer to the window.
Can a rubber plant stand in full sun?
A rubber plant can take some morning or evening sun. Harsh midday sun through glass can scorch the leaves and cause brown patches. Better to give it a bright spot with filtered light, for example behind a sheer curtain or a few metres from a south-facing window.
How often should I water my rubber plant?
Water as soon as the top two to three centimetres of compost feel dry. In the growing season that is about once a week on average, less in winter. Make sure no water is left in the bottom of the pot, because wet feet lead to root rot.
Why is my rubber plant dropping leaves?
Lower leaves falling now and then is normal. If a lot of leaves fall, the cause is often too much water, cold draughts or a sudden change of position. Choose a fixed, warm and bright spot and keep your watering routine steady.
Why is my Tineke losing its variegation?
Variegated varieties need more light than green ones to keep their pattern. If the plant stands too dark, the leaves turn greener. Move it somewhere brighter, but out of the harsh midday sun.
Is the Ficus elastica toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, the plant is mildly toxic to pets. The milky sap can irritate the mouth and stomach if swallowed and can irritate the skin. So keep the rubber plant out of reach of cats and dogs.
What is the ideal spot for a rubber plant?
A bright spot with indirect light is ideal. The green Robusta tolerates some partial shade, while variegated varieties want more light. Avoid harsh midday sun, radiators and cold draughts.
