Ficus elastica

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rubber plant

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Other common names

Assam rubber, caoutchouc, India rubber fig, India rubber plant, India rubber tree, snake tree

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Large, tropical evergreen tree, often grown as a houseplant. Large, broadly oval-shaped, glossy dark green leaves, occasionally red-flushed, with bronze-coloured undersides are 30-45cm long. Yellow figs are produced in clusters on mature trees in hot climates

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H1B

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Moraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Ficus can be evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs or climbers, with often leathery, simple, entire or lobed leaves and tiny flowers borne within a hollow receptacle which enlarges to form the fruit
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
E Himalaya to N Malaysia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in houseplant compost in bright but filtered or indirect light. During growth water moderately and apply a high nitrogen fertiliser every month; water sparingly in winter. Topdress annually and repot every 2-3 years. See ornamental fig cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or by air layering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects under glass

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus