Ficus elastica ‘Abidjan’

Origin and habitat

Ficus elastica has a native range extending from Nepal east through western Yunnan to western Malesia, the botanical region covering the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, Bali and Borneo. In wet tropical forest it becomes a large tree and may begin life on another tree before sending roots into the ground. Young roots can therefore develop in humid, well-aerated material above the soil before reaching the moist forest floor.

Care for woody plants in containers

• Position and light: Place the plant near a bright window with indirect light and gentle sun after acclimation.
• When to water: Water after the upper substrate has dried, soak the root ball, and empty the cover pot.
• Warmth and humidity: Keep the plant warm and stable, clear of cold draughts and radiator heat. Average indoor humidity is usually suitable.
• Nutrients: Apply a balanced houseplant fertiliser during active growth.
• Shaping and repotting: Cut an established stem above a node to encourage side branches. Repot one size up after roots crowd the container.

Problems and solutions for Ficus elastica ‘Abidjan’

Several older leaves become yellow: Check if the substrate is remaining wet for too long. If the roots are healthy and drying normally, provide brighter filtered light.

Tiny pale spots show on the dark leaves: Spider mites can begin along lower midribs and sheltered inner leaves, leaving repeated pale feeding points. Keep the plant apart, treat both leaf surfaces and branch joints, and repeat only as directed for the pest identified.

The stem base becomes soft and dark: Persistently wet substrate may be causing root or stem rot. Inspect the roots immediately, remove decayed tissue and restore drainage.

Ficus elastica ‘Abidjan’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs, and avoid contact with its milky sap.
• The latex contains ficin and psoralens, which can irritate the mouth, digestive tract, skin and eyes.
• Exposure may cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, stomach pain or a skin rash. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop or persist.

What does the name Ficus elastica mean?

Classical Latin ficus means fig. Elastica refers to the latex once investigated as a rubber source.

Carl Linnaeus established the genus Ficus in 1753 in Species Plantarum, page 1059; Joseph Pitton de Tournefort had proposed the name.

Jens Wilken Hornemann first described Ficus elastica in 1819 in Supplementum Horti Botanici Hafniensis, page 7; William Roxburgh had proposed the name.