Ficus elastica ‘Belize’

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.

‘Belize’ was selected in the Netherlands as a mutation of ‘Tineke’.

Care for woody plants in containers

• Light and placement: Use abundant bright filtered light. Introduce gentle direct sun gradually because cream, pink and pale-green tissue scorches sooner than solid green tissue.
• Watering: Water after the upper substrate has dried, soak the complete root ball, and empty the cover pot.
• Temperature and humidity: Maintain steady warmth and average indoor humidity. Protect new leaves from cold glass, draughts, and radiator heat.
• Fertiliser: Use a balanced fertiliser during active leaf and shoot growth.
• Pruning and root space: Prune above a node to encourage branching. Repot one size up after roots fill the container.

Problems and solutions for Ficus elastica ‘Belize’

Brown marks appear on cream or pink areas: Check if the damage is on the sun-facing side, appeared after the root ball dried or followed handling. Filter strong sun, restore even moisture or protect new leaves from contact, depending on what preceded the damage.

A leaf droops while the substrate is wet: Saturated or damaged roots may be unable to supply the leaf properly. Check drainage and inspect the roots before watering again.

Sticky residue collects along the veins: Scale insects may be feeding on the leaves and stems. Keep the Ficus apart, remove visible scale from firm leaves and twigs, and treat branch forks and midribs at the labelled interval.

Ficus elastica ‘Belize’ 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.

Why is it called Ficus elastica?

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.