Ficus elastica ‘Cloe’

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

• Window light: Use a bright position with indirect light and acclimate the plant before allowing gentle direct sun.
• Watering rhythm: Wait until the upper substrate has dried, then soak the whole root ball and empty the cover pot.
• Warmth and humidity: Maintain stable warmth and average household humidity. Avoid cold air and direct radiator heat.
• Nutrients: Feed with a balanced houseplant fertiliser during active growth.
• Branching and repotting: Prune an established stem above a node to promote side branches. Repot one size larger after the roots become crowded.

Problems and solutions for Ficus elastica ‘Cloe’

Long gaps develop between new leaves: The growing stem is receiving too little light. Move the plant closer to a bright window and check if later growth becomes more compact.

A lower leaf turns yellow: Check if the substrate is remaining wet or the root zone is unusually cold. Improve drainage and move the pot away from cold surfaces if needed.

The stem base becomes soft: Rot may be developing in persistently wet substrate. Inspect the roots, remove decayed tissue and restore drainage.

Ficus elastica ‘Cloe’ 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.

About the name 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.