Ficus elastica 'Melany'

How Ficus elastica 'Melany' was selected

Jan van Geest selected 'Melany' in 1992 after finding a naturally occurring compact change in a greenhouse in ’s-Gravenzande, the Netherlands. The plant was first sold in the Netherlands in July 1995.

Its exact parent remains uncertain; historical records name both ‘Decora’ and ‘Robusta’.

Caring for the compact growth of Ficus elastica 'Melany'

• Light inside the foliage: Place 'Melany' where bright filtered light reaches more than one side. Wipe the leaves gently and look between the closely spaced foliage and near the base, where small pests can remain hidden.
• Moisture around the roots: Let the potting mix become partly dry, then water thoroughly and allow the pot to drain. Lift the container first; it should feel lighter than it did after the previous soak.
• When the pot is full: Use a loose bark-based mix with perlite or pumice. Repot when healthy roots fill the container, drainage slows, the plant dries unusually fast or the root mass begins lifting from the pot.
• Encouraging new shoots: A cut just above a node—the point where a leaf joins the stem—can produce growth below the cut. Stem cuttings need at least one healthy node, and air layering can root part of an older stem before it is removed.
• Room conditions and feeding: Keep the plant at about 18–26 °C with normal household humidity and protect it from cold draughts and hot heater air. Feed according to the label while new leaves or stems are forming, then pause during slower growth.
• Sap safety: Wear gloves when cutting because the milky sap can irritate skin and eyes. Keep 'Melany' beyond the reach of children and pets because it is harmful if eaten.

Symptoms and first actions for Ficus elastica 'Melany'

• New growth loses its compact look: ‘Melany’ normally holds its leaves close together. If several new leaves are smaller and the gaps along the stem widen, check the roots first. A plant that has risen in the pot or sends roots through the drainage holes needs the next pot size. Replace potting mix that has become dense and slow to drain. When the roots still have room and the pot dries normally, give the plant brighter filtered light from more than one side. The next few leaves should show whether the compact growth is returning.
• Several inner leaves turn yellow while the pot dries normally: One old shaded leaf can age naturally. When several are affected, give the centre of the plant more light and remove fallen leaves from between the stems.
• Several inner leaves yellow while the potting mix stays wet: Stop watering and inspect the roots. When the roots are firm and the mix is loose, return the plant to its pot and let it dry further; replace old mix that keeps holding too much water. Remove every soft, dark section with clean scissors until only firm root remains, discard the removed roots and soggy mix, clean the pot and repot in fresh, loose potting mix.
• Fine pale speckles appear between the normal vein ridges: The raised lines that follow the veins are normal. Irregular speckles, fading and fine webbing point to spider mites. Isolate the plant and use a treatment labelled for spider mites. Follow the label’s safety directions and repeat the treatment at the stated intervals.
• Distorted leaves, silver marks, sticky residue, brown bumps or white cottony clusters appear: Silver marks with black specks suggest thrips; sticky leaves, brown bumps or white clusters indicate scale insects or mealybugs. Move the plant away from others, identify the pest and use an indoor treatment labelled for it. Follow the label’s safe-use directions and repeat the treatment as instructed.

Ficus elastica ‘Melany’ 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.

Where does the name Ficus elastica come from?

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.