Ficus elastica ‘Robusta’

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.

Root and leaf care for a rubber plant

• Light and placement: Place the plant close to bright indirect light. Gentle sun is suitable once the leaves have been introduced to it gradually.
• When to water: Water thoroughly after the upper part of the mix dries, then let the container drain and remove standing water.
• Root care and watering: Use an open houseplant substrate containing bark or coarse mineral material in a freely draining pot.
• Indoor climate: Keep temperatures steady and humidity around normal household levels. Protect the plant from cold draughts and heating vents.
• Fertilising: Apply a balanced feed while leaves and shoots are developing.

When Ficus elastica ‘Robusta’ needs attention

The main stem stretches between 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.

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

Brown scale bumps line the stem: 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 ‘Robusta’ 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.

Who first published Ficus elastica, and what does the name 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.