Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica
A bold and architectural houseplant with thick, glossy leaves that commands attention in any room while being remarkably forgiving for beginners. Originally from India's rainforests, this sturdy plant can tolerate lower light conditions and irregular watering better than most houseplants. Its dramatic burgundy new growth unfurls into deep green mature leaves, creating a stunning display that grows more impressive with age.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Bright
Zones
9–12
USDA hardiness
Height
50-100 feet
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry. Height: 50 ft. 0 in. - 100 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 50 ft. 0 in. - 100 ft. 0 in.. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Layering, Root Cutting, Seed.
Harvesting
Fruiting is rare when grown indoors. Fruit is an oblong fig, sessile, in pairs or crowded, green with darker flecks maturing to yellow, to 1/2 inch long and 1/4 wide. The fruit is barely edible and contains fertile seeds only in areas where the pollinating insect is present.
Color: Gold/Yellow, Green. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
History & Origin
Origin: Southeast Asia: Nepal to China and Western Malesia
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Dry Soil, Humidity
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Snake Plant
Similar low light and watering requirements, both tolerate neglect well
Pothos
Complementary growth habits and similar care needs, helps increase humidity
Peace Lily
Both prefer bright indirect light and help purify air together
Monstera
Similar tropical origins and care requirements, creates lush grouping
ZZ Plant
Both drought tolerant with similar light preferences and low maintenance
Philodendron
Compatible watering schedule and light needs, both from tropical regions
Spider Plant
Helps increase ambient humidity and has similar indirect light requirements
Dracaena
Similar care needs and both effective air purifiers with compatible growth rates
Keep Apart
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Requires much brighter light and more frequent watering, creating care conflicts
Succulents
Require completely different watering schedule and prefer direct sunlight
Calathea
Needs high humidity and frequent watering while rubber plant prefers to dry out
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Very resilient, occasional issues with overwatering
Common Pests
Scale insects, spider mites, mealybugs
Diseases
Root rot, leaf drop from overwatering or stress