How much light does Ficus elastica need?

Bright, indirect light is ideal, though it can tolerate lower light conditions.

How often should I water my rubber plant?

Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, typically every 1-2 weeks.

What kind of soil is best?

A well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-based mix with perlite, works well.

Can I prune my rubber plant?

Yes, pruning can help maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

Why are my rubber plant's leaves turning yellow?

This is often due to overwatering or poor drainage.

Plant guide

Rubber Plant.

Ficus elastica

Pronounced FI-kus el-AS-tik-uh

Also known as India Rubber Tree, Indian Rubber Tree, Rubber Fig, rubber plant

The Rubber Plant is a popular houseplant known for its large, glossy, dark green leaves. It's a sturdy plant that can grow quite tall, adding a tropical feel to any indoor space. This plant is also quite forgiving, making it a good choice for beginners.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Evergreen shrub/tree
Light: Bright indirect light
Indoor light: bright-indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: Up to 10 feet tall indoors
Growth rate: medium
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Rarely flowers indoors

Care

Provide bright, indirect light and water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Wipe the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to keep them clean and shiny.

Watering: Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, allowing excess water to drain away.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 30 days during the growing season (spring and summer).
Pruning: Prune in spring or summer to maintain shape, remove dead or damaged branches, or control size. This can be done annually or as needed.
Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound, usually in spring.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix
Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
Temperature: 15 to 24°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, can live for many years indoors.
Deer and rabbits: high

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water drains through the pot very quickly.
Plant appears stunted or growth has slowed significantly.
The soil surface is consistently drying out much faster than usual.

Safety

People: The sap can cause skin irritation for some individuals.
Pets: This plant's sap can cause skin irritation and is toxic if ingested by pets.
Children: Keep out of reach of children as ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.
Contact allergens: Sap may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Airborne allergens: Pollen is not considered a significant respiratory allergen.
Edibility: This plant is not intended for consumption.

How to identify it

Large, leathery, glossy leaves
Dark green to burgundy foliage
Thick, upright stems
Milky white sap when cut
Aerial roots on mature plants

Height: 1.8 to 3m
Spread: 0.6 to 1.2m
Leaves: dark green, burgundy, evergreen

Common problems

Spider mites — Tiny pests that create fine webbing and cause stippling on leaves.
Mealybugs — Small, white, cottony insects that feed on plant sap.
Root rot — Caused by overwatering, leading to yellowing leaves and mushy stems.
Leaf drop — Often caused by sudden changes in temperature, light, or watering.

Growing it

Propagation: stem cuttings, air layering
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Indoors, maintain consistent temperatures and reduce watering slightly. Avoid drafts from heating or cooling vents.
In containers: Grows very well in containers, but will need a larger pot as it matures to accommodate its size.

Stem Cuttings

Take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem, just below a leaf node.
Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional).
Place the cutting in moist potting mix or water.
Keep in a warm spot with bright, indirect light.
Roots should form in 4-8 weeks; transplant to a pot once established.

Pair with plants that appreciate consistent moisture and bright, indirect light for a cohesive indoor jungle.

Grows well with

ZZ Plant — Both plants prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, making them easy to care for together.
Snake Plant — They share similar low-maintenance needs regarding watering and light, thriving in similar indoor environments.
Pothos — Pothos are adaptable and can tolerate similar light conditions, adding a trailing element to a display.

Similar species

Ficus lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig) — Also a popular large-leafed Ficus, but requires more specific watering and light conditions.
Philodendron 'Birkin' — Offers striking variegated foliage and similar care requirements for indirect light.

Science

Family: Moraceae
Genus: Ficus
Order: Rosales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Northeastern India, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Conservation: Not of conservation concern.

In its native habitat, it grows as a large tree in tropical forests, often starting as an epiphyte on other trees.

Uses: Ornamental houseplant, Air purifier

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Salinity: 2/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How much light does Ficus elastica need?: Bright, indirect light is ideal, though it can tolerate lower light conditions.
How often should I water my rubber plant?: Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, typically every 1-2 weeks.
What kind of soil is best?: A well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-based mix with perlite, works well.
Can I prune my rubber plant?: Yes, pruning can help maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
Why are my rubber plant's leaves turning yellow?: This is often due to overwatering or poor drainage.

Where the name comes from

The genus name 'Ficus' is the Latin name for fig trees. The species name 'elastica' refers to the milky latex sap it produces, which was historically used to make rubber.

Good to know

It's native to the tropical regions of India, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia.
The plant produces a milky white sap, which is where its common name 'rubber plant' comes from.
It's a popular choice for improving indoor air quality.
There are several cultivars with different leaf colors and patterns.

Is your rubber plant looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.