Ficus elastica
FY-kus ee-LASS-tih-kuh
Common Names: Rubber Tree, Rubber Fig, Karet Tree
Family: Moraceae
Origin: Nepal, China, and India
Growth: Upwards, branching
Light: Full sun
Foot Candles: 250+
Water: Keep evenly moist
Humidity: 20%+
Temperature: 20°C - 30°C
Soil: Well draining potting mix
Container: Self-watering planter, large living wall
Nutrients: 10-10-10 Monthly
Propagation: Seed, grafting, or branch cuttings
Interiorscape Use: Large potted plant, atrium, branch cuttings in living walls
Common Pests: Mealybugs, Aphids, Spider Mites, Scale, Thrips.
Common Issues: Root Rot: if sitting in water. Cosmetic: Leaf drop with insufficient light or watering. Will develop aerial roots with higher humidity. Leaf colour may change with amount of light received.
Comments: Historically important as a crop for rubber production but fell out of use when more modern methods arrived. Known for its leathery leaves that come in shades of green, red, and variegated pinks. The new leaves are often mistaken for flower buds, as they are protected by a colourful leaf sheath.
Toxicity: Has a milky irritating sap in the stems and leaves that can cause gastrointestinal issues if eaten and skin irritation if the sap is allowed to rest on the skin for a time or gets into small cuts.