For more care advice about Rob, check out our complete guide to rubber plant care.

The rubber plant is most typically found in southern parts of Asia, where it can grow as tall as 60 metres. It gets its name from the white latex coursing through its veins, which was once used to make rubber. Way back in 1400BC, the Mesoamerican people would mix latex from the rubber plant with juice from a Morning glory plant to make bouncy balls, which they used in a game called ollamaliztil. In English the game is known as pok-a-tok. Sadly, the rules are lost to history.

The rubber plant is not often used for its latex these days. It’s much more popular as a houseplant, loved for its thick, rubbery leaves. Those big leaves like a lot of light. Direct sun can be too harsh, but lots of indirect light will make this ex-sports star very happy. It will also appreciate a feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer.

Did you know?

In parts of India, the rubber tree’s incredibly strong roots have been trained to form ‘living bridges’ over small rivers.

The set also includes

Dipped pot - Warm colours and contrasting textures make these hand-finished pots real eye-catchers.

Chocolate & Love Sea Salt & Caramel Chocolate Bar 80g - Using only the best organic ingredients, Chocolate & Love work with small cocoa producers to create ethically made, award-winning sustainable chocolate.