Robin

Rubber plant

Ficus elastica; Ficus robusta

• 
  Most light conditions
• 
  Easy care

• Rubber plant likes...
  • 
    Light watering

    Water him whenever the top two inches of soil are dry. He needs a lot less water in winter than in summer.

  • 
    Medium light

    He loves a bright room but he’s not partial to direct sun, so if your room is very sunny, place him away from the window.

  • 
    Humidity

    His leaves can absorb a lot of moisture, so spraying him with a mister every few days will encourage healthy growth.

• Quick facts

  Botanical name

  Ficus elastica

  Nickname

  Rubber plant; Rubber tree; Rubber fig; Indian Rubber bush

  Plant type

  Indoor

  Air purifying?

  Yes

  Plant height (including pot)

  30-40cm; 80-90cm

  Pet/baby safe?

  Toxic if ingested

  Nursery pot size

  12cm; 27cm

• About rubber plants

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

  The rubber plant gets its name from the white latex coursing through its veins, which was once used to make rubber. Even its handsome, glossy leaves have a thick, rubber-like look.

  In its native habitat in southern parts of Asia, this plant can grow as tall as 60 metres, with its trunk getting as thick as two metres in diameter. It won’t get anywhere near as lofty as that indoors, thankfully.

  Give it all the care it needs - don’t forget it loves a regular misting - and you’ll be rewarded with a striking plant that will be a focal point in any room. It likes a medium level of light and watering only when the top two inches of soil are dry. 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.