Large, glossy leaves on a sturdy trunk: the rubber plant is a robust indoor tree that copes with a bit less light too.

What it does for you

The rubber plant is considered a robust, uncomplicated houseplant¹. Its leathery, glossy leaves grow 30 to 45 centimetres long, often with a bronze underside². Indoors it usually reaches 0.6 to 3 metres; if you cut the main shoots, it grows bushier³.

Origin & history

In the wild, the rubber plant grows from Nepal and north-east India to south-western China and western Malesia, e.g. on Sumatra and Java⁶. There it reaches up to 30 metres³. It often germinates as a hemiepiphyte on another tree and wraps around it with its aerial roots as a strangler fig⁷.

Its species name elastica refers to the milky sap that was once used to make rubber³; it was grown for this before and during the colonial era⁷. In Meghalaya, India, the Khasi and Jaintia grow living bridges over rivers from its aerial roots – up to about 50 metres long and some of them several hundred years old⁷.

Caution

The Bonn poison information centre classes rubber plants as mildly toxic: rarely, the milky sap irritates the mucous membranes; eating leaves has led to vomiting and stomach ache. Only after very large amounts have cramps been described⁸. For cats and dogs, the ASPCA lists irritation of the stomach, gut and skin for its close relative, the weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)⁹. The sticky white sap can irritate the skin and aggravate allergies – wear gloves when cutting¹.

Care

Light. Ideally bright, but filtered or indirect²; it tolerates a little morning or evening sun, variegated varieties need more light¹. Partial shade works too, afternoon sun doesn't³.

Water. In summer, water regularly with room-temperature water and let the soil dry slightly in between – as a rule of thumb, once the top 2–3 cm are dry. In winter keep it just slightly moist. Too much water is the usual reason for sudden leaf drop¹.

Temperature & humidity. Evenly warm, no draughts¹, ideally 18–27 °C; below 15 °C it risks cold damage¹⁰. Medium humidity³; in dry air a tray of damp gravel helps¹.

Soil, pot & repotting. Houseplant soil² or peat-free, loam-based soil with fine bark¹. Repot every 2–3 years, and renew the top layer of soil every year in between².

Feeding. From spring to late summer¹ about monthly with a high-nitrogen fertiliser².

Extras

Its pink to purple stipules are typical. The most common variety is 'Robusta' with deep green, waxy leaves; there are also variegated varieties. Wipe the large leaves with a damp cloth now and then. Indoors it rarely flowers. Unpruned it grows tall, narrow and tree-like³.