What is a rubber plant?
The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is a glossy-leaved Ficus grown as an indoor tree, often with deep burgundy or variegated foliage. It earns its name from the milky latex sap once used to make rubber. Crucially for beginners, it’s far more forgiving than its cousin the fiddle leaf fig.
How much light does a rubber plant need?
Bright, indirect light keeps the leaves glossy and, in burgundy types, richly colored. It tolerates medium light but grows slower and may drop lower leaves. Variegated varieties need more light to hold their pattern. It handles being near a bright window well.
How often should you water a rubber plant?
Every 1–2 weeks — water when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Rubber plants lean drought-tolerant; the most common mistake is overwatering, which shows up as yellowing and dropping leaves. Let it dry down between drinks and make sure the pot drains.
Is a rubber plant easier than a fiddle leaf fig?
Much. They’re both Ficus, but the rubber plant tolerates a wider range of light and isn’t nearly as dramatic about being moved or about minor inconsistencies. If a fiddle leaf fig has defeated you, a rubber plant is the statement tree to try next.
Is a rubber plant toxic to pets?
Yes — as a Ficus, the ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs. The milky sap contains ficin and ficusin, which can irritate the mouth and skin and cause vomiting if chewed, so keep it away from nibblers.