Spotlight: Rubber Leaf Plants

 
 
 
 

TODAY WE’RE SHARING ABOUT THE BELOVED RUBBER LEAF. THEIR GLOSSY, HEARTY LEAVES MAKE THEM UNFORGETTABLE AND A NEVER-ENDING POPULAR HOUSEPLANT. LET’S DIVE DEEPER INTO WHAT MAKES THIS PLANT SO SPECIAL —

 
 

ALL ABOUT RUBBER LEAFS

Rubber Leaf plants (ficus elastica or ficus robusta) are known for their low maintenance nature (unlike others in the ficus family), their fast growing branches, and iconic glossy leaves. They are native to Southern Asia and are known to grow up to 60 meters tall in the wild! They are a part of the fig genus and like most species, they have a variety of different types and colors. They are durable trees that bring an effortless beauty to any space.

 

popular RUBBER LEAF TYPES

You can find a variety of Rubber Leafs, all with an array of striking leaf colors. We promise that there is something for everyone! Here are some popular types you’ll find at your local nursery:

  1. Ruby — these leaves are variegated, but dominated by pink streaks

  2. Robusta — the most common type; can be identified by their deep green leaves

  3. Tricolor — you’ll find a mix of creams, greens, and pinks, but still with a strong green base

  4. Burgundy — this variety is almost black in color with red undertones

  5. Tineke — known for their wash of pastel watercolor leaves

 
 

how to care for them

Under the right conditions, Rubber Plants are quite easy to tend to. They are tolerant and strong, making them a prime low-maintenance houseplant.

  • Light: loves bright, indirect light; too harsh of sun can easily scorch leaves. Make sure that there are no drafts as that may cause leaf dropping/yellowing of leaves

  • Soil: slightly moist with good drainage to prevent root rot

  • Water: ensure that the top couple inches of soil are dry before the next watering

  • Fertilizing: during the growing seasons of spring and summer, it loves a houseplant fertilize every couple of weeks

  • Pruning: spring pruning is suggested if you want to grow a full, tall plant

  • Other: make sure to wipe their leaves occasionally to remove any dust; feel free mist their leaves whenever you can! They love moisture on their leaves.

 
 

interesting facts

  • They have incredibly strong roots that are act as bridges over rivers (also known as “living bridges”)

  • It’s said that Mesoamerica used Rubber Leafs to make bouncy balls

  • You can use Rubber Leafs as a natural air purifier! For this reason, they are great placed in bedrooms or any room that you spend a lot of time in

  • Rubber Leafs are within the same family as the popular Fiddle Leaf Fig

  • The “rubber” name comes from the latex sap that Rubber plants excretes (the Aztecs even used this sap to make shoes!)

 
 
SpotlightAnna Lisa BanuelosGolden Palm Landscape, marigoldsComment