Rubber Tree
Ficus elastica
Glossy, structural and satisfyingly fast to grow into a proper indoor tree — with very few demands along the way. Toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach.
You might also like...
Summary
The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) grows wild from the Himalayan foothills across to the islands of Southeast Asia, where it becomes a genuinely vast tree — indoors, it channels that vigour into thick, polished leaves and a satisfying rate of visible progress: this is a plant you can watch getting taller. This deep green classic is the definitive form: broad polished leaves the colour of bottle glass. New leaves emerge from red sheaths at the tip, unrolling like flags. It asks little beyond an occasional leaf wipe and watering once the soil has dried. The milky sap is an irritant and the plant is toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach.
Characteristics
Difficulty
Resilient
Difficulty
Resilient
Perfect for beginners or those who tend to forget about their plants. Can handle irregular watering, low light, and some neglect without much fuss.
Habit
Upright
Habit
Upright
Plants that grow mostly vertically, with stems reaching upward. They tend to stay compact and are great for pots, desktops, and small spaces.
Humidity
Low
Humidity
Low
Thrives in dry indoor environments.
Light
Shade Tolerant
Light
Shade Tolerant
Can adapt to low-light conditions and does well in dimmer areas of the home. Perfect for rooms with minimal natural light.
Position
Bookshelf, desk or windowsill
Position
Bookshelf, desk or windowsill
Compact and stylish, these plants thrive in smaller spaces like bookshelves, desks, or windowsills, adding a touch of greenery without taking up much room.
Toxicity
Toxic
Toxicity
Toxic
Can be harmful if ingested, so best kept out of reach of pets and children.
Water
Drought Tolerant
Water
Drought Tolerant
Can handle dry spells and prefers to dry out completely between waterings. Ideal for forgetful plant parents.
Toxicity
Not safe for cats
Not safe for children
Not safe for dogs
