The Rubber Fig ( Ficus elastica ) is one of the most popular indoor plants in the world, it has been heavily cultivated and many different cultivars now exist. It is a surprise to many who keep this species as a houseplant, that in its natural habitat is a very large tree with both buttressing (large above ground) and aerial roots.
The popularity of the Rubber Fig today comes not only for its ease of care, its large leaves and overall beauty, but due to its well known air purifying qualities.
This Ficus elastica is native to tropical parts of Asia but can be grown in any climate. It has several other common names, such as Indian Rubber Tree; Indian Rubber Fig and Rubber Bush.
Growth
The Ficus elastica is fast growing and can reach an average height and width of approximately 40 metres in its native areas; but is rarely seen outside of its natural range above 6 metres. They have been known to grow up to 60 metres in height but this is not common. Their buttress roots can become very large over time and as a strangler fig, it will also develop aerial roots and subsequent trunks / trees; but only if in an area where its pollinating fig wasp is available.
The leaves are green, leathery and oval in shape, growing up to approximately 20-30 cm in length, with a small pointed tip. Fruit is not seen in indoor Rubber Figs but in a country where pollination can occur; fruit is small and around 1-2 cm in diameter and although not toxic are not really edible.
Obviously, Rubber Figs are easily grown in pots and containers both indoors and out, but it would not be recommended to grow the Ficus elastica as a full sized tree in an average sized backyard. In the right climate, it can become large and the roots can cause structural damage to nearby paths and builings.
Can be grown outdoors in Temperate to Tropical regions and indoors in cold regions. In temperate climates, it is best to protect it from harsh cold winds and frost, at least while young.
*Seeds are sourced from India* Leaves are green. Ruby, tri-colour etc. leaved plants can not be grown by seeds and are usually reproduced by cuttings or tissue culture.
FAMILY:
Moraceae
CLIMATE:
Warm Temperate – Tropical (Outdoors), Any Climate (Indoors)
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
0°C to 37°C / 32 to 98°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist well draining soil types, growing best in nutrient rich soils.
LOCATION:
Part Shade while young, hardening off to full sun with age.
HEIGHT:
Up to 40 metres (130 feet) in natural habitat, 6 metres elsewhere.
WIDTH:
Average of up to 40 metres (130 feet) in natural habitat, 6 metres elsewhere.
pH:
6.0-7.2
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen, Fast Growing.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by fig wasps, Monoecious.
MATURITY:
5-10 years
GERMINATION RATES:
65-80%
GERMINATION TIME:
1-4 weeks
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 500
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Aerial roots used in native traditional medicine for wound healing.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes, but not recommended
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge). 1 year
FACTS ABOUT FICUS ELASTICA (Rubber Fig)
The Ficus elastica does have latex that was used initially to make rubber; which is where it got its most common name. However’ it should not be confused with another Rubber plant or Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis) that is the major source of latex for rubber making. This is a very different plant, with large seeds, Ficus elastica has tiny seeds like other Ficus species.
The sap of the Rubber Fig can cause allergic response in people who are allergic to latex.
The species is also called a Strangler Fig due to its nature of attaching itself to host plants and eventually killing them. Strangler fig seeds can germinate in the branches of other species and will send down aerial roots from up in these trees, Eventually they steal all the food and nutrients from the host tree, killing the host and taking over the land it once possessed.
