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(Ficus elastica)
Indian Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)
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B.navez
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
B.navez
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CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: B.navez | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: B.navez | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Ficus_elastica_leaves_02.JPG | Notes: Cross-wiki upload from en.wikipedia.org |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ficus elastica, commonly known as Indian Rubber Tree, is an evergreen tree native to the rainforests of South and Southeast Asia. It can grow to a substantial size of 30–40 m (100–130 ft) with a stout trunk that may reach up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in diameter. The Indian Rubber Tree is well-known for its large, glossy, leathery leaves which can be up to 35 cm (14 in) long and 15 cm (6 in) wide. The plant’s trunk develops impressive aerial and buttressing roots that provide stability and support for its heavy branches. It rarely flowers or fruits outside its native habitat.
In cultivation, Ficus elastica is valued for its bold foliage and architectural presence, making it a popular choice for indoor plantings, atriums, and warm-climate outdoor landscapes. It prefers bright, indirect light and can tolerate some shade. While it has a high tolerance for drought, it thrives in humid conditions and requires well-draining soil. Regular watering and misting are beneficial for indoor specimens. It is not particularly susceptible to pests or diseases but can be affected by scale insects and mealybugs. Caution is advised when planting outdoors, as it can become invasive in some regions, such as Florida and Central America, where its growth can overwhelm native plants and ecosystems.CC BY-SA 4.0
In cultivation, Ficus elastica is valued for its bold foliage and architectural presence, making it a popular choice for indoor plantings, atriums, and warm-climate outdoor landscapes. It prefers bright, indirect light and can tolerate some shade. While it has a high tolerance for drought, it thrives in humid conditions and requires well-draining soil. Regular watering and misting are beneficial for indoor specimens. It is not particularly susceptible to pests or diseases but can be affected by scale insects and mealybugs. Caution is advised when planting outdoors, as it can become invasive in some regions, such as Florida and Central America, where its growth can overwhelm native plants and ecosystems.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 50-100 feet
- Width: 50-100 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Potted Plant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Rainforests of South and Southeast Asia
Other Names
Common Names: Rubber Fig , Rubber Bush , Rubber Tree , Rubber Plant , Indian Rubber Bush , Indian Rubberplant , Gummibaum , Indian Rubber Fig , Palo De Goma , Rubber Plant
Scientific Names: Ficus elastica , Ficus decora , Ficus cordata , Ficus clusiifolia , Urostigma elasticum , Ficus skytinodermis , Ficus elastica var. decora , Ficus elastica var. belgica , Ficus elastica var. benghalensis , Ficus elastica var. karet
GBIF Accepted Name: Ficus elastica Roxb.