Ficus Elastica

Known my many as the Rubber Tree 

Assorted

Because it is indigenous to tropical climates, The Rubber Tree generally likes warmth and sun.

The Ficus Elastica belongs to a species of fig trees, from which there are more than 1,000 variations!

The plant is well-loved in offices, conservatories and entrance halls, but is increasingly gaining importance for living spaces again - but why?

Because it degrades formaldehyde from furniture and carpets, and grows really well in room temperatures.

If you care for it in the right way, it’s one of the most rewarding ornamental plants!

The Rubber Tree will develop well when you keep it in a bright and warm location.

It doesn’t have to be bright sunlight, but it can also adapt to that.

It can also tolerate warm drought, but it isn’t optimal, that’s why it should be in a quiet and sheltered location.

Put it in a bright corner next to a radiator or window, that’s where it will feel most comfortable.

It also will feel super chill and relaxed in entrance halls or stairwells, and can develop there if well-cared for.

What you should keep in mind is that the room’s temperature should not fall under 61 degrees F, and never under 50 degrees F, because the Rubber Tree doesn’t like cold temperatures or air.

During the summertime, your FERP can be outside, on a balcony or patio, as long as you protect it from bright midday heat.

It does tolerate dry room air, but since it’s a tropical tree, it prefers a moist and warm climate.

That’s why it should be sprayed with lime-free water from time to time.

If you have space in your kitchen or bathroom, these present perfect places for this beauty.

There’s something the Rubber Plant does not like and that’s water-logging, so a drainage hole is necessary.

The best way to do this is to place your Rubber Plant on top of a saucer that’s filled with pebbles, grit, or shards so that it can absorb excess water.

This will also contribute to a moist and warm climate, which is what the Rubber Tree loves.

The optimal substrate is a mixture of perlite, sand and lava granule.

Your Rubber Tree would enjoy a lukewarm shower from time to time.

If necessary, you can protect the soil ball with foil or a plastic bag.

You should let the ball drip off after that, to remove excess water.

Leaves should be cleaned from dust regularly.

If your Rubber Tree is kept in the kitchen or nearby, a thin greasy film can be found on the green leaves.

To get rid of this greasy film, you can use a moist cloth to carefully wipe down the leaves.

To preserve the shine of the leaves, you can wipe them off with the inside of a banana peel.