Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica
Common Names: Rubber Plant, Rubber Fig, Rubber Tree, Indian Rubber Bush
Local Name: Rubber Maram (Tamil), Rubber Ka Ped (Hindi)
Family: Moraceae
Origin: Eastern Himalayas, Assam, Malaysia, Java
Plant Type: Perennial evergreen tree / ornamental shrub
Average Lifespan: Decades; up to 100 years in ground
🌿 Botanical Description
| Growth Habit | Upright tree with broad spreading canopy; aerial roots in humid conditions |
| Plant Size | Up to 30–40 meters in wild; 1–3 meters as indoor/container plant |
| Leaves | Large, glossy, oval; 10–35 cm long; dark green (burgundy in some varieties) |
| Root System | Extensive surface roots; produces aerial roots in high humidity |
☀ Growing Conditions
| Climate | Tropical to subtropical; frost-sensitive |
| Temperature Range | 15–30°C; avoid cold drafts |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, fertile loamy soil |
| Soil pH Preference | 5.5–7.0 |
| Sun Requirement | Bright indirect light; tolerates low light indoors |
| Water Requirement | Moderate; allow top soil to dry between watering |
| Can it Grow in Pots? | Yes; one of the most popular indoor foliage plants |
🌾 Cultivation & Care
| Fertilizer Schedule | Monthly during growing season; reduce in winter |
| Pruning Time | Spring; wear gloves — milky latex is a skin irritant |
| Common Pests | Spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs |
| Common Diseases | Root rot from overwatering; leaf spot |
🌱 Pollination & Propagation
| Propagation by Cuttings | Stem cuttings or air layering; root in 3–4 weeks |
💧 Environmental Impact & Sustainability
| Biodiversity Benefits | Excellent air purifier; removes formaldehyde and CO2 |
📝 Orchard Observation Notes
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