Rob

Rubber Plant

Variegated Rubber plant; Ficus robusta

• 
  Bright light
• 
  Easy care

• Rob likes...
  • 
    Light watering

    Water him whenever the top two inches of soil are dry. He needs a lot less water in winter than in summer.

  • 
    Bright light

    He loves bright light but not direct sun. Put him in a light room, but not right next to the window.

  • 
    Humidity

    His leaves absorb a lot of moisture. Spraying him with a mister every few days will encourage healthy growth.

• Quick facts

  Botanical name

  Ficus robusta

  Nickname

  Variegated rubber plant; Rubber bush; Rubber tree; Indian rubber plant

  Plant type

  Evergreen tree, indoor

  Air purifying

  Yes

  Plant height (including pot)

  30-40cm; 80-90cm 

  Pet/baby safe

  Toxic if ingested

  Nursery pot size

  12cm; 27cm

• About rubber plants

  For more care advice about Rob, check out our complete guide to rubber plant care.

  The rubber plant is most typically found in southern parts of Asia, where it can grow as tall as 60 metres. It gets its name from the white latex coursing through its veins, which was once used to make rubber. Way back in 1400BC, the Mesoamerican people would mix latex from the rubber plant with juice from a Morning glory plant to make bouncy balls, which they used in a game called ollamaliztil. In English the game is known as pok-a-tok. Sadly, the rules are lost to history.

  The rubber plant is not often used for its latex these days. It’s much more popular as a houseplant, loved for its thick, rubbery leaves. Those big leaves like a lot of light. Direct sun can be too harsh, but lots of indirect light will make this ex-sports star very happy. It will also appreciate a feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer.

  If you’d prefer this plant with dark green leaves, check out Rob’s brother Robin.

  Did you know?

  In parts of India, the rubber tree’s incredibly strong roots have been trained to form ‘living bridges’ over small rivers.