9 Types of Rubber Plants with Pictures | Ficus elastica Varieties
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Rubber Plants or Rubber Figs are easy-care, tree-like plants with decorative leaves which have a high tolerance to drought conditions but prefer high humidity conditions to thrive.
It is important to note that Rubber Plants are considered toxic to both humans and pets. According to Pet Poison Helpline, Rubber Plants produce a milky white latex which is an irritant to the eyes and the skin.
If ingested they can cause irritation in the mouth, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and abdominal pains.
Rubber Plant varieties are easy to grow indoors if provided with the right growing conditions. Generally, these plants require bright light, warm and humid conditions, and well-drained moderately moist soil that is rich in organic matter.
We have listed herebelow some Rubber Plant varieties that are ideal for growing indoors with pictures.
Different Types of Rubber Plants Ideal for Indoors
1. Ficus elastica 'Decora'
Ficus elastica 'Decora' is a green-leaved variety and is one of the most common types of Rubber Plants.
It bears large glossy, thick, emerald-green leaves about 12 in. long which emerge bronze colored and surrounded by a red sheath.
2. Ficus elastica 'Robusta'
Ficus elastica 'Robusta' also called Bronze Rubber Plant bears large, wide purplish-green leaves which emerge surrounded by a red sheath.
It is a more compact Rubber Plant which grows to a height of about 4-6 ft. The plant branches more freely and can withstand low humidity.
3. Ficus elastica 'Burgundy' | Abidjan | Black Prince
Ficus elastica 'Burgundy' also called Abidjan or Black Prince has deep red leaves with bright red stems.
The leaves are more rounded than in other varieties. The young leaves emerge deep-crimson and turn a dark-green color which appears almost black.
4. Ficus elastica 'Tineke'
Ficus elastica 'Tineke' is a variegated Rubber Plant which bears leaves with patches of dark and light green and cream-colored edges.
Young leaves emerge with some pink which is lost as they mature. They are surrounded by a greenish sheath.
5. Ficus elastica 'Red Ruby' | Belize
Ficus elastica 'Red Ruby' also called Belize bears oval leathery leaves with striking variegations in shades of green, cream and pink.
The young leaves are reddish-pink but as they mature they turn to green and cream with a reddish hue. They emerge surrounded by a pink sheath.
6. Ficus elastica 'Doescheri'
Ficus elastica 'Doescheri' bears narrow leaves with green, yellow, white and grey patterns. The leaf midribs are pinkish underneath.
The plant can grow to a height of 8-10 ft and 5-8 ft wide. It does best in bright, indirect light away from direct sunlight.
7. Ficus elastica 'Melany'
Ficus elastica 'Melany' has a more compact growth habit and narrower or ,smaller leaves than many Rubber Plant varieties.
The leaves are glossy, greenish burgundy and appear spectacular against a contrasting light pink sheath that surrounds the new emerging leaves.
8. Ficus elastica 'Shivereana'
Ficus elastica 'Shivereana' is a rare Rubber Plant which bears leaves mottled with darker green marks on light greenish large leaves with a pinkish undertone.
It grows best in bright, indirect light away from direct sunlight as it can cause scorching on the leaves.
9. Ficus elastica 'Chloe'
Ficus elastica 'Chloe' bears shiny olive green leaves which emerge surrounded by a pink sheath.
It grows best in bright, indirect light away from direct sunlight but can adapt to lower light though it will grow more slowly.
