9 Types of Rubber Plants with Names & Pictures | Different Ficus elastica Varieties
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Ficus elastica commonly called Rubber Plants or Rubber Figs are popular, tree-like plants with highly decorative leaves and have a high tolerance to drought conditions.
Rubber Plants are the easiest of the Ficus plants varieties to grow as they adapt well to indoor growing conditions. They grow best in bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunshine, average warmth of 15-280C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, all purpose potting soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season. Read more on how to grow and care for Rubber Plants.
It is paramount 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 it can cause irritation in the mouth, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and abdominal pains. Therefore, keep Rubber Plants away from the reach of children and pets.
We have listed herebelow 9 Types of Rubber Plants varieties that are ideal for growing indoors with names and pictures.
9 Different Types of Rubber Plants for Growing Indoors
Our list of the best types of Rubber Plants (Ficus elastica) include Ficus elastica 'Decora', Ficus elastica 'Robusta', Ficus elastica 'Burgundy', Ficus elastica 'Tineke', Ficus elastica 'Red Ruby' among others.
1. Ficus elastica 'Decora'
Ficus elastica 'Decora' is one of the commonest and easiest to grow of the Rubber Plants. and is one of the most common types of Rubber Plants.
It is a green-leaved variety which bears large glossy, thick, emerald-green leaves about 12 inches long. The leaves emerge bronze colored and are surrounded by a red sheath.
The Ficus elastica 'Decora' is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant, native to India and Malaya.
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 feet. 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 striking 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' is a spectacular Rubber Plant which 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 feet and 5-8 feet wide. It does best in bright, indirect light away from direct sunlight.
7. Ficus elastica 'Melany'
Ficus elastica 'Melany' exhibits a more compact growth habit and narrower, smaller leaves than other 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 eye-catching 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.
