The Rubber Plant is a Ficus, scientifically named Ficus elastica. This popular houseplant is admired for its large, glossy, dark green leaves, which often feature a reddish midrib and a thick, leathery texture. Its common name derives from its milky sap, which was historically used as a source of inferior natural rubber. As an indoor specimen, the Rubber Plant is resilient and can grow quite tall, providing a striking focal point in a room.
Where the Rubber Plant Fits in the Ficus Family
The Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) belongs to the genus Ficus, a vast group of trees, shrubs, and vines within the Moraceae family, which includes figs and mulberries. This genus contains between 800 and 1,000 species native to tropical and subtropical regions. All Ficus members are characterized by unique fruit structures and the presence of milky sap, known as latex, which is particularly abundant in the Rubber Plant.
The Rubber Plant is related to many other popular indoor trees, such as the Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) and the Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina). These cousins share the same genus and similar growth habits, though the Rubber Plant is considered less temperamental than the Fiddle Leaf Fig. The Ficus genus is distinguished by leaf shape and overall growth pattern, which is why the Rubber Plant’s large, thick leaves set it apart.
Addressing Common Name Confusion
The common name “Rubber Plant” causes confusion because the commercial source of nearly all natural rubber today is the Para Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis). This species belongs to a separate plant family, Euphorbiaceae. Although Ficus elastica was once tapped for latex, it was replaced by the Para Rubber Tree in the late 1800s due to its superior yield quality and quantity.
Other smaller houseplants are occasionally given the “rubber plant” moniker due to their thick, succulent-like leaves. Certain Peperomia species, for example, are sometimes colloquially called Rubber Plants, though they are unrelated to the Ficus genus. Understanding the scientific name, Ficus elastica, helps ensure correct care instructions for this ornamental tree. The name references the plant’s elastic sap, which remains a distinguishing feature.
Essential Care for Your Ficus Elastica
The Rubber Plant thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its native tropical habitat. While it can tolerate lower light levels, insufficient light can cause the plant’s rich, dark leaf coloration to fade, especially in variegated varieties. An ideal placement is a south-facing window with a sheer curtain or an east or west-facing window, providing necessary brightness without direct sun.
Proper watering is essential, as overwatering is the most common cause of root rot. Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out completely before watering thoroughly. The plant thrives best in typical household temperatures between 65°F and 80°F, preferring to avoid dramatic temperature fluctuations and drafts.
The plant’s milky sap (latex) is toxic and can cause skin irritation, so wear gloves when pruning or handling broken leaves. This latex is also toxic to pets, requiring the Rubber Plant to be kept out of reach. Regularly wiping the large, glossy leaves with a damp cloth is beneficial, as dust buildup interferes with photosynthesis.