Rubber Tree (Ficus Burgundy)

Position your Rubber Tree in bright, indirect light. While it can adapt to medium light levels, its iconic dark burgundy leaves may fade to a standard green without adequate light. It can easily handle gentle direct sunlight in the morning, but avoid harsh, intense afternoon rays which can burn the leaves.

Water deeply and thoroughly, but only after the top 2 inches of soil have completely dried out. Ensure the pot has proper drainage holes so excess water can escape freely. During its dormant winter phase, reduce watering frequency significantly.

An indoor humidity level of 40% or higher is perfectly adequate for this hardy plant. It thrives in standard household temperatures between 65–80°F (18–27°C). Protect your Ficus from cold drafts, air conditioner vents, and sudden temperature drops below 55°F (13°C), which can cause it to drop leaves.

Use a well-draining, loamy potting mix enhanced with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to prevent compaction and ensure rapid drainage. Feed monthly during the active growing season (early spring through late summer) with a balanced liquid indoor plant fertilizer. Pause feeding entirely during autumn and winter.

Use a well-draining, loamy potting mix enhanced with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to prevent compaction and ensure rapid drainage. Feed monthly during the active growing season (early spring through late summer) with a balanced liquid indoor plant fertilizer. Pause feeding entirely during autumn and winter.

Repot every 1 to 2 years during the spring. Choose a heavy pot just 2 inches wider than the current one to prevent the tall plant from tipping over. If you want to limit its height, you can keep it in its current pot size and simply refresh the top few inches of soil.

Keep this plant out of reach of pets. Like all Ficus varieties, its stems and leaves secrete a sticky, milky white sap (latex) containing ficin and psoralen. If chewed or ingested, it can cause dermal irritation, drooling, vomiting, and oral discomfort.

Native to the tropical regions of Northeast India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

In its native tropical habitats, Ficus elastica can grow into a massive banyan-style tree reaching up to 100 feet tall, producing extensive aerial roots that have historically been trained to form strong "living root bridges."