Plant Profile
Rubber Plant

a.k.a. Ficus Robusta

The Ficus Robusta is low maintenance as well as one of the best air purifying plants available, making it a very popular houseplant. Also known as the Rubber Plant, due to its white sap that was used to produce rubber, the Ficus Robusta is an evergreen tree that is native to South Asia. Loved for its broad, glossy leaves, this houseplant adds a brilliant splash of green to any interior.

Top Tips

✔ Pruning the plant will help to create a fuller shape whilst also helping it support itself, control its size and support new growth.

✔ Starting with a younger Ficus Robusta will allow it to adapt to indoor living better than a more mature plant

✔ It’s also beneficial to wipe the leaves with a damp cloth during the summer to help keep them moist (this will also help them absorb more sunlight).

Plant Care

The Ficus Robusta prefers bright, indirect light, so position the plant in a bright room but not right next to a window.
During the summer, when the plant is actively growing, the soil should be kept lightly moist. During the winter, the plant may only need to be watered once or twice a month, make sure to let the top soil dry between waterings at this time of year.
The Ficus Robusta will tolerate normal room humidity. During the summer, help to increase the humidity levels by misting the plant daily.
The Ficus Robusta only needs to be fertilised once or twice a month during the summer.
Average room temperatures of 15 - 25°C are fine for this plant. However, the Ficus Robusta does not like sudden temperature changes and cold drafts should also be avoided.
The plant is toxic to pets and can cause irritation to some humans. Make sure to wash your hands after handling a Ficus Robusta.
The Ficus Robusta is reasonably straight forward to propagate. The easiest method is to take a small branch and let it root in soil, allowing the sap from the stem to completely dry before planting. Alternatively, there is the ‘air layering’ method, to do this make a cut in the plant, place a toothpick in the opening and pack damp moss around the cut. Then, using plastic wrap, cover the moss in order to retain the moisture levels. Once you begin to see roots growing in the moss, cut the branch off and plant it in soil.
Re-potting may need to take place every couple of years, depending on how quickly your plant is growing. However, only re-pot your Ficus Robusta if you would like it to continue to grow. If you’d prefer to keep your plant small then it is best to keep it in a small pot to restrict its growth.