Popular variety of rubber tree with light green variegated leaves

Fresh leaves on this variety are initially yellowish, but over time the variegation brightens until it takes on a light green, almost white, color. This variety grows as easily as a regular rubber tree but offers much more color thanks to the leaves' individual patterns.

Ficus elastica, also called the rubber plant (though not to be confused with the true rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis), originates from northern India and Southeast Asia. It is a so-called "strangler fig" that in nature climbs as a hemiepiphyte on large trees and eventually grows around them with its trunk and large aerial roots, which "strangles" them, though not parasitically but only for support.

When damaged, the plant secretes a sticky white latex, which can be used for rubber production, although natural rubber is now primarily extracted from other species. In parts of India, people guide the tree's roots across ravines to eventually form living bridges; even today, large bridges woven from aerial roots exist in Meghalaya, India.

Botanical description

The rubber plant was particularly popular in Sweden during the 1930s when it adorned almost every Swedish windowsill. The species exists with solid dark green leaves, but also with marbled leaves in dark green with hints of white and pink or yellow.

The latex from Ficus elastica can irritate eyes and skin and is toxic if ingested internally. The plant was once used as the most common plant in Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula for tapping latex before the Pará rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) was introduced from Brazil in the late 19th century.

Care

The rubber plant is incredibly easy to care for and tolerates dry air, but it's good to spray or wipe the leaves so they stay clean and become more resistant to pests. It prefers bright conditions but not strong direct sunlight.

Water 1-2 times a week depending on the season, but allow the soil to dry out thoroughly between waterings. You can prune the plant to encourage branching.

Ideal temperature 16-24°C. Fertilize monthly during the growing season. Repot every two to three years. Buy Ficus elastica 'Schrijveriana' online!