Ficus elastica robusta 200mm

$25.00

🌿 Ficus elastica ‘Robusta’

Common Name: Rubber Plant ‘Robusta’
Family: Moraceae (Fig family)
Origin: Native species (Ficus elastica) originates in India, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia
‘Robusta’ is a cultivar prized for its large, glossy green foliage and compact growth habit

📏 Physical Description

  • Growth Habit:
    A bushy, upright evergreen shrub or small tree, typically grows 1–2.5 meters (3–8 feet) indoors but can grow taller over time with pruning or training.

  • Leaves:
    Extra-large, thick, glossy deep green leaves, broader and rounder than other rubber plant varieties.
    New growth emerges with a reddish sheath (called a stipule) that drops off as the leaf matures.

  • Form:
    Often grown as a single trunk specimen or multi-stemmed bush for a more compact, sculptural look.

🌱 Care and Cultivation

  • Light:
    Thrives in bright, indirect light.
    Tolerates medium to low light, but best leaf size and glossiness occurs with brighter conditions.
    Avoid harsh direct sun, which can cause scorch marks.

  • Watering:
    Water when the top 3–5 cm (1–2 inches) of soil feels dry.
    Reduce watering in winter. Overwatering is the most common mistake—ensure the pot has drainage.

  • Humidity:
    Tolerates normal household humidity. Appreciates occasional misting or a nearby tray of water in dry climates.

  • Soil:
    Use a well-draining potting mix—a blend of indoor plant soil, perlite, and orchid bark or coarse sand is ideal.

  • Temperature:
    Optimal range is 18–26°C (65–79°F).
    Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 10°C (50°F).

  • Feeding:
    Feed every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring–summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

  • Pruning:
    Prune to shape or control size. Wear gloves, as the plant produces a milky latex sap that may irritate skin.

  • Propagation:
    Propagated by stem cuttings or air layering.

Quick Care Summary

RequirementDetailsLightBright, indirect (tolerates low light)WaterWater when topsoil is drySoilWell-draining, airy mixHumidityModerate; misting occasionally helpsTemperature18–26°C; protect from coldFeedingMonthly during growing seasonPropagationStem cuttings or air layering

Perfect For:

  • Modern homes and interiors

  • Low-maintenance plant lovers

  • Air-purifying plant collections

  • Statement plants in large pots

🌿 Ficus elastica ‘Robusta’

Common Name: Rubber Plant ‘Robusta’
Family: Moraceae (Fig family)
Origin: Native species (Ficus elastica) originates in India, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia
‘Robusta’ is a cultivar prized for its large, glossy green foliage and compact growth habit

📏 Physical Description

  • Growth Habit:
    A bushy, upright evergreen shrub or small tree, typically grows 1–2.5 meters (3–8 feet) indoors but can grow taller over time with pruning or training.

  • Leaves:
    Extra-large, thick, glossy deep green leaves, broader and rounder than other rubber plant varieties.
    New growth emerges with a reddish sheath (called a stipule) that drops off as the leaf matures.

  • Form:
    Often grown as a single trunk specimen or multi-stemmed bush for a more compact, sculptural look.

🌱 Care and Cultivation

  • Light:
    Thrives in bright, indirect light.
    Tolerates medium to low light, but best leaf size and glossiness occurs with brighter conditions.
    Avoid harsh direct sun, which can cause scorch marks.

  • Watering:
    Water when the top 3–5 cm (1–2 inches) of soil feels dry.
    Reduce watering in winter. Overwatering is the most common mistake—ensure the pot has drainage.

  • Humidity:
    Tolerates normal household humidity. Appreciates occasional misting or a nearby tray of water in dry climates.

  • Soil:
    Use a well-draining potting mix—a blend of indoor plant soil, perlite, and orchid bark or coarse sand is ideal.

  • Temperature:
    Optimal range is 18–26°C (65–79°F).
    Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 10°C (50°F).

  • Feeding:
    Feed every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring–summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

  • Pruning:
    Prune to shape or control size. Wear gloves, as the plant produces a milky latex sap that may irritate skin.

  • Propagation:
    Propagated by stem cuttings or air layering.

Quick Care Summary

RequirementDetailsLightBright, indirect (tolerates low light)WaterWater when topsoil is drySoilWell-draining, airy mixHumidityModerate; misting occasionally helpsTemperature18–26°C; protect from coldFeedingMonthly during growing seasonPropagationStem cuttings or air layering

Perfect For:

  • Modern homes and interiors

  • Low-maintenance plant lovers

  • Air-purifying plant collections

  • Statement plants in large pots