Ficus Elastica (Robusta)

Botanical Name and Family
Botanical Name: Ficus elastica Robusta
Family: Moraceae

Botanical Characteristics
Height: Typically grows to about 3-6 feet (90-180 cm) indoors, but can reach up to 10-12 feet (3-4 meters) or more in its native habitat.
Shape: Upright and bushy, with a tree-like or shrub-like growth habit. It can be grown as a single-stemmed tree or multi-stemmed shrub.
Leaves: Large, glossy, and leathery. The ‘Robusta’ variety has robust, broad leaves that are dark green and can be up to 12 inches (30 cm) long and 6 inches (15 cm) wide. The leaves are thicker and more durable compared to other varieties of Ficus elastica.
Stems: Woody and robust, supporting the large foliage. The stems are typically brownish to dark green.
Flowers: Rarely flowers indoors. In its native tropical habitat, it produces small, inconspicuous flowers with a spathe and spadix structure.
Fruits: Produces small fig-like fruits in its natural environment, but fruiting is uncommon indoors.

Natural Habitat
Native Range: Native to Southeast Asia, including parts of India, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It thrives in tropical rainforests as an understory tree or shrub.

Growth Requirements
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Can tolerate lower light conditions, but growth may become slower and leaves may lose some of their vibrant sheen. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Water: Requires regular watering. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter when the plant’s growth slows.
Soil: Prefers well-draining, loamy potting mix. A blend of peat, perlite, and compost or bark is ideal.
Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Protect from temperatures below 50°F (10°C) and cold drafts.

Cultivation Methods
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Ensure pots have good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. Avoid overwatering and ensure the top inch of soil dries out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Lighting: Provide bright, indirect light for optimal growth. Lower light conditions can lead to slower growth and less vibrant foliage.

Care Recommendations
Propagation: Propagate through stem cuttings. Use a rooting hormone and place cuttings in a moist, well-draining medium. Keep cuttings in a warm, humid environment until roots develop.
Fertilization: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding in winter.
Pests and Diseases: Watch for pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Inspect the plant regularly and treat infestations promptly. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.

Special Contents
Toxicity: Contains latex, which can be mildly toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Various Uses
Applications: Popular as an ornamental houseplant due to its robust foliage and relatively easy care. Ideal for indoor settings, bright rooms, and offices.

Challenges and Limitations
Issues: Can become leggy if not provided with sufficient light. Overwatering can cause root rot, and sensitivity to cold temperatures and drafts can affect overall health. The latex content can cause mild toxicity, so caution is needed around pets and children.