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Ficus elastica was the original source of commercial natural rubber before Brazilian rubber trees took over the trade, and the milky white latex sap that oozes from a cut leaf or stem is the same substance early rubber production relied on.
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Watch for strong direct sun at south / west windows.
| Best position | right by the window | about 1 m | about 2 m | about 4 m | 4 m or more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| north | works well | works well | too dark | too dark | too dark |
| north-east | works well | works well | too dark | too dark | too dark |
| east | works well | works well | works well | too dark | too dark |
| south-east | works well | works well | works well | too dark | too dark |
| south | just about | works well | works well | too dark | too dark |
| south-west | just about | just about | works well | too dark | too dark |
| west | just about | works well | works well | too dark | too dark |
| north-west | works well | works well | too dark | too dark | too dark |
works well just about too dark too much direct sun
A rough guide based on window direction and typical daylight through the year. Window size, curtains and whatever stands outside matter just as much.
Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
Mostly mild mouth and stomach irritation.
If your pet has eaten some, contact your vet.
Source: ASPCA
The milky sap that leaks from a cut or damaged rubber plant leaf is a latex compound that can mildly irritate skin, so it's worth wiping cuttings or pruning wounds with a cloth rather than touching the sap directly.
An occasional lower leaf falling is normal, but several at once usually point to overwatering. Let the top few centimetres of compost dry out between waterings. Cold draughts and temperature drops cause leaf loss too.
Wipe them with a damp, soft cloth every few weeks. Dust dulls the leaves and blocks light. Leaf-shine sprays are not needed.
Cut the main stem just above a leaf. The plant then sends out side shoots below the cut and becomes bushier. Left unpruned it grows tall and narrow, like a small tree.
Roughly every 1-2 weeks, when the top 3-4cm of compost is dry. Water regularly in the growing season and much less from autumn to late winter. Avoid overwatering.
Yes, the rubber plant is toxic to cats and dogs. Its milky sap is an irritant. Wear gloves when pruning and keep cut stems away from pets.
Indoors it is usually kept between 0.6 and 3m. In the wild it is a tree that can reach 30m. Pruning the top keeps it at the height you want.
