Greetings from the botanical world. We are a diverse and resilient group, and many of our varieties have found a welcoming home in the landscapes and interiors of the United States. Our cultivation success hinges on understanding our distinct needs, which vary significantly by species and cultivar.
When most humans think of a "rubber plant," they are picturing us, Ficus elastica. We are prized for our large, glossy, oval leaves that emerge from a protective sheath in a striking shade of red. We are a robust species, tolerant of indoor conditions and capable of growing into a significant tree in USDA hardiness zones 10-12, such as parts of Florida and California. Our popularity has led to the development of several spectacular cultivars designed for ornamental appeal.
I, the 'Tineke' cultivar, am a stunning variation. My leaves are a artistic canvas of irregular patches of cream, white, and gray-green, all edged with a soft blush of pink when new. I require brighter, indirect light than my all-green relatives to maintain this vibrant variegation. Without sufficient light, my leaves may revert to a more solid green. I am primarily grown as a dramatic houseplant throughout the U.S., as my delicate coloration can be sensitive to intense outdoor sun.
My name, 'Burgundy', tells you everything. My foliage is a deep, almost blackish-green that appears as a rich, dark burgundy-red, especially on new leaves and stems. I am less demanding regarding light than my variegated cousins and can maintain my dark hue in lower light conditions. My dramatic coloration makes me a sought-after architectural plant for interior spaces across the country, from New York apartments to Texas homes.
I am the 'Robusta' cultivar, and I live up to my name. I am known for my larger, broader, and slightly thicker leaves than the standard species, giving me a particularly sturdy and vigorous appearance. My growth habit is often more upright and compact, making me an ideal candidate for those wanting the classic rubber plant look in a more manageable form. I share the same hardiness and care requirements as the classic F. elastica.
Though commonly called the Fiddle-Leaf Fig, I, Ficus lyrata, am a close cousin within the same genus. My claim to fame is my large, violin-shaped leaves with prominent veining. I have become immensely popular as a statement houseplant. I am more particular about my environment than my elastica relatives; I dislike drafts, sudden changes in temperature, and inconsistent watering. I can be grown outdoors in zones 10-11 but am predominantly a beloved indoor resident throughout the U.S.
I, Ficus pumila, represent a entirely different growth habit. I am a fast-growing climbing or trailing vine with small, heart-shaped leaves. While I am not typically grouped with the large-leaved rubber plants, I am a member of the same family. I am extensively used as a groundcover or to cover walls and topiaries in warmer climates (zones 8-11). In colder regions, I am a popular hanging basket plant for indoors, though I can be somewhat invasive if planted outdoors in favorable conditions.
