Ficus elastica 'Robusta'
rubber plant 'Robusta'
Is often called the rubberplant, and has been a popular houseplant since Victorian times. An evergreen tree with broadly elliptic, dark, glossy green leaves to 40cm in length. Only the largest specimens are likely to fruit
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Moraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
Ficus can be evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs or climbers, with often leathery, simple, entire or lobed leaves and tiny flowers borne within a hollow receptacle which enlarges to form the fruit
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow indoors/under glass in loam-based compost in filtered or indirect bright light, though it will tolerate some morning sunshine. See ornamental fig cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by air layering
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Sub-tropical
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects under glass
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.