RUBBER PLANT Ficus elastica Characteristics House Plant Water: Medium Zone: 10 to 12 Maintenance: Low Height: 50.00 to 100.00 feet Flower: Insignificant Spread: 50.00 to 100.00 feet Leaf: Evergreen Bloom Time: Rarely flowers indoors Fruit: Showy Sun: Part shade Culture Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-12. Easily grown in a soil-based potting mix. Site indoors in bright indirect light or part shade with protection from afternoon sun. Water regularly during the growing season. Avoid overwatering. Reduce watering from fall to late winter. Noteworthy Characteristics Ficus elastica, commonly called India rubber plant, India rubber tree or India rubber fig. It is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree that may grow to 50-100’ tall in its native habitat. It is widely grown in the tropics as an ornamental tree. Mature trees develop banyan-like aerial roots that form trunks. In colder climates, this is an extremely popular houseplant that typically grows to 2-10’ tall. It is noted for its thick, leathery, glossy, dark green leaves (to 12” long and 5” wide) and pink to purplish stipules. Milky sap from these trees was used to make an inferior rubber in the early 1900s. Small oblong axillary fruits (1/2” diameter) in pairs are rarely seen on plants outside of its tropical native habitat. Problems No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for scale, aphids, mealybugs, thrips and spider mites. Garden Uses Rubber tree plant is an easy care houseplant. Keep it in a bright position in your room. Besides the ornamental aspect, rubber tree is considered an air purifying plant. Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Society Plant Finder .