Ficus elastica
Common: Rubber plant, Snake tree, Indian rubber plant
Family: Moraceae
Origin: Native to India and Malaya
Light: Part sun/shade
Water: Needs sandy, well-drained soil. Drought/dry tolerant. Let soil dry between waterings.
Temperature: Hardy to 27 degrees. Best planted in a protected location, but will recover from frost damage.
Often planted in shaded entryways or courtyards, or espaliered on north facing walls. Street tree, screen, specimen plant, container plant.
Fast growing tree or shrub to 15-25 feet with equal spread, but can become 40 ft high tree in Zones 23, 24.
Leaves are thick, glossy, leathery and dark green, 8 to 12 inches long by 4 to 6 inches wide.
New leaves unfold from pink rosy sheaths. Evergreen. Insignificant flower and fruit.
No thorns, susceptible to breakage.
Wash the leaves of indoor plants with water and a soft cloth when they get dusty. Pruning may be done in the spring. Grow best in an east window.