Ficus Elastica Burgundy
The Ficus Elastica Burgundy, or Rubber Tree, is native to many parts of South and Southeast Asia. The Burgundy variety is a spectacular plant with thick, glossy leaves that can range in colour from a rich burgundy red to almost black. Given adequate light and warmth and with careful watering, your Rubber Tree will thrive in your home – and what’s more, the sizeable leaves of the rubber tree make it very efficient in cleaning the air.
Plant Care
Light
Your Ficus will grow best with consistent, bright indirect light. Leaf loss can occur if the plant is kept in a spot that is too dark or cold. Ensure your Ficus isn’t in the path of harsh, direct sun as this can scorch their leaves.
Watering
Allow the top of the soil to dry out between waterings and do not leave the pot sitting in water. If the leaves of your rubber tree start to turn yellow and begin to drop off, this is a sign of overwatering.
Toxicity
This plant is mildly toxic and should not be consumed by animals or humans.
Soil
Any well-draining, nutrient rich mix is ideal.
Repotting
Rubber tree plants can grow very tall and will need to be pruned to maintain the desired height. It is suggested to repot your Ficus Elastica every 1 - 2 years to replace the soil and increase pot size, the general rule of thumb for upsizing pots is going up in 1 - 2 inch increments.
Growers Tips
Ficus Elastica are easier to care for than you would think. Placing your Ficus in a brightly lit space out of direct sunlight and maintaining moisture at an even level will ensure that your plant maintains its leaves and their unique markings.
The large leaves do attract dust and can be gently wiped periodically with a damp cloth or even rinsed off in the shower.
Ficus elastica is vulnerable to common houseplant pests including aphids, mealy bugs, mites, scale, and white fly. If possible, identify the infestation as early as possible and treat with the least toxic option. They can also be susceptible to various leaf-spotting and fungal diseases, which are typically caused by lack of air flow and too much moisture sitting on the leaves. Keep the foliage trimmed to avoid this occurring.
To encourage the big, beautiful leaves that the F. Elastica produces, it’s best to feed your plant during growing season. You can do so with your choice of fertiliser – little and often is best, so use a weak balanced feed every few weeks in spring and summer.
Potential Problems
Drooping leaves: This is an indication that your Ficus is thirsty! Increase your watering and you will see improvements. The best way to check if your plant needs water, is by checking the weight of the pot.
Loss of leaves: This is most commonly caused by improper watering. The soil has either stayed too dry for too long, or too wet for too long. Aim to let the top few cms of soil dry out before watering again and keep to this regime. Leaf loss can also occur due to the plant being kept in a spot that is too dark and/or too cold.
Brown spots on the leaves: This could be a result of a few things. Sunburn and temperature fluctuation. Ensure your Ficus is kept in bright indirect light, and try to avoid keeping it in an area where temps get below 15 degrees.