Rubber Plant – Ficus Elastica Burgundy Plant Care Tips

Rubber Plant / Tree – Ficus Elastica Burgundy Lighting & Position

Ficus elastica will do best in a well lit position with lots of bright light, it can handle dappled to full sun on its leaves for a few hours a day but if you start to see burnt patches or withered wilting leaves you should move your plant to a more protected position. Variegated varieties will need even more light than their non-variegated relatives as they have less of the green pigment chlorophyll available for photosynthesis. 

Rubber Plant / Tree – Ficus Elastica Burgundy Watering

It’s important to keep up a regular watering routine. In summer you want to keep the soil moist but let it dry out slightly between waterings. To monitor this, you can use your finger to poke into the top 5 cm of potting mix and feel the soil moisture level before watering. If it feels particularly wet, let it dry out for longer. Over watering can lead to fungal issues or root rot. Try watering a once a week, but always testing the soil first to see if watering is necessary. During winter, when the plant isn’t in an active growing phase you should reduce watering frequency and use tepid/room temperature water.

As with all plants, drainage is essential. Ensure that whatever vessel your plant is in, there are sufficient holes in the bottom to allow excess water to freely drain from the pot and away from the plant’s roots. 

Rubber Plant / Tree – Ficus Elastica Burgundy Humidity

Ficus elastica isn’t too fussed about humidity thanks to it’s thick, rubbery leaves however if your plant is browning at the edges the air in your house might be particularly dry. Some tips for increasing humidity include grouping plants together, placing pots on a pebble tray or if you want to go all out – buy a small humidifier online and place it in amongst your plant friends!

N.b. misting with a spray bottle will only improve humidity temporarily, and if done excessively can lead to fungal issues. Misting should only be done occasionally and is most effective as part of your leaf cleaning routine (mist and then gently wipe leaves with a cloth to clear away dust from the leaf surface)

Rubber Plant / Tree – Ficus Elastica Burgundy Fertiliser

Feed with liquid fertiliser fortnightly over the warm, growing period and not at all over the cooler winter months.

We recommend using our Plant Food available here. 

Rubber Plant / Tree – Ficus Elastica Burgundy Extra Tips

Once a month you can wipe down the plants leaves using a damp cloth to clean away any dust that has collected and may be preventing the leaves from breathing. It’s completely normal for older leaves, lower down on the stem of the plant, to fade in colour and brown off as they age. Prune off any damaged or dying leaves using a sharp pair of scissors or secateurs so that the plant can put more energy into the newer, healthier growth. 

Rubber Plant / Tree – Ficus Elastica Burgundy Toxicity

Yes the Rubber Plant is (mildly) poisonous to pets and humans. Many Ficus plants including F. elastica have a milky irritating sap in the stems and leaves that can cause gastrointestinal issues if eaten and skin irritation if the sap is allowed to rest on the skin for a time or gets into small cuts.

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