This indoor plant is a keeper!

This centuries old tree from the rainforests of Southeast Asia was used by the indigenous people who made the first natural rubber from the tree’s milky sap. The name Ficus elastica is most likely derived from the elasticity of the rubber material. Later grown commercially for rubber production the rubber Ficus also became a sought after indoor plant in England in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s because of its attractive glossy leaves and ability to grow in low light.

All these years later the original Ficus elastica ‘Robusta’ is still a presence in homes and offices. It has glossy green leaves with a pronounced midrib. It grows neatly upright and true to its name it is a robust low maintenance plant that can tolerate low light.

This is a truly beautiful plant with variegated creamy white and light green leaves with a pink undertone, pink midrib and pink stems. It can grow up to 2m indoors but doesn’t mind being trimmed to keep its height in check. Use it on its own or as a backdrop for other lower growing foliage plants.

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It fits in well with minimalist and modern interiors as well as on patios that have bright indirect light. For impact, you can’t do better than Ficus Red Ruby. It needs bright light to show off the bright pink and red tones of its leaves.

It is a striking statement plant for homes as well as offices. This Ficus has large, velvety leaves with prominent creamy-white veins that stand out. It is becoming an alternative to the Fiddle Leaf fig as it is more forgiving and less temperamental. It grows into an elegant indoor tree and needs only moderate care and bright indirect light.

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