Ficus Elastica Robusta

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Moraceae

Order

Rosales

Genus

Ficus

Species

elastic

Description

Cultivar of the Species Ficus elastica, appreciated as an evergreen indoor plant where it creates a visual focal point of high ornamental value with its upright habitus and large, glossy Leaf.

Variety description

Ficus robusta is a variety of ficus derived from Ficus elastica ‘Decora’. It is a houseplant suited to bright, warm, temperate environments, though it can also thrive in semi-cool conditions. It has striking, decorative foliage of a deep green colour, which in some cases takes on a reddish hue in strong light.

Curiosities and special features

In ancient times, the latex extracted from Ficus elastica wasused to produce rubber, as indicated by its common name, ‘rubber fig’.

Like other indoor green plants such as Ficus benjamina, Ficus elastica ‘Robusta’ can also help to purify and improve indoor air quality by absorbing specific pollutants that may be present.

Origin and distribution

The variety Ficus elastica 'Robusta' is derived from the species Ficus elastica, which is native to the region stretching from Nepal to China (western Yunnan) and western Malaysia.

Leaf

The leaves, which are leathery and evergreen, have large, glossy, oblong blades, giving Ficus elastica 'Robusta' its distinctive character.

Leaf colour

Solid colour.

Plant height

The plant’s height varies from 0.6 to 2 m, depending on growing conditions.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen plant.

Where to plant

Suitable for growing in pots, planters and indoor planters.

Stem

The stem is semi-woody; the plant has no thorns.

Growth

It has a medium-to-vigorous growth habit and is more compact than other varieties.

Plant habit

The Erect habitus and Leaf size give the plant a focal role in living spaces or offices.

Branching

Develops Exiguous Branching.

PH

It requires a slightly acidic pH of the medium, with optimum values between 6.0 and 6.8.

Sun exposure

Requires the following types of exposure: Light source indoors, full sun. If left indoors too dark, curling and loss of Leaf may occur.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 28 °C. The optimal temperature range is between 8 and 50 °C. In late spring and summer, weather permitting, the plant can be placed outdoors in a sunny spot. It is advisable not to place the plant near draughts or heat sources.

Use

It is one of the most widespread and popular varieties of Ficus elastica in:

Outdoor ornamental use Indoor ornamental use

(The area of use depends on the prevailing climatic and temperature conditions).

Hardiness

A variety characterised by itshigh hardiness.

Soil

Use a good-quality potting mix specifically designed for green plants, containing both light and dark peat.

Difficulty

Once the plants have settled in properly and provided they are kept under the right light and temperature conditions, growing them is fairly straightforward and requireslittle maintenance.

Growing tips

Some useful growing tips for promoting better vegetative growth in Ficus elastica 'Robusta'
Place the plant in the brightest possible spot Keep the potting mix dry in cooler weather Exposure to direct light

Combinations with other plants

Suitable as a single specimen or in large pots, combined with other green houseplants that have the same light and temperature requirements, such as other varieties of Ficus elastica.

Propagation

Propagation can be carried out using apical cuttings, node cuttings and layering.

Repotting

Before summer, preferably in spring, repot the plant into a larger pot with drainage holes in the base; take care not to damage the roots, and ensure the root ball is completely covered with soil. Use a new, good-quality potting mix, specifically designed for foliage plants and with excellent drainage to allow excess water to run off. After repotting, water moderately, taking care to avoid both letting the soil dry out completely and allowing water to become waterlogged.

Watering

Water the plant until the potting compost is thoroughly saturated, ensuring that any excess water drains away and does not pool on the surface. Check the moisture level of the potting compost – even just by feeling it with your fingers – before watering. Avoid heavy watering if kept in areas with little heat and low light, such as stairwells. In conditions of low air humidity, it is advisable to carry out regular leaf misting with temperate, non-calcareous water, preferably rainwater. The use of soft water – that is, water with a low limescale content – is of paramount importance to prevent the leaf surface from becoming soiled or encrusted. Low humidity causes the leaves to become dehydrated and wither.

Fertilising

This plant has very high nutritional requirements. Apply a liquid fertiliser specifically formulated for green plants, diluted in the watering can and applied to the previously moistened growing medium. You can also regularly add a granular fertiliser specifically designed for indoor green plants to the pot. Insufficient fertilisation leads to stunted growth and a thickening of the stem, accompanied by the development of adventitious roots.

Pet safety

The latex contained in Ficus elastica 'Robusta' is toxic to animals if ingested.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

The latex contained in Ficus elastica 'Robusta' is toxic if swallowed. It is advisable to wear gloves when handling the plant, as the latex can also cause skin irritation.

Tip

Avoid overwatering if kept in areas with little heat and low light, such as stairwells or similar spaces. In late spring and summer, it can be taken outside, even into full sun. It is a plant that requires a lot of fertiliser, which can be added regularly to the pot in the form of granular fertiliser. In temperate climates, it can be planted outdoors.