Rob

4.6 |17 Reviews

Rubber Plant

Variegated Rubber plant; Ficus robusta

• 
  Bright light
• 
  Easy care

• Rob likes...
  • 
    Light watering

    Water him whenever the top two inches of soil are dry. He needs a lot less water in winter than in summer.

  • 
    Bright light

    He loves bright light but not direct sun. Put him in a light room, but not right next to the window.

  • 
    Humidity

    His leaves absorb a lot of moisture. Spraying him with a mister every few days will encourage healthy growth.

• Quick facts

  Botanical name

  Ficus robusta

  Nickname

  Variegated rubber plant; Rubber bush; Rubber tree; Indian rubber plant

  Plant type

  Evergreen tree, indoor

  Air purifying

  Yes

  Plant height (including pot)

  30-40cm; 80-90cm 

  Pet/baby safe

  Toxic if ingested

  Nursery pot size

  12cm; 27cm

• About rubber plants

  For more care advice about Rob, check out our complete guide to rubber plant care.

  The rubber plant is most typically found in southern parts of Asia, where it can grow as tall as 60 metres. It gets its name from the white latex coursing through its veins, which was once used to make rubber. Way back in 1400BC, the Mesoamerican people would mix latex from the rubber plant with juice from a Morning glory plant to make bouncy balls, which they used in a game called ollamaliztil. In English the game is known as pok-a-tok. Sadly, the rules are lost to history.

  The rubber plant is not often used for its latex these days. It’s much more popular as a houseplant, loved for its thick, rubbery leaves. Those big leaves like a lot of light. Direct sun can be too harsh, but lots of indirect light will make this ex-sports star very happy. It will also appreciate a feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer.

  If you’d prefer this plant with dark green leaves, check out Rob’s brother Robin.

  Did you know?

  In parts of India, the rubber tree’s incredibly strong roots have been trained to form ‘living bridges’ over small rivers.

• Reviews
  4.6 |17 Reviews

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  Zuzana

  Beautiful and healthy rubber plant! Mine grew 2 new leaves since I’d received it 3 months ago.

  Most recent reviews

  

  Mary

  Excellent plants very healthy

  

  Anon

  Little rob was a bit sad but with some help from Patch he’s getting on well

  

  Niharika Chandra

  Awesome plant

  

  Ananias Jr Marigon

  Stable plant, a bit slow grower but lush up to now.

  

  Irene and Edith

  Stunning plant, larger than we expected, great delivery

  

  Christopher Walsh

  Very good quality.

  

  Nicola

  I love the colours on Robs leaves- so nice!

  

  Adam Daniels

  Great plant

  

  Clelie Bedel

  Gorgeous! Looks just like the photos on the website and the plant care suggestions are very helpful. Super satisfied!

  

  Sumi

  very pretty!

  

  Yolanda Day

  Healthy and the expected size!

  

  Emma

  Sturdy and easy to care for

  

  Victoria

  lovely plant

  

  Zuzana

  Beautiful and healthy rubber plant! Mine grew 2 new leaves since I’d received it 3 months ago.

  

  

  Michael Lendrum

  Very happy - good quality plants

  

  Cindy Song

  This plant’s having a harder time adjusting to my home, but it arrived in excellent condition.

  Showing most recent 16 reviews