Ficus elastica 'Burgundy'

Bring instant premium style to your space with the Black Rubber Plant. Its thick, dark, glossy leaves look luxurious in any interior and the plant stays forgiving even with a busy schedule. Place it in bright, indirect light, water when the soil dries, and enjoy a strong, upright floor plant that elevates living rooms, offices, and reception areas for years.

1. Basic Identification

Common Name: Black Rubber Plant
Botanical Name: Ficus elastica 'Burgundy'
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Foliage houseplant
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0173
Alternative Names:
مطاط

2. Taxonomy & Classification

Order: Rosales
Family: Moraceae
Genus: Ficus
Species: F. elastica

3. Origin & Distribution

Ficus elastica is native to the eastern regions of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, including eastern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and parts of Indonesia and Malaysia. It has been widely introduced and cultivated around the world as an ornamental houseplant.

4. Visual Characteristics

This cultivar features large, leathery, glossy oval leaves with a deep burgundy coloration that can appear nearly black in shaded conditions. New foliage emerges in a red sheath and unfurls to reveal rich, dark hues. The plant grows with an upright, tree-like form supported by a sturdy central stem.

5. Size & Dimensions

Indoors, the Black Rubber Plant typically reaches 6–10 feet (1.8–3 meters) in height with a spread of 2–3 feet (0.6–0.9 meters). Individual leaves can be up to 12 inches (30 cm) long.

6. Light Requirements

Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates medium light conditions. Avoid direct afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. Insufficient light may cause leggy growth and loss of leaf color intensity.

7. Watering Needs

Allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly until excess drains from the pot, then discard any remaining water in the saucer. Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth slows.

8. Soil & Potting

Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a combination of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite. A pH range of 6.0–7.5 is ideal. Repot every 1–2 years in spring, choosing a container only one size larger to prevent waterlogging.

9. Temperature & Humidity

Prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (16–24°C) and should not be exposed to temperatures below 55°F (13°C). Average indoor humidity is sufficient, though higher humidity levels will support optimal leaf health.

10. Fertilization

Feed monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Do not fertilize in fall and winter when the plant's growth rate decreases.

11. Maintenance & Care Level

Rated as low to moderate care. Wipe leaves periodically with a damp cloth to remove dust and maintain gloss. Prune sparingly to shape the plant and remove any dead or yellow leaves.

12. Growth & Propagation

Growth is moderate to fast under optimal conditions. Propagate via stem cuttings: take a 4–6 inch (10–15 cm) cutting with at least one node, allow it to callus, then root in water or a moist, well-draining medium.

13. Common Problems

Overwatering can lead to root rot and yellowing leaves. Underwatering may cause brown leaf edges and leaf drop. Pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects can infest foliage. Leaf scorch occurs with direct sunlight exposure.

14. Benefits & Uses

Known for its air-purifying qualities, it can help remove formaldehyde from indoor air. Its dramatic foliage adds visual impact to homes, offices, and commercial spaces as a statement floor plant.

15. Toxicity & Safety

All parts of Ficus elastica are toxic if ingested by pets or humans, causing mouth irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea. The milky sap can also cause skin irritation. Keep out of reach of children and animals.