Moraceae
Ficus elastica 'Ruby'
Bring a premium designer look to your space with the Rubber Plant 'Ruby'—bold, glossy leaves with rich burgundy and pink-red variegation that stands out instantly. It’s a dependable, low-maintenance indoor plant that rewards you with steady growth and a clean, modern silhouette. Place it in bright indirect light, water when the top soil dries, and enjoy a long-lasting statement plant for living rooms, entrances, and offices.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Rubber Plant 'Ruby'
Botanical Name: Ficus elastica 'Ruby'
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Foliage houseplant
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0091
Alternative Names:
Rubber Tree
Indian Rubber Plant
Rubber Fig
Arabic: مطاط
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Rosales
Family: Moraceae
Genus: Ficus
Species: F. elastica
Cultivar: 'Ruby'
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to northeastern India, the eastern Himalayas, southern China, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
The 'Ruby' cultivar was developed through selective breeding for ornamental foliage.
Widely distributed as an indoor ornamental plant in temperate regions worldwide.
4. Visual Characteristics
Evergreen shrub or small tree with striking, glossy variegated leaves.
Leaves are elliptical, 15–30 cm long and 5–15 cm wide, featuring burgundy and pink-red margins with green centers.
New growth emerges pink-red before maturing to deep burgundy.
Stems are thick and woody, often reddish when young.
5. Size & Dimensions
Indoor height typically 1.2–1.8 m; can reach up to 2.4 m in optimal conditions.
Spread up to 0.6–1 m wide.
Leaf petioles up to 5 cm long; leaves 15–30 cm in length.
6. Light Requirements
Prefers bright, indirect light.
Tolerates medium light but may lose variegation in low light.
Avoid direct midday sun to prevent leaf scorch.
7. Watering Needs
Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
Provide thorough watering and allow excess to drain.
Reduce frequency in winter; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining potting mix: equal parts peat, pine bark, and perlite or coarse sand.
pH preference: slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0).
Repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 18–29 °C.
Minimum tolerable temperature: 15 °C.
Prefers moderate to high humidity (40–60%).
Protect from drafts and sudden temperature changes.
10. Fertilization
During growing season (spring to early autumn), apply balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks.
Do not fertilize in winter dormancy.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Easy to moderate care.
Wipe leaves periodically to remove dust and promote photosynthesis.
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged foliage.
12. Growth & Propagation
Growth rate: moderate under ideal conditions.
Propagate via stem cuttings: select a healthy stem with 2–3 leaves, place in water or moist soil until roots develop (4–6 weeks).
Use rooting hormone to improve success rate.
13. Common Problems
Overwatering can lead to root rot; underwatering causes leaf drop and browning edges.
Pests: scale, mealybugs, spider mites; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Leaf scorch from direct sunlight; chlorosis if nutrient deficient.
14. Benefits & Uses
Effective air purifier: removes formaldehyde and other VOCs.
Aesthetic statement plant for living rooms, offices, and lobbies.
Improves indoor ambience and reduces stress.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Contains milky latex with ficin and ficusin; toxic if ingested.
Causes skin and eye irritation upon contact.
Keep away from pets and children.
Ficus elastica 'Ruby'
Bring a premium designer look to your space with the Rubber Plant 'Ruby'—bold, glossy leaves with rich burgundy and pink-red variegation that stands out instantly. It’s a dependable, low-maintenance indoor plant that rewards you with steady growth and a clean, modern silhouette. Place it in bright indirect light, water when the top soil dries, and enjoy a long-lasting statement plant for living rooms, entrances, and offices.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Rubber Plant 'Ruby'
Botanical Name: Ficus elastica 'Ruby'
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Foliage houseplant
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0091
Alternative Names:
Rubber Tree
Indian Rubber Plant
Rubber Fig
Arabic: مطاط
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Rosales
Family: Moraceae
Genus: Ficus
Species: F. elastica
Cultivar: 'Ruby'
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to northeastern India, the eastern Himalayas, southern China, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
The 'Ruby' cultivar was developed through selective breeding for ornamental foliage.
Widely distributed as an indoor ornamental plant in temperate regions worldwide.
4. Visual Characteristics
Evergreen shrub or small tree with striking, glossy variegated leaves.
Leaves are elliptical, 15–30 cm long and 5–15 cm wide, featuring burgundy and pink-red margins with green centers.
New growth emerges pink-red before maturing to deep burgundy.
Stems are thick and woody, often reddish when young.
5. Size & Dimensions
Indoor height typically 1.2–1.8 m; can reach up to 2.4 m in optimal conditions.
Spread up to 0.6–1 m wide.
Leaf petioles up to 5 cm long; leaves 15–30 cm in length.
6. Light Requirements
Prefers bright, indirect light.
Tolerates medium light but may lose variegation in low light.
Avoid direct midday sun to prevent leaf scorch.
7. Watering Needs
Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
Provide thorough watering and allow excess to drain.
Reduce frequency in winter; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining potting mix: equal parts peat, pine bark, and perlite or coarse sand.
pH preference: slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0).
Repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 18–29 °C.
Minimum tolerable temperature: 15 °C.
Prefers moderate to high humidity (40–60%).
Protect from drafts and sudden temperature changes.
10. Fertilization
During growing season (spring to early autumn), apply balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks.
Do not fertilize in winter dormancy.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Easy to moderate care.
Wipe leaves periodically to remove dust and promote photosynthesis.
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged foliage.
12. Growth & Propagation
Growth rate: moderate under ideal conditions.
Propagate via stem cuttings: select a healthy stem with 2–3 leaves, place in water or moist soil until roots develop (4–6 weeks).
Use rooting hormone to improve success rate.
13. Common Problems
Overwatering can lead to root rot; underwatering causes leaf drop and browning edges.
Pests: scale, mealybugs, spider mites; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Leaf scorch from direct sunlight; chlorosis if nutrient deficient.
14. Benefits & Uses
Effective air purifier: removes formaldehyde and other VOCs.
Aesthetic statement plant for living rooms, offices, and lobbies.
Improves indoor ambience and reduces stress.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Contains milky latex with ficin and ficusin; toxic if ingested.
Causes skin and eye irritation upon contact.
Keep away from pets and children.