Types of Rubber Tree Plants

The Ficus elastica, known as the rubber plant, is a staple houseplant for collectors. These plants present you with ease of availability, variety, and care.

Investing in an all-green rubber plant is a thing of the past. With us, you can find stunning cultivars like variegated rubber plants.

So, keep reading to discover one you would love to add to your plant collection.

What are Rubber Plants?

ficus elastica plant

The rubber tree plant is called the rubber plant, rubber fig, rubber bush, or India rubber tree. The reason for the name is the sap produced in the form of latex used once to make rubber.

The plant you find native to mostly southeast Asia has become neutralized in other regions worldwide. The botanical name or scientific name is Ficus elastica. It falls within the banyan group that is also part of the fig genus hence the name Ficus.

You might know the popular Fiddle Fig Leaf called Ficus lyrata from the same genus. The Moraceae family has different rubber tree varieties, with some having variegated leaves, dwarf versions, and ones with red sheathes and leaves.

Here we have samples of some of the rubber tree varieties that are popular indoor plants to buy here.

Famous Rubber Plant Varieties

Most rubber tree plants you know have green foliage, but there is a type of rubber plant variety that makes for a beautiful display, as you will find out here. When it comes to rubber plant care, it is not too difficult, and you will love the foliage color fitting in with your decor.

Ficus elastica Tineke or Ficus elastica Variegata

rubber tree tineke

The Tineke rubber plants are rare but also the best-looking variegated types in the genus. It has distinctive variegated foliage in varied shades of cream and green. You can even find some pink in the younger leaves emerge at times.

You can also find the Ficus elastica Tineke advertised as the Ficus elastica Variegata or variegated rubber plant. The sheaths also have a vibrant pink color looking like red ruby stems. Still, these outdoor plants need direct sunlight to keep their variegated color.

The leaf’s color starts to fade to green when in low light.

Ficus elastica Ruby

ficus elastica ruby @flickr ficus elastica ruby @flickr

The Ficus Elastica Ruby will mesmerize you with its vibrant reddish-pink tones with cream and green leaves. As the rubber plant matures, it develops red ruby mellows turning dark green with cream and hints of pink.

Many people easily get confused between the Ficus elastica Tineke and Ruby plant. The reason is that both plants have pink leaves, but the Tineke loses the pink coloration when it matures and remains green-cream.

Another notable thing is the sheath color of the Tineke, which is greenish with faint pink, and the Ruby has a bolder pink shade. In most cases, Ruby is more expensive.

Ficus elastica Robusta

ficus elastica robusta

For more compact rubber plant varieties, Ficus elastica Robusta comes to mind. The modern type of rubber plant has a distinct appearance. The leaves are broader with a glossy texture. It is fast-growing and one of the best air-purifying plants to have.

The Ficus elastica Robusta has light green leaves and prefers bright indirect sunlight but can cope well in low light. It only needs water when the top soil is dry, but it does prefer moist soil. Still, do not overwater your Robusta, as it can lead to root rot.

A sign of root rot is when your rubber plant starts dropping leaves.

Ficus elastica Burgundy

ficus elastica burgundy @flickr ficus elastica burgundy @flickr

Ficus elastica Burgundy is another exotic rubber plant variety known as Ficus elastica Abidjan or the Black Prince. The leaf color starts with a deep crimson and darkens to a green that appears black.

The red stems look fabulous and stand out against a white wall in the home.

Make sure to check out this plant in our shop here.

Ficus elasstica Decora

A gorgeous rubber plant is the Ficus elastica Decora getting its name from the decorative foliage. The leaves reach 12 inches long and will fill up a room fast with rich shades of emerald greens with red sheaths.

It has broader, glossy leaves, and the new emerging leaves are bronze, changing to emerald green as it matures. The center vein of the leaves is red underneath with white on the top. Even the casings found around new leaves are deep red.

Ficus elastica Sophia

ficus elastica sophia

The Ficus elastica Sopihia is part of the variegated varieties with a compact size. It looks like the Robusta rubber plant but has small rounded leaves. The leaves are glossy and displayed on sturdy stems. The broader leaves are also a standout feature.

The retro houseplant has returned to the houseplant collection and thrives in bright indirect light, not direct sun. Also, do not overwater your plant, as it will result in leaf drop. Ensure the pot size has enough drainage holes allowing excess water to flower from the container.

Ficus altissima “The Council Tree”

ficus altissima

For the patio, the Council Tree is popular with its small form and reaches 100 feet tall in its natural habitat. It has a spreading crown with waxy foliage, and the foliage does not wither in winter. At the same time, it is parasitic as it often strangles its host while growing.

Other Similar Plants Which is Dominating The Living Interior Design Concept

If you want similar plants dominating the living interior design, find yourself one of the following plants.

Ficus lyrata “Fiddle Leaf Fig”

fiddle leaf fig

The Fiddle Leaf Fig is perfect for your indoor space with its large, heavily veined leaves. The violin-shaped foliage grows upright. The plant thrives in humid, warm climates but can withstand less-perfect environments.

These can grow as indoor plants but look fabulous as a specimen plant in the garden.

Ficus benghalensis ‘Audrey’

ficus audrey

The Audrey has a unique woody light trunk with vibrant green leaves and light green veins. It is the cousin of the Fiddle Leaf Fig. Still, the Audrey is an easier plant to care for.

Ficus benjamina Weeping Fig

ficus benjamina

The weeping fig is another ficus tree not part of the rubber plant varieties. It grows broad evergreen leathery leaves and can reach up to 50 years old. The plant has elegant branches arching gracefully from the gray trunk.

The glossy dark green leaves capture anyone’s attention, and you prune them indoors to control their size. Some people braid the trunk to give the plant a decorative appeal. It is a fast grower, and you may need to repot it once a year.

The foliage is mildly toxic to humans and pets.

Final Thoughts

When you look at the types of rubber plant varieties on our list, we are sure you will find a variegated rubber plant to fit in with your lifestyle and decor. So, please choose one of the Ficus elastica varieties to be grown indoors, as they make great displays with dark green and variegated leaves.

Whether you want to buy, sell, or simply reach out to other plant enthusiasts, Plantly is the right place to be!

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