Ficus elastica
Rubber Fig
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Rubber Fig (Ficus elastica) - Description
Ficus elastica is native to India and Malaysia. It bears narrow, leathery dark green leaves that are 8 to 12 inches long. Very limited for its growing region as a horticultural specimen since it essentially has no hardiness to cold. It is used in the deep south and has several cultivars that have different variegations on the leaves themselves.
Rubber Fig (Ficus elastica) - Growth
Most species are shrubs to large trees. F. pumila (creeping fig) is a garden plant which has a climbing habit and small evergreen leaves. Some species are stranglers or grow curtains of aerial roots.
Rubber Fig (Ficus elastica) - Planting
Sow seeds in spring and be sure to keep the temperature between 60 and 70°F (21°C). The seeds can be sown indoors in pots to be transplanted later. Make rooted cuttings in spring or summer. Provide bottom heat to promote root development.
Rubber Fig (Ficus elastica) - Interesting facts
There are a couple of members of the Ficus genus called banyan trees. These plants grow as epiphytes (a plant that grows on top of another). The seeds are usually deposited by birds and will settle in the cracks and crevices of the host tree, where they will germinate. As the banyan tree begins to grow, it sends a complex web of roots down the trunk of the host tree. These roots will eventually envelope the entire trunk and choke out the host tree, which results in the host tree's death. This is of course unless the host tree is a palm tree. A palm tree has a different anatomy as compared with a tree like an oak tree. The host palm tree may not die as a result, but it will be competing with the epiphytic Ficus.
Rubber Fig (Ficus elastica) - Soil and irrigation
Most members of the Ficus genus perform best in moist, yet well-drained loamy soil. Feel the soil one inch deep to determine if it is time to water, yellow leaf color is misleading in this regard.
