Xela's Garden

Rubber Plant ... variegated [V]

Genus: Ficus.

Species: Ficus elastica.

Planted May'13 Vistabile Dining rm
Bought May '13 from Wilkinsons for £1.29

Ficus elastica, also called the rubber fig, rubber bush, rubber tree, rubber plant, or Indian rubber bush is a species of plant in the fig genus, native to northeast India and southern Indonesia.

It is a large tree in the banyan group of figs, growing to 30–40 metres (98–130 ft) (rarely up to 60 metres or 200 feet) tall, with a stout trunk up to 2 metres (6.6 ft) in diameter. The trunk develops aerial and buttressing roots to anchor it in the soil and help support heavy branches. It has broad shiny oval leaves 10–35 centimetres (3.9–14 in) long and 5–15 centimetres (2.0–5.9 in) broad; leaf size is largest on young plants (occasionally to 45 centimetres or 18 inches long), much smaller on old trees (typically 10 centimetres or 3.9 inches long). The leaves develop inside a sheath at the apical meristem, which grows larger as the new leaf develops. When it is mature, it unfurls and the sheath drops off the plant. Inside the new leaf, another immature leaf is waiting to develop.

As with other members of the genus Ficus, the flowers require a particular species of fig wasp to pollinate it in a co-evolved relationship. Because of this relationship, the rubber plant does not produce highly colourful or fragrant flowers to attract other pollinators. The fruit is a small yellow-green oval fig 1 centimetre (0.39 in) long, barely edible; it will only contain viable seed where the relevant fig wasp species is present.

In parts of India, people guide the roots of the tree over chasms to eventually form living bridges.
Cultivation and uses

Ficus elastica is grown around the world as an ornamental plant, outside in frost-free climates from the tropical to the Mediterranean and inside in colder climates as a houseplant.

In cultivation, it prefers bright sunlight but not hot temperatures. It has a high tolerance for drought, but prefers humidity and thrives in wet, tropical conditions. Ornamental hybrids (such as Robusta) have been derived from Ficus elastica with broader, stiffer and more upright leaves than the wild form. Many such hybrids exist, often with variegated leaves.
The figs of F. elastica

Most cultivated plants are produced by asexual propagation. This can be done by planting cuttings or air layering. The latter method requires the propagator to cut a slit in the plant's stem. The wound, which oozes with the plant's latex, is packed with rooting hormone and wrapped tightly with moist sphagnum moss. The whole structure is wrapped in plastic and left for a few months. When it is unwrapped, new roots have developed from the plant's auxiliary buds. The stem is severed and the new plant is potted on its own.

Ficus elastica yields a milky white latex, a chemical compound separate from its sap and carried and stored in different cells. This latex was formerly used to make rubber, but it should not be confused with the Pará rubber tree, the main commercial source of latex for rubber making. This latex is also an irritant to the eyes and skin and can be fatal if taken internally.

Ficus trees are widely grown office and house plants because they are easy to care for and adapt to the less than optimal conditions found in most houses and public buildings. Numerous varieties have been developed by growers for the houseplant trade including variegated forms of Ficus benjamina, the weeping fig, and F. elastica, the rubber plant. Variegated rubber plants have cream, white, yellow or red streaking on dark green leaves.
[Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficus_elastica ]

Skill level: Moderately Easy

location should be bright with indirect light such as a west facing window or a lightly shaded southern exposure. Be sure to keep the tree away from cold drafts which will cause sudden leaf drop.

Water variegated ficus trees when the soil has begun to dry slightly. To test the soil, stick your finger 1 to 2 inches below the surface. If it is wet, wait to water, if it is dry add water until it runs out of the bottom of the pot.

Fertilise variegated ficus trees when they are actively producing new growth in the spring and summer months when the days are longer. Mix a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser to half strength and add it to the water once a month. Stop fertilising as the days get short in the fall and winter.

Repot variegated ficus trees every two to three years. In optimal conditions, the trees can get large and may need to be transferred to a container that is a few inches larger in diameter than the old one. Always use fresh potting soil and sterilised flower pots to prevent disease transmission. Commercial mixes work well for ficus trees.

Prune ficus trees with sharp scissors or pruning shears as they start to get too tall. Cut just above a leaf or where a leaf used to be and new growth will form from the node. Regular trimming will help maintain a full bushy shaped tree. Pruning can be done at any time, but the tree will recover faster while it is actively growing in the spring and summer.

Tips and warnings:
Plant tall trees in heavy pots such as terracotta or ceramic so they do not fall over easily.
Ficus trees do not like to be moved and may respond to any changes in temperature, light or watering schedule by dropping all of their leaves. Under healthy growing conditions, the leaves should grow back in a few weeks.
Ficus roots do not like to be water logged and will rot if the soil remains too wet.
Avoid touching the white sap that leaks from wounds on the leaves and branches. It can be a skin irritant for some people.
[Source: http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_7854336_care-variegated-ficus-trees.html ]

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Reminders for this plant