Rubber Plant (Ficus robusta) (formerly known as Ficus elastica)
Main Benefits:
Bred for toughness; can tolerate low-light conditions better than other plants its size.
Easy to grow. Effective at removing formaldehyde — of all the ficus plants tested to date, the rubber plant is the best for removing chemicals from indoor air. The Ficus will reach a height of 8 feet with a spread of 5 feet.
Care:
Semi-sun to semi-shade. Do not place in direct sunlight, especially in the summer.
Does not tolerate over-watering.
Young plants may need a support stake. Wear gloves when pruning, as the milky sap may irritate your delicate skin.
Water thoroughly and regularly when in active growth (in the summer months until fall), then allow the soil to dry slightly before watering again. In winter, keep the soil slightly moist, but water sparingly.
Grows well in soil or hydroculture.
