Free Ficus Elastica 'Robusta' Plants

A combination of bold foliage and great adaptability makes this Ficus an extremely popular indoor plant. In its natural habitat, it grows as a tree, and even indoors it can attain well over two metres (six feet) ifspace permits. The plant is susceptible to over-watering, which can lead to premature leaf loss and cause the remaining top leaves to droop. Cleaning and polishing of the foliage is quite a passion with some people, who seek to embellish the leaves with an artificial glossy lustre. This is quite unnecessary, and the leaves should be only gently cleaned to remove grime and dust. Occasionally, this species experiences difficulty in breaking out of dormancy, with the terminal shoot becoming hard and stunted. If this continues, remove the blind shoot to help promote the production ofside shoots.

Plant type : Foliage plant with bold erect habit
Season of interest : All year round
Size : 100-250cm (39—98in)
Flower : None
Leaf : 15-25cm (6—1 Oin) long, 10-15cm (4-6in) wide, oval, leathery, green
Temperature : 13-20°C (55—68°F)
Aspect/Light : Medium to full light with a little shade from direct sun
Humidity : Moderate
Watering : Evenly moisten compost in spring and summer, allowing to almost dry out before re-watering; water less in autumn and winter dormancy
Feeding : Once every two to three weeks with houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation : Plant 10-15cm (4—6in) tip cuttings, or 5-6cm (2-2|in) stem cuttings with leaf in seed and cutting compost from spring to mid summer at 27°C (80°F)
Potting : Houseplant potting compost
Problems : Aphid, red spider mite, mealy bug, scale insect, leaf loss from over-watering
Availability : Very common throughout year
Uses indoors : Specimen plant for use in most rooms on furniture or on floor; very adaptable
Other varieties : F. e. 'Black Prince' - dark green foliage, F. e. ‘Decora’ - more drooping leaves