Rubber Tree-burgandy

Ficus elastica, commonly called rubber tree, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia known for its large, thick, glossy leaves that range from deep green to burgundy or variegated forms. What makes this plant special is its bold, upright growth and oversized foliage that creates a strong, clean, architectural statement as it matures into a tall indoor tree.

Light drives leaf size, spacing, and overall structure. Place it in an east or south-facing window where it gets bright, consistent light with some gentle direct sun. Under grow lights, use 5000K–6500K placed 8–12 inches from the top of the plant. In lower light, new leaves come in smaller and the plant will stretch with more space between nodes. Strong, even light keeps leaves larger, thicker, and more tightly stacked along the stem.

Watering should be steady but not frequent. Allow the soil to dry about halfway down before watering, then water thoroughly and let it drain, using a mix of succulent soil, perlite, and orchid bark for airflow. This plant signals clearly—slight leaf droop with firmness means it’s ready for water. Lower leaves yellowing one at a time can be normal, but multiple leaves yellowing while the soil is wet means the roots are staying too saturated. Brown spots in the middle of leaves often point to overwatering, while leaf drop after changes usually comes from environment shifts, not just watering.