Sometimes when a plant is so popular you seem to forget about its’ older brothers and sisters, the ones that have been around longer and proven their worth time and time again, but because their baby brother is the ‘new kid on the block’ they get forgetten!
This is exactly what happen to the Ficus elastica, the older brother to Ficus Fiddleleaf!
Ficus elastica, is in my eyes, a brilliant indoor plant and nowhere near as temperamental as the fiddle leaf. It’s one that was already showing its worth when house plants were cool in the 70’s.
Like all ficus, these bad boys are grown to make a statement and the huge, glossy leaves make this plant look fake, or too perfect.
Like the fiddle leaf, they can grow large and impressive in a pot and unless you have acreage, never plant them in a garden.
The ficus is impressive for many reasons. Firstly, the leaves are so big and glossy and although this may highlight the dust sitting on them, they’re still stunning to look at.
Secondly, I love the way the lead unfurls and interestingly, the leaves develop inside a sheath or meristem. I have found it is usually a brighter colour, than the existing leaf and grows larger as the new leaf develops. When the leaf is finally mature, it unfolds and that sheath drops off the plant.
Thirdly, they look impressive even as a small, young plant. It’s the type of plant you know will grow bigger and older and do great things.
Fourthly, it comes in a range of colours that suit any household. Currently, we have Burgundy and Ruby. Burgundy has such a deep red leaf it almost black and Ruby is a mix of pinks, whites and greens.
Ficus elastica is quite an easy plant to care for and can grow well in low light, or well lit situations. The worst you can do is give it too much water. Also, sudden changes in temperature can make them cranky, but they don’t take long to bounce back.
As this is quite a large growing tree, once it reaches your desired height, it’s a good idea to start trimming, otherwise you’ll end up living in a tree house! I find trimming the side branches off helps keep it neat and dense.
These guys also love a good quality potting mix and a fertilise with a complete, organic slow release fertiliser about every three months and I liquid fertilise once a fortnight. To keep the leaves shiny, I tend to use a Petroleum Oil based product. I spray the leaves and then wipe it off with a cloth. Spider mites and scale can also be a problem, but the Petroleum Oil based insecticides, or neem oil work really well in combatting this.
I am really in love with the ficus at the moment and can’t wait to get some more going at home.