Fauna
Plant

Rubber Plant

Ficus elastica

Also known as Rubber Fig, Indian Rubber Bush, Indian Rubber Tree, Rambung

Rubber plants emerge in native Asian rainforests as towering canopy trees that produce massive aerial buttress roots to anchor in poor soils. Thick, glossy oval leaves emerge encased in striking pinkish-red sheaths before unfolding into deep green foliage. While widely cherished globally as structural houseplants, wild specimens drop aerial roots that fuse together to form living root bridges across river valleys in northeastern India.

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Rubber Plant reference1 / 7
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—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Scale insects
  • Mealybugs
  • Spider mites
ThreatsHabitat loss in wild, overwatering in cultivation
HabitatsTropical rainforests, urban gardens, indoor spaces
Life span50–100+ years in nature; 10–20+ years indoors
Classification
  1. OrderRosales
  2. FamilyMoraceae
  3. GenusFicus
  4. SpeciesFicus elastica
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Milky sap irritates skin and is toxic to pets if ingested; wear gloves when pruning.
Why it is dangerous
Contains ficin enzymes and latex compounds that cause gastrointestinal upset if eaten and skin inflammation upon contact.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognizable by glossy leather-like leaves that bleed a sticky milky white sap when snapped or cut.
What to do
Wear protective gloves when pruning stem tissue and position indoor pots away from curious pets.
Responsible observation
  • Lighting: Place in bright, indirect light to encourage healthy leaf retention and rich foliage color.
  • Watering: Let the top layer of soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
  • Care: Wipe dust from leaves with a damp cloth to keep stomata clean for proper transpiration.
Related species
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