Houseplants – Rubber Fig

Botanical name: ficus elastica ‘doescheri’

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: up to 13 ft tall and 5 ft in width

Hardy zone: zones 7-10

Foliage color: green/yellow/white/pink

Growth rate: grows up to 2 ft per year

Pruning instructions: remove dead or dying leaves as needed

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: great for shaded patios in containers

Light needs: 3-4 hours of sun per day

Special features: low maintenance and durable

Watering instructions: allow soil to completely dry between watering sessions

Fertilizing instructions : fertilize with a slow release water-soluble fertilizer in the spring/summer

Best time to plant: year-round

Best type of soil: organic potting soil

Companion plants: monstera, fiddle-leaf fig, bird of paradise

Toxicity level: potentially mildly toxic if ingested

Invasive species: no