The Burgundy Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica 'Burgundy') is an easy starter plant with glossy leaves that open burgundy red and darken to deep green. It grows to about 8 ft indoors and does best in bright to moderate indirect light.
In general these plants leave our nursery when they are 16" to 28" tall (depending on the size). They are living plants and actual size may vary depending on the current crop.
Ficus Burgundy Rubber Tree Plant Care Guide & Insights
Best in bright, indirect light. It tolerates lower light, but the leaves grow greener and slower.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Prefers humidity. Spritz occasionally.
Keep this plant out of cold drafts near open windows or doors.
Hardy outdoors in USDA zones 10 to 11. On a patio, keep it in bright shade out of afternoon sun to prevent leaf burn.
Apply a fertilizer high in phosphorus for root development. As the leaves multiply and the plant matures, switch to a formula high in nitrogen. Apply the nutrients monthly while watering. Refrain from fertilizing during the winter to let the plant rest.
Wait 6 to 12 months before repotting, or until roots grow through the drainage holes. In spring, move it to a pot about 2 inches wider with a well-draining indoor mix and perlite. Water the day before, loosen the root ball, trim any dead roots, and set the plant 1 inch below the rim.
Wipe each leaf from base to tip with a soft, damp cloth, and clear dead leaves off the soil. Wear gloves when pruning, since the milky sap can irritate skin. To make it bushier, cut just above a leaf node; it will branch below the cut. Remove no more than a third of the plant at once, and use the pruned stems for propagation.
Take a cutting between two nodes with several leaves, remove the bottom leaves, and dip the end in rooting hormone. Plant it 1 to 2 inches deep in damp, well-draining mix in a pot with drainage, cover it with a clear plastic bag, and keep it in bright, indirect light. Roots establish in about 6 to 8 weeks.
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Burgundy Rubber Tree: Overview
The Ficus Burgundy Rubber Tree (Ficus robusta 'Burgundy') is a spectacular houseplant with dramatic glossy leaves that turn from Burgundy red to dark green as they unfurl. Part of the Ficus genus of plants, the Rubber plant is a close relative of the famous Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, as well as a distant cousin of the fig tree.
This easy-care plant prefers warm temperatures from 65℉ to 78℉ and can grow outdoors in hardiness zones 10-11. The hardy Burgundy Rubber plant originates in India and Southeast Asia and can grow up to 40 ft. tall in its natural rainforest habitat. As an indoor plant, the Burgundy Rubber Tree can live for more than 10 years and can reach about 8 ft in height.
These plants grow best in indirect but bright sunlight and don’t need frequent watering. Many plants from the Ficus genus produce a milky sap that is mildly toxic to pets when ingested. Therefore, it is essential to keep your Burgundy Rubber Tree where your pets can’t nibble on its leaves.
The Burgundy Ficus is associated with prosperity, abundance, and stability, making it a wonderful symbolic gift for a family member or friend.
Rubber plants come in several colors, including the Ruby Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica 'Ruby') with pink, cream, and green leaves, and the cream-variegated Ficus Tineke.
Burgundy Rubber Plant Benefits
- Has powerful air-purifying properties that make it great for improving indoor air quality
- A lucky plant that symbolizes abundance and financial stability
- Reduces stress and boosts mood, improving overall well-being
- Aesthetically lovely black and red plant that can grow both indoors and outdoors
Burgundy Rubber Tree Alternative Names
- Ficus Burgundy
- India Rubber Tree
- Rubber Fig
- Ficus elastica robusta
Ficus Elastica Burgundy Care Guide
The Burgundy Rubber Tree is so low-maintenance that it’s considered the perfect plant for beginners. All the same, there are several things you need to know about Burgundy Rubber plant care to help it thrive:
Watering and Humidity
The Ficus Robusta ‘Burgundy’ doesn’t need frequent watering. Wait until the soil dries completely before watering again. Your Rubber Tree thrives in humid environments, so misting it occasionally will give it some extra humidity.
Light and Temperature
A tropical plant, the Burgundy Rubber Tree thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, although it can tolerate low light conditions if necessary. Just remember, the more light it gets, the brighter the burgundy color of its leaves. Keep your plant away from cold drafts.
Soil, and Fertilizing
Your Burgundy Rubber Tree plant needs well-draining soil that won’t get soggy and will allow the plant’s roots to breathe. Feed your Ficus elastica ‘Burgundy’ with a fertilizer rich in phosphorus for better root development or with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to encourage new leaves. Let the plant rest during winter, and refrain from feeding it.
Repotting and Propagation
Repot every two years, or sooner if roots grow through the drainage holes. Steps for repotting and propagation are in the care tabs above.
Pruning and Cleaning
Optimal Burgundy Ficus care includes pruning your plant to encourage bushier growth and cleaning its leathery leaves with a damp cloth to remove accumulated dust. Remember to wear gloves when pruning or repotting to protect your hands from the sap, which can cause skin irritation.
Common Issues
Some common problems with your Burgundy Ficus include yellowing leaves, which indicate overwatering, and crisp, browning leaves, which indicate underwatering or too much exposure to direct sunlight. Inspect your red rubber plant for pests, such as scale insects, aphids, and mealybugs.
Ficus Burgundy Rubber Tree: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants
The Burgundy Rubber Tree plant makes a striking statement in any interior. Its resilience and aesthetic charm make it a firm favorite among houseplants.
Best Locations & Uses
- Great focal point for a shaded patio in hardiness zones 10-11
- Associated with prosperity and abundance, it makes a wonderful housewarming gift
- Perfect for bright, spacious rooms since this beautiful large plant can reach considerable heights
- Ideal for beginners and people with busy schedules because of its low-maintenance needs
- Its air-purifying properties make it a great bedroom or office plant,
Companion Plants
Your Burgundy Rubber plant benefits from a location with sufficiently bright but indirect sun. Combine it with other plants to create your own mini jungle at home. Some great companion plants include:
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Known as a nearly indestructible houseplant, the ZZ Plant will add some tropical elegance to your interior with its feathery, frond-like leaves.
- Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree (Ficus lyrata): A close relative that wants the same bright, indirect light.
Alternative Plants
You may be concerned about the toxicity of Burgundy Rubber if you're a pet owner. Here are some pet-friendly plants you can get instead:
- Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar'): Pink, cream, and green leaves with purple undersides.
- Calathea Medallion (Goeppertia veitchiana 'Medallion'): Round, patterned, pet-safe leaves that like humid rooms.
- Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia): The cute and low-maintenance Baby Rubber Plant sports shiny, vivid green leaves that are bound to create a lush and joyful atmosphere.
Get Ficus Elastica Burgundy Rubber Tree From Lively Root
Invite elegance and mystery into your living space with the stunningly colored Burgundy Rubber Tree!
