Rubber tree plants are popular and attractive houseplants known for their lush glossy leaves. With proper care these tropical plants can grow quite large and live for many years, making them ideal long-term houseplants.
There are over 1000 species of rubber trees in the genus Ficus, but Ficus elastica is the most common species grown as a houseplant This species is native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and has multiple cultivars with unique leaf colors and patterns.
Below is a visual guide to the different types of rubber tree plants with pictures to help you identify them.
Common Green Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)
The most common rubber tree variety has broad, oval-shaped, dark green leaves. It has a dense, full appearance and can grow quite tall, up to 100 feet in its native jungle habitat. But when grown as a houseplant, it typically reaches 6-10 feet indoors.
![green rubber tree plant][]
Photo Credit: The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Burgundy Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica ‘Burgundy’)
This rubber tree variety has very dark burgundy-colored leaves. The leaves are a deep green color with a dark reddish tint. New leaves may appear more red. The burgundy color is most prominent when the plant receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight.![burgundy rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: jonathanfilskov-photography / Getty Images
Variegated Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica ‘Tricolor’)
This stunning rubber tree variety has leaves with shades of cream, pink, and green. The striking variegated leaves make this plant a beautiful accent piece. The new leaves emerge with pink tones. Ficus elastica ‘Tricolor’ grows to around 6 feet tall.![tricolor rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: The Spruce / Cara Cormack
Tineke Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica ‘Tineke’)
‘Tineke’ is prized for its unique variegated leaves in hues of dark green, gray-green, and creamy white. The striking color patterns make this variety a true statement plant. The leaves can range from solid colors to almost pure white depending on light exposure.![tineke rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala
Ruby Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica ‘Ruby’)
‘Ruby’ has vibrant reddish-pink new growth that matures to dark green. The pink tones are most prominent on immature leaves near the top of the plant. The striking coloration makes ‘Ruby’ a unique houseplant. It can reach 6 feet tall at maturity.![ruby rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: Cultivar413 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Decora Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica ‘Decora’)
Unlike many other rubber tree varieties, ‘Decora’ has very thick, rubbery leaves that can grow quite large. The leaves emerge with a red tint then mature to a deep green. ‘Decora’ makes a bold statement with its substantial leaves and imposing stature.![decora rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: iStock / feihanju
Melany Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica ‘Melany’)
Unlike the upright, tree-like structure of most rubber trees, ‘Melany’ has a bushy habit with multiple stems sprouting from the base. The leaves are on the smaller side and tinted bronze. ‘Melany’ is a dwarf rubber tree variety that reaches just 3 to 6 feet tall.![melany rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: TYNZA / Getty Images
Doescheri Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica ‘Doescheri’)
‘Doescheri’ is an eye-catching rubber tree with elegant leaves marked by irregular gray-green splotches and veining against a light green background. The pink stems provide an additional pop of color.![doescheri rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
Abidjan Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica ‘Abidjan’)
This rubber tree variety has very dark black-green foliage reminiscent of the burgundy variety but without the red undertones. ‘Abidjan’ is sometimes called black princess or black knight. The glossy, leathery leaves have bold reddish veins.![abidjan rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: iStock / feihanju
Ficus Audrey (Ficus benghalensis ‘Audrey’)
While not technically a rubber tree, Ficus audrey is a close relative in the Ficus genus. It has broader leaves than most rubber trees. The large, shiny foliage adds tropical flair indoors. With bright light, the leaves develop thin white stripes between the veins.![audrey ficus][]
Photo Credit: chandlerphoto / Getty Images
Growing Tips
- Place rubber trees in bright, indirect sunlight to encourage lush growth. Some direct morning sun is tolerated.
- Use a well-draining potting mix and water when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering.
- Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
- Prune to control size and shape. Rubber trees can be trimmed back frequently.
- Average room temperatures between 60-80°F are ideal. Maintain moderate humidity.
With their glossy leaves and tropical vibes, rubber trees make excellent houseplants. This visual guide covers some of the most popular rubber tree varieties to help you pick the perfect one for your home. Follow the care
33 Rubber Plant Varieties 2023 with Names and Description
FAQ
Do rubber plants like full sun or shade?
What is the difference between a rubber plant and a rubber tree?
Where is the best place to put a rubber plant?
What is the lifespan of a rubber tree?
Are there different types of rubber trees?
There are actually many types of rubber trees you can grow right at home. Rubber trees come in many colors and sizes. Rubber trees are low-maintenance and easy for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. Rubber plants have beautiful waxy-looking leaves; some even have variegation. Finally, rubber plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight.
How many rubber tree stock photos are there?
Browse 2,845 authentic rubber tree stock photos, high-res images, and pictures, or explore additional rubber tree plant or rubber tree plantation stock images to find the right photo at the right size and resolution for your project. Ficus elastic plant rubber tree in white ceramic flower pots. Ficus elastic plant rubber tree on gray background.
What does A variegata rubber tree look like?
Variegata Rubber Tree or Variegated Rubber Plant has broad-ovate, green leaves with bright, creamy yellow margins and red midribs. This low-maintenance plant is the ideal fit for well-lit entryways, empty room corners, and mixed plant groupings.
What is a rubber tree?
Rubber Tree or Ficus elastic is a common plant in Southeast Asian countries and tropical regions across the world. This tree earns its distinctive name from the sap in its trunk that is used to make natural rubber. Most varieties of the Rubber Tree are clocked in shiny, rubbery, large, rich green leaves.
What is a rubber plant?
The Rubber Plant, or Ficus elastica, has been a staple in many houseplant collections due to its ease of care, availability, and variety of beautiful cultivars that are now on the market. Gone are the days of just plain green rubber plants. There are now many stunning cultivars available, including a few striking variegated varieties.
How tall can a rubber tree grow?
This tropical plant can grow up to 100 feet tall in its natural habitat or over six feet tall indoors in just a few years with proper care. Because it requires warm temperatures year-round, rubber tree is a great candidate for indoor growing in temperate climates.