Description
🌿 Rubber Plant (Black) – Detailed Description
🔍 Overview
The Black Rubber Plant, a cultivar of Ficus elastica, is a bold and elegant houseplant admired for its thick, glossy, dark burgundy to nearly black leaves. It brings a dramatic, modern look to any space and is relatively easy to care for.
🌱 Botanical Information
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Scientific Name: Ficus elastica ‘Black Prince’ or ‘Burgundy’
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Common Names: Black Rubber Plant, Burgundy Rubber Plant, Indian Rubber Tree
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Family: Moraceae (fig family)
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Native To: Southeast Asia (India, Nepal, Indonesia)
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Type: Evergreen tropical tree, commonly grown as an indoor ornamental
🍃 Plant Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Thick, leathery, and deep green to black-purple with a glossy finish. New leaves emerge with a red sheath that drops as the leaf unfurls. |
| Growth Habit | Upright with a central woody stem; can grow 6–10 feet indoors if not pruned. |
| Flowers | Rarely flowers indoors; this plant is grown primarily for its foliage. |
🌞 Care Requirements
| Need | Details |
|---|---|
| Light | Prefers bright, indirect light. Can tolerate lower light, but growth slows and color may fade. Avoid harsh direct sunlight. |
| Watering | Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry. Avoid overwatering—this plant is sensitive to root rot. |
| Humidity | Prefers moderate humidity. Can adapt to typical indoor levels but benefits from occasional misting. |
| Temperature | Thrives in 18–29°C (65–85°F). Protect from cold drafts and temps below 12°C (54°F). |
| Soil | Use a well-draining potting mix—ideally a peat-based mix with perlite or sand. |
| Fertilizer | Feed once a month in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. No feeding in winter. |
✂️ Maintenance & Tips
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Pruning: Trim to maintain size and encourage bushier growth.
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Cleaning: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to keep them shiny and dust-free.
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Repotting: Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the pot.
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Toxicity: Sap is toxic to pets and humans if ingested and can cause skin irritation.
🌟 Why Choose a Black Rubber Plant?
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Striking dark foliage adds depth and contrast to plant displays.
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Air-purifying qualities help remove indoor toxins.
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Easy-care plant suitable for beginners.
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Makes a bold statement in modern or minimalist interiors.
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