Hi there. I was wondering if you could tell me what this plant is? I was told it was some kind of a ficus but I have been unable to find anything like it online. I need care tips for it as I reported it a few days ago and the leaves are starting to droop. The leaves are light and variegated on top and a deep dark burgundy underneath. They are a bit curly and the largest ones are 2.5-3″ long and 1-1.5″ wide. Thank you!
Hi Frances,
Rubber Tree Ficus Elastica Variegata
Your plant is a variegated Rubber Tree, Ficus elastica variegata. Leaves usually fall off of a Rubber Tree when it is being over-watered. Here are some tips on how to care for a Rubber Tree.
Light
Rubber Tree houdeplants do best in medium to bright indirect light. The solid green and dark burgundy varieties of the Rubber Tree Plant can adapt to less light, but the stems may be weak and the leaves small.
Water
Rubber Tree houseplants are a little difficult to water. Always allow the top 25-30% of the soil of a Rubber Tree Plant to dry out before watering. Keep the soil even drier when your Rubber tree Plant is in lower light or the room temperature is cooler. The leaves of Rubber Tree housePlants turn yellow from under-water and over-water. Perfectly fine green, burgundy, or variegated leaves may fall off from over- water.
Fertilizer
Rubber Tree houseplants do not need much fertilizer. Feed a Rubber tree plant every other month when it is actively growing.
Temperature
Rubber Tree houseplants do well in warm temperatures between 70-80 degrees with a night time temperature around 65 degrees. Keep a Rubber Tree Plant away from cold drafts, air conditioners, heaters, and fireplaces.
Humidity
Basic household humidity is fine for Rubber Tree houseplants.
You can read more about Rubber Tree plant care in the Popular HousePlant section of the website. The picture is of a different variety of Rubber Tree but the care is the same.
