Houseplantdex
India Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)

India Rubber Tree

Ficus elastica Roxb. · Moraceae

Toxic to pets Also known as Indian Rubber Tree, Rubber Fig, rubber plant

Pet safety

Toxic to pets. Toxic to cats. Toxic to dogs. Toxic to horses.

Clinical signs: Decreased appetite, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation from sap contact.

Source: Pet Poison Helpline .

Care

  • LightMedium / part shade – Bright indirect
  • WaterLet the top inch dry
  • HumidityAverage household
  • Temperature16°C – 27°C · 61°F – 81°F
  • DifficultyEasy
  • SoilStandard potting mix
  • FertilizingMonthly, growing season

Size & habit

  • Mature height (indoor) 1.5–3 m
  • In the wild 3000 cm
  • Habit Upright
  • Growth rateModerate

Common problems

  • Scale
  • Spider mites
  • Root rot

Propagation

  • Stem cutting
  • Air layering

Sources

  • Taxonomy GBIF #7835333
  • Toxicity Pet Poison Helpline
  • Supporting sources
    • Pet Poison Helpline — Ficus (genus) — explicitly names Indian rubber plant / common rubber tree: Toxic to cats and dogs — irritating sap
    • ASPCA — Ficus benjamina (sibling species): Toxic to dogs, cats, horses — ficin and psoralens
    • MSD Veterinary Manual — Ficus spp.: Furocoumarins, psoralens, ficin
  • Care references Cross-checked — see methodology.