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Burgundy Rubber Tree

4.8 out of 5 (10 experiences)

Large, lush leaves

Survivor

About Burgundy Rubber Tree

Ficus elastica, more commonly known as the rubber tree, has a white, milky latex that is a source of natural rubber. They’ve also been shown to have excellent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The aerial roots of the rubber tree have been used to create incredible living bridges in India. The bridges get stronger over time as the roots slowly fuse together, and some are over a hundred years old! 🌉

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Ficus elastica 'Burgundy'

Genus

Ficus

Family

Moraceae

Order

Rosales

Also known as

Burgundy Rubber Plant

How to care for Burgundy Rubber Tree

💦 Water

How often to water your Burgundy Rubber Tree

Burgundy Rubber Tree needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Burgundy Rubber Tree in your home

Burgundy Rubber Tree love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Burgundy Rubber Tree does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Burgundy Rubber Tree in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Burgundy Rubber Tree

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Burgundy Rubber Tree: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Burgundy Rubber Tree after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #Ficus

💡 FAQs

💦 Water Needs

Burgundy Rubber Tree prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Burgundy Rubber Tree Water Frequency →

Burgundy Rubber Tree Root Rot →

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Burgundy Rubber Tree requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Burgundy Rubber Tree Light Requirements →

Burgundy Rubber Tree Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Burgundy Rubber Tree is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.

💨 Humidity

Burgundy Rubber Tree prefers dry environments. Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.

Burgundy Rubber Tree Humidity Needs →

🪴 Soil

Burgundy Rubber Tree does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Burgundy Rubber Tree →

Best Pots for Burgundy Rubber Tree →

When and How to Successfully Repot Burgundy Rubber Tree →

What Are Healthy Burgundy Rubber Tree Roots →

💩 Fertilizer

Burgundy Rubber Tree should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize Burgundy Rubber Tree →

❄️ Dormancy

It’s common for Burgundy Rubber Tree to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.

🌎 Native Region

Burgundy Rubber Tree is native to worldwide Tropics.

🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Burgundy Rubber Tree can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10a-12b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

Burgundy Rubber Tree Temperature Tolerance →

Burgundy Rubber Tree Hardiness Zones →

Landscaping Ideas with Burgundy Rubber Tree →

When to Plant Burgundy Rubber Tree →

How to Plant Burgundy Rubber Tree →

Where to Plant Burgundy Rubber Tree →

Winter Care for Burgundy Rubber Tree →

Best Companion Plants for Burgundy Rubber Tree →

Is Burgundy Rubber Tree a Weed? →

🍂 Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.

Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Burgundy Rubber Tree, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.

Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.

Common Bugs Affecting Burgundy Rubber Tree →

What Eats Burgundy Rubber Tree? →

Care Summary for Burgundy Rubber Tree

Burgundy Rubber Tree

Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say

Large, lush leaves 6

Survivor 5

Fast grower 5

@@keetnasmith

71 Plants

12,173 XP

Reno, NV

09/23/2021

Very good beginner plant, doesn’t care about humidity which is nice! I’ve never had it turn brown or crispy or anything! The leaves will curl if it is under watered, but that is it. Great plant for everyone (:

Large, lush leaves

Survivor

Burgundy Rubber Tree plant photo by @keetnasmith named Dhalia on Greg, the plant care app.

@@PearlyBird

6 Plants

552 XP

Rochester, NY

09/16/2021

Gorgeous plant, easy to care for

Large, lush leaves

Burgundy Rubber Tree plant photo by @PearlyBird named Théoden on Greg, the plant care app.

@@shaeshae

4 Plants

1,437 XP

05/02/2021

Will show signs of stress if not given enough light! Make sure to place in an area with access to bright (indirect to keep burgundy color) light! 🌱

Fast grower

Large, lush leaves

Survivor

Burgundy Rubber Tree plant photo by @shaeshae named Magypus on Greg, the plant care app.

@@GatherandGrow

184 Plants

176,875 XP

Lincoln, NE

04/06/2021

This little rubber plant was shipped to me during some unexpected below freezing temps this past winter! I thought she was a goner but I did
The best I could and gave her chance. She has survived and thrived and has tripled in size since she arrived!
I am obsessed with rubber plants and would highly recommend a burgundy rubber tree to anyone who wants a lovely, hearty little plant!

Fast grower

Survivor