Black Rubber Plant

Key Characteristics

• Distinctive Foliage: The most notable feature of the rubber plant is its large, thick, and leathery leaves. In the most common variety, the leaves are a deep, glossy green, but cultivars exist with variegated foliage, featuring splashes of creamy yellow, pink, or red. New leaves emerge from a vibrant red sheath, which adds a beautiful contrast.
• Aero-Roots: In its natural environment, the rubber plant is a strangler fig. It produces aerial roots that descend from its branches, wrapping around and eventually outcompeting host trees. While this behavior is not a concern for indoor plants, it highlights the plant’s robust growth potential.
• Growth Habit: As a houseplant, it typically grows as a single-stemmed, upright tree. With pruning, it can be encouraged to branch out, creating a bushier appearance.
• Toxicity: Like many plants in the Ficus genus, the rubber plant contains a milky sap that can cause skin irritation and is toxic if ingested. It should be kept out of reach of pets and small children.