Ficus Elastica Burgundy is also known as Burgundy Rubber Plant and is native to South America and India’s rainforests. It is an eye-catching indoor plant with glossy foliage, burgundy tint, and a red midrib. Due to their origin, they can quickly adjust to indoor temperatures.
Ficus Elastica blossoms into large leaves ranging from 1ft to 8 ft tall in an indoor setting. Whereas, in an outdoor environment and frost-free climate, the plant can reach 40 feet tall. It belongs to the family of Moraceae, with over 1100 species. The different varieties and colors of Rubber Plants can complement any household theme.
If you’re looking to grow your own, learn the practices required to have a luscious plant in your house to impress the guests!
Soil Mix and Fertilizer
A well-drained and well-aerated soil mixture is essential to cultivating Burgundy Rubber Plants. One-part peat, one-part perlite, and one-part pine bark are required for your plant to keep growing happily.
This plant requires a liquid fertilizer every two weeks during its growing phase; summer and spring. During winters, fertilizer is not necessary since the plant’s growth has slowed down naturally.
Watering
Once the soil is dry to the touch, it is time to water your plant. However, make sure that you don’t water the plant more than is required. Growing the plant in a pot made of Terracotta material helps to eliminate excess moisture. It is also recommended to have drainage holes and a saucer underneath the pot to easily remove the water.
Lighting
Burgundy Rubber Tree grows finest when provided with consistent, bright, and indirect light. Placing it indoors at a sunny spot where sheer curtains filter the light is perfect for the plant. These plants can tolerate low light but tend to become leggy and fade in color. The more variegated varieties need more light to bring out the color; hence, the plant must get enough bright light.
Temperature and Humidity
These plants appreciate average indoor temperatures between 65 °F – 75 °F. However, during winters, they can survive in temperatures as lows as 50 °F. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes for the plant to thrive.
Since its origin is from the tropical region, it requires humid and moist air, but it can also survive in less humid temperatures.
Pruning
Pruning the plant is crucial to control and promote new growth. Pruning is necessary when you notice dead or wilted leaves. This can be done during any season, but it’s best to prune during spring. While pruning, you can also trim and shape the plant as per your liking, but it’s advisable not to trim from the top.
Repotting
Repotting your Burgundy Rubber Plant every few years allows it to grow. Using large pots for repotting is not suitable for their growth. Therefore, it is recommended to use a container that is an inch bigger in diameter than the previous one.
Pest and Diseases
There are a few pests and diseases that you can find in your plant.
Aphids and Scales: These insects are attracted to the sap of the plant. Scales can be removed using a cotton ball dipped in alcohol. Whereas, Aphids can be removed using a spray of water and dish soap.
Spider mites: The sign of this is when a spider web is formed on the leaves. Remove this web from the plants and spray with insecticide.
Common Issues
Dust: Dust can easily accumulate on the plants; therefore, it’s a good idea to wash the leaves with a damp cloth
Root Rot and Loss of leaves: This can occur due to over-watering the plant. Hence, it is best to water when the soil feels dry to the touch. When root rotting is observed, immediately cut away the infected area to avoid it from spreading to the whole plant.
Yellow Leaf Edges: This could be due to poor soil mix, over-watering, or underfeeding. The solution for this is through the process of elimination only.
Final Thoughts
These beautiful indoor trees are well suited on a windowsill and add a spectacular look to the lounge if placed as a centerpiece. Once the plant starts to spread, it can also be placed to fill one of the corners in your sitting area or use as a space divider in your patio/garden. One of the studies by NASA also shows that they help purify the air in the house.
