Indian Rubberplant
Ficus elastica
- Native to:
- Bangladesh, China, Guam, Jawa, Laos, Malaya, Myanmar, Nepal, Palau, Sumatera, Thailand, Vietnam
ZSM
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Moraceae
- Genus:
- Ficus
- Species:
- Ficus elastica
- USDA Symbol:
- FIEL
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 3000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Edwards' wasp moth (Lymire edwardsii)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers humid environments typical of tropical rainforests
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 15–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light and warmth for germination; typically propagated vegetatively via cuttings.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI