July 17th, 2021

🌿Hey plant friends! 🌿

This week we are talking about Ficus elastica ‘Ruby’, commonly known as the rubber tree. These plants belong to the Moraceae (Mulberry) family and are native to eastern parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia. Plants in this family contain a milky latex sap and generally feature unusual fruits formed by the fusion of multiple flowers. You’ve probably seen Miss. Ruby’s relatives including Tineke and Burgundy. This plant is known for easy care and gorgeous pink, white, and green leaf variegation which intensifies with more light.

Ficus Ruby loves bright, filtered light and can handle some direct sun. Morning or Eastern sun is best with filtered light throughout the day. Plant in a well-draining potting soil amended with perlite to increase drainage and aeration. Ficus Ruby appreciate even watering as they don’t like to completely dry out, but also don’t like to sit in overly moist soil. Water once the top 3-4 inches of soil are dry to touch. Cut back on watering during the winter months. Avoid getting water on the leaves, this can cause burning and brown spots. Also, rotate your plant periodically can encourage even growth.

We currently carry Ficus Ruby in 4, 6, and 10 inch pots in the greenhouse. If you have any further questions feel free to reach out to us by phone, Instagram, or email us at hello@tonkadale.com.

Happy planting!