Ficus 'Burgundy' Rubber Plant
Best statement plant for beginners seeking low-maintenance air purification.
Elevate your indoor space with this striking rubber plant variety. It boasts deep burgundy, glossy leaves, making it a dramatic statement piece for any home. This resilient and low-maintenance option is suitable for both experienced plant enthusiasts and beginners. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it's a natural air purifier, known for filtering toxins from the air. Its care involves bright, indirect light, consistent watering during warmer months, and high humidity, making it a rewarding addition to your plant collection.
$69.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
3333
/ 10323
#3333 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
+37%
Above average
Botanical Name
Ficus elastica
/ Ficus elastica
Who it's for
- Interior designers seeking a bold, sophisticated focal point
- Busy professionals needing a forgiving, low-maintenance houseplant
- Plant collectors wanting a dramatic, tree-like vertical statement
Who should skip it
- Pet owners and parents of curious small children
- Residents living in apartments with limited natural light
- Caregivers unable to provide a stable, consistent environment
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Deep, glossy foliage creates an immediate, sophisticated focal point in any room.
Ease of Care
Resilient nature makes this an ideal choice for beginners and busy owners.
Air Purification
Efficiently filters common household toxins while adding natural beauty to your space.
Growth Habit
Upright, bushy structure maintains a tidy silhouette without constant pruning.
Pet Safety
Contains toxins that pose significant risks to curious cats and dogs.
Pest Resistance
Generally hardy, though susceptible to common pests like mites and scales.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Ficus elastica
Common Name
'Burgundy' Rubber Plant
Family
Moraceae
Native Range
Eastern parts of South Asia and southeast Asia
Pot Size
8" Nursery Pot
Pot Diameter
8 inches
Temperature Range
50-75F
Toxicity
Toxic to humans and pets
Know before you buy
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate lower light levels, bright light is essential to maintain the deep, dark burgundy pigmentation of its leaves.
No, this plant is toxic if ingested. It contains a milky sap that can cause irritation, so it is best kept in a location that is inaccessible to curious pets and small children.
Water when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. During the warmer growing months, keep the soil consistently moist, but be sure to reduce watering frequency during the winter when growth slows down.
Keep an eye out for small webs, sticky residue, or tiny bumps on the undersides of leaves, which can indicate mites, mealy bugs, or scales. Regularly wiping the leaves with a damp cloth helps keep the plant clean and allows you to spot any potential issues early.
While it is quite resilient, the Burgundy Rubber Plant appreciates higher humidity levels. If your home is particularly dry, you can improve its environment by grouping it with other plants or using a humidifier.
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