A rubber plant with exceptionally dark foliage, the large glossy oval leaves coloured deep burgundy red over dark green, on a bold upright stem.
Ficus elastica 'Abidjan' is the richest-coloured of the rubber plants, noticeably deeper than the standard green forms. Each new leaf unfurls from a red sheath at the tip and darkens as it matures, and the prominent midrib picks out the shape. At this size it is a well-established specimen that makes an immediate impression in a living room, hallway or office, and it was one of the plants in the NASA clean air study.
Give it bright, filtered or indirect light; it will put up with a duller spot, but growth slows and the deepest leaf colour comes in good light. Keep it out of harsh direct sun. Let the top few centimetres of compost dry out between waterings, water less in autumn and winter, and never let the pot sit in water. Normal room temperatures suit it, away from cold draughts and radiators. Feed once a month in spring and summer, and wipe the big leaves with a damp cloth now and then, because dust stops them working. Ficus dislikes being moved, so choose its spot and leave it there.
Supplied as one large, established plant with a 5 litre root ball, ready to pot into a decorative container of your choice. The milky sap is a skin irritant and the plant is harmful if eaten, so keep it away from children, cats and dogs.
Cultural Information
Common Name: Abidjan rubber plant, rubber fig
Fully Grown Height and Spread: Up to 1.8 to 3m x 60 to 90cm indoors over time
Growth Habit: Upright and tree-like
Perfect For: Living rooms, hallways, home offices and bright indoor spaces
Foliage: Large, oval, glossy leaves in deep burgundy red and dark green
Flowering Time: Grown for foliage; does not flower indoors
Planting Position: Bright to medium indirect light indoors
Soil Type: Free-draining, peat-free houseplant compost
Hardiness: Tender, indoor only; keep above 10C
Maintenance: Moderate; keep it in one place and water evenly
Seasonal Interest: Evergreen foliage
Type: Evergreen foliage houseplant
