Rubber Tree 'Ruby' | Ficus elastica 'Ruby', 8"

Rubber Tree ‘Ruby’s blush colour becomes amplified with consistent bright light.

Key Information and Plant Overview

• Other Common Names: Red Ruby
• Binomial Name: Ficus elastica ‘Ruby’
• Care Level: Easy to medium
• Light: Bright, indirect light with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight
• Water: Allow the top 2” of the soil to dry
• Pet Friendly: No

Looking for more color? Don’t have the time for a fussy plant? Let us introduce you to the newest rubber tree on the scene. Nearly identical to the ‘Tineke’, Ruby's blush color becomes amplified with consistent bright light, creating a spectacular show of pinky-reds and greens. 

PlantX Top Tip: Overwatering or lack of light will cause the tree to drop its leaves.

How to Care for Rubber Plant ‘Ruby’

• Light: Bright, indirect light. Can tolerate direct sun for about 4 hours.
• Water: Allow the top 2 inches of the soil to dry before watering. Keep a consistent watering routine - never let the plant completely dry out.
• Humidity: Average relative humidity of 25% to 49%
• Temperature: Average from 18°C to 24°C (65°F - 75°F)
• Fertilizer: Follow a monthly fertilizing schedule when the plant is actively growing. In most cases, this is in the spring and summer. Use a balanced fertilizer - this means a ratio of NPK that is all the same. Ex: 10-10-10.
• Soil: Use a well-draining, high organic matter soil mix.
• Propagation: Stem cuttings
• Repotting: Can be done every 12-18 months. Choose a pot that is 2” larger in diameter than the original pot.
• Cleaning Tip: Using a damp soft cloth wipe down the leaves to remove dust and other debris.
• Toxicity: Toxic. Always keep plants away from children and pets.

Rubber Plant ‘Ruby’ - Common Problems

My ficus is dropping leaves: Ensure you are following a consistent watering routine. Sometimes when a ficus plant is moved, it will go into shock causing it to lose leaves. Don’t worry as this is only temporary. If you find a spot with bright light, keep it there.

The leaves are drooping on my plant: This is a sign it needs water. Try not to let the plant get to this stage as it can result in edema which is essentially moisture stress. Keep a consistent watering routine.

The new leaves are growing but then immediately falling off: This can be many issues but you should ask yourself when was the last time you fertilized or repotted your plant in fresh soil? Sometimes when new leaves cannot become fully developed, it means there is a lack of nutrients or sunlight.

Signs of Overwatering: New growth becomes soft and brown and the leaves begin to drop.

Common Pests: Susceptible to thrips, fungus gnats, spider mites, and scale. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do rubber plants need direct sunlight?

The ficus is tolerant of direct sunlight for about 4 hours a day. If your plant is in direct sunlight, you’ll need to provide more water and watch for sunburn so keep that in mind.