Ficus Elastica - Burgundy Rubber Tree

Burgundy Rubber Tree: Overview

The Ficus Burgundy Rubber Tree (Ficus robusta 'Burgundy') is a spectacular houseplant with dramatic glossy leaves that turn from Burgundy red to dark green as they unfurl. Part of the Ficus genus of plants, the Rubber plant is a close relative of the famous Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, as well as a distant cousin of the fig tree.

This easy-care plant prefers warm temperatures from 65℉ to 78℉ and can grow outdoors in hardiness zones 10-11. The hardy Burgundy Rubber plant originates in India and Southeast Asia and can grow up to 40 ft. tall in its natural rainforest habitat. As an indoor plant, the Burgundy Rubber Tree can live for more than 10 years and can reach 10 ft. in height. 

These plants grow best in indirect but bright sunlight and don’t need frequent watering. Many plants from the Ficus genus produce a milky sap that is mildly toxic to pets when ingested. Therefore, it is essential to keep your Burgundy Rubber Tree where your pets can’t nibble on its leaves.

The Burgundy Ficus is associated with prosperity, abundance, and stability, making it a wonderful symbolic gift for a family member or friend.

Rubber plants are very versatile and include the upright Ficus Yellow Gem Column (Ficus altissima 'Yellow Gem'), as well as the Ruby Rubber Tree (Ficus robusta ‘Ruby’) with its delightful variegated leaves.

Burgundy Rubber Plant Benefits

• Has powerful air-purifying properties that make it great for improving indoor air quality
• A lucky plant that symbolizes abundance and financial stability
• Reduces stress and boosts mood, improving overall well-being
• Aesthetically lovely plant that can grow both indoors and outdoors

Burgundy Rubber Tree Alternative Names

• Ficus Burgundy
• India Rubber Tree
• Rubber Fig
• Ficus elastica robusta

Ficus Elastica Burgundy Care Guide

The Burgundy Rubber Tree is so low-maintenance that it’s considered the perfect plant for beginners. All the same, there are several things you need to know about Burgundy Rubber plant care to help it thrive:

Watering and Humidity

The Ficus Robusta ‘Burgundy’ doesn’t need frequent watering. Wait until the soil dries completely before watering again. Your Rubber Tree thrives in humid environments, so misting it occasionally will give it some extra humidity.

Light and Temperature

A tropical plant, the Burgundy Rubber Tree thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, although it can tolerate low light conditions if necessary. Just remember, the more light it gets, the brighter the burgundy color of its leaves. Keep your plant away from cold drafts.

Soil, and Fertilizing

Your Burgundy Rubber Tree plant needs well-draining soil that won’t get soggy and will allow the plant’s roots to breathe. Feed your Ficus elastica ‘Burgundy’ with a fertilizer rich in phosphorus for better root development or with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to encourage new leaves. Let the plant rest during winter, and refrain from feeding it.

Repotting and Propagation

You won’t need to repot your Burgundy Ficus immediately after bringing your new plant home. Transplant it every two years. Watch out for roots growing out of the drainage holes, as this is a sign that you need to repot your plant. Get a pot about 2 inches larger than the previous one and use a well-draining potting mix. You can easily propagate your Burgundy Rubber plant from stem cuttings and root them in soil. 

Pruning and Cleaning

Optimal Burgundy Ficus care includes pruning your plant to encourage bushier growth and cleaning its leathery leaves with a damp cloth to remove accumulated dust. Remember to wear gloves when pruning or repotting to protect your hands from the sap, which can cause skin irritation. 

Common Issues

Some common problems with your Burgundy Ficus include yellowing leaves, which indicate overwatering, and crisp, browning leaves, which indicate underwatering or too much exposure to direct sunlight. Inspect your red rubber plant for pests, such as scale insects, aphids, and mealybugs.

Ficus Burgundy Rubber Tree: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants

The Burgundy Rubber Tree plant makes a striking statement in any interior. Its resilience and aesthetic charm make it a firm favorite among houseplants.

Best Locations & Uses

• Great focal point for a shaded patio in hardiness zones 10-11
•  Associated with prosperity and abundance, it makes a wonderful housewarming gift 
• Perfect for bright, spacious rooms since this beautiful large plant can reach considerable heights
• Ideal for beginners and people with busy schedules because of its low-maintenance needs
• Its air-purifying properties make it a great bedroom or office plant,

Companion Plants

Your Burgundy Rubber plant benefits from a location with sufficiently bright but indirect sun. Combine it with other plants to create your own mini jungle at home. Some great companion plants include:

• ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Known as a nearly indestructible houseplant, the ZZ Plant will add some tropical elegance to your interior with its feathery, frond-like leaves.
• Black Diamond Snake Plant (Dracaena cylindrica (FKA Sansevieria)): The resilient Black Diamond Snake Plant has striking dark green, sword-like leaves that will bring out your Burgundy Rubber Plant’s colors. 
• Dieffenbachia Tropic Snow (Dieffenbachia seguine): The Dieffenbachia Tropic Snow is a stunning tropical beauty with broad variegated leaves ranging from bright green to white.

Alternative Plants

You may be concerned about the toxicity of Burgundy Rubber if you're a pet owner. Here are some pet-friendly plants you can get instead:

• Stromanthe Sanguinea (Stromanthe sanguinea): The Stromanthe Sanguinea is pet-friendly and absolutely unique with leaves changing color from purple to vivid green. 
• Peperomia Santorini (Peperomia 'Santorini'): Peperomia Santorini is a beautiful, easy-care and pet-safe plant; its leaves are red on the underside and silvery green on top. 
• Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia): The cute and low-maintenance Baby Rubber Plant sports shiny, vivid green leaves that are bound to create a lush and joyful atmosphere.

Get Ficus Elastica Burgundy Rubber Tree From Lively Root 

Invite elegance and mystery into your living space with the stunningly colored Burgundy Rubber Tree!