Description

More commonly known as the Rubber Plant, the Ficus elastica abidjan will add style to any room. Native to India and Indonesia, the abidjan has large, waxy leaves that are a deep green on the top and a beige-y-green underneath. New leaves form as red spikes in the centre of the plant that open a lighter green than its older leaves, but which then darken over time. As this is a tree-like plant it will lose lower leaves over time.

The Ficus elastica abidjan loves…

• Bright indirect light, but copes well in lower light conditions - don’t place in direct sunlight as this will scorch its leaves

• Its soil to be moist but not wet - water when the top few cm of soil are feeling dry

• Normal house humidity but won’t mind the odd mist every now and again

• Being fed once a month during spring and summer

Toxic to pets or humans if ingested. Be careful also when cutting the plant due to the latex that can irritate your skin.

Tip

• If you can, use captured rainwater to water your plants. Some houseplants can be sensitive to the chlorine found in tap water.

• The Ficus elastica robusta will shed leaves in the dry season naturally - watering the plant consistently will help to prevent this in your home.