There are actually many types of rubber trees you can grow right at home. Rubber trees come in many colors and sizes. Rubber trees are low-maintenance and easy for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. Rubber plants have beautiful waxy-looking leaves; some even have variegation. Finally, rubber plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight.
If youre curious about the different types of rubber plants or ficus Elastica, keep reading for great options worth growing at home.
Rubber tree plants, also known as Ficus elastica, are popular houseplants prized for their large, glossy leaves and easy care requirements With proper care, these tropical beauties can grow quite large and live for many years, making them ideal long-term houseplants.
There are over 1000 species of rubber trees in the Ficus genus, but Ficus elastica is the most common species grown indoors This plant is native to tropical Southeast Asia and has numerous cultivars with unique leaf colors and patterns.
In this article we’ll provide a visual guide to the different types of rubber tree plants along with pictures to help you identify them. We’ll also share some key facts care tips, and frequently asked questions about these stunning houseplants.
Common Green Rubber Tree
The most common rubber tree variety has broad, oval-shaped, dark green leaves. It has a full, dense appearance and can reach up to 100 feet tall in its native jungle habitat. When grown as a houseplant, it typically tops out around 6-10 feet indoors.
![Common green rubber tree plant][]
Photo Credit: The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
- Native to Southeast Asia
- Grows up to 100 feet tall outdoors
- Reaches 6-10 feet indoors
- Broad, oval-shaped green leaves
- Dense, full appearance
Burgundy Rubber Tree
The burgundy rubber tree variety has very dark burgundy-colored leaves. The foliage is a deep green with a dark reddish tint. New leaves may initially appear more red. The burgundy coloration is most prominent when the plant receives ample bright, indirect sunlight.
![Burgundy rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: jonathanfilskov-photography / Getty Images
- Dark burgundy leaves
- Foliage has deep green and dark reddish hues
- New leaves emerge reddish
- Burgundy color shows best in bright light
Variegated Rubber Tree
This eye-catching rubber tree variety has tricolored leaves in shades of cream, pink, and green. The striking variegated foliage makes this plant a beautiful accent piece. New leaves emerge with pink tones before maturing to their full color.
![Tricolor variegated rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: The Spruce / Cara Cormack
- Leaves variegated in cream, pink, and green
- New growth emerges pink
- Striking multicolored foliage
- Grows up to 6 feet tall
Tineke Rubber Tree
The ‘Tineke’ cultivar is prized for its unique variegated leaves in hues of dark green, gray-green, and creamy white. The striking color patterns make this variety a true statement plant. The leaves can range from solid colors to almost pure white depending on light exposure.
![Tineke rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala
- Variegated dark green, gray-green, and white leaves
- Foliage color varies based on light levels
- Beautiful, statement-making plant
- Can reach 13 feet tall
Ruby Rubber Tree
The ‘Ruby’ cultivar has vibrant reddish-pink new growth that matures to dark green. The pink tones are most prominent on young, immature leaves near the top. The eye-catching coloration makes ‘Ruby’ a uniquely beautiful houseplant. It grows up to 6 feet tall at maturity.
![Ruby rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: Cultivar413 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
- New leaves emerge reddish-pink
- Matures to dark green
- Most color on new, top growth
- Distinctive pink and green foliage
Decora Rubber Tree
Unlike other rubber trees, the ‘Decora’ cultivar has very thick, rubbery leaves that can grow quite large. The substantial leaves emerge with a red tint before maturing to a deep green hue. ‘Decora’ makes a bold statement with its large leaves and imposing stature.
![Decora rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: iStock / feihanju
- Thick, rubbery, substantial leaves
- Foliage emerges with red tint
- Matures to deep green
- Can reach 6 feet tall
- Makes a bold statement
Melany Rubber Tree
Unlike the upright, tree-like shape of most rubber trees, ‘Melany’ has a bushy habit with multiple stems sprouting from the base. The leaves are on the smaller side with a bronze tint. ‘Melany’ is a dwarf rubber tree variety reaching just 3-6 feet tall.
![Melany rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: TYNZA / Getty Images
- Bushy, multi-stemmed growth habit
- Smaller bronze-tinted leaves
- Dwarf variety, just 3-6 feet tall
Doescheri Rubber Tree
The ‘Doescheri’ cultivar has elegant leaves marked by irregular gray-green splotches and veining against a light green background. The pink stems provide additional pop of color.
![Doescheri rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
- Gray-green splotched and veined leaves
- Light green leaf background
- Attractive pink stems
Abidjan Rubber Tree
This variety has very dark black-green leaves reminiscent of the burgundy type but without the reddish tones. ‘Abidjan’ is sometimes called black princess or black knight. The glossy, leathery leaves have bold reddish veining.
![Abidjan rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: iStock / feihanju
- Dark black-green leaves
- Glossy and leathery
- Prominent red veining
- Also called black princess/knight
Audrey Ficus
While not technically a rubber tree, the Ficus audrey or Ficus benghalensis ‘Audrey’ is a close relative in the Ficus genus. It has broader leaves than most rubber trees. The large, shiny foliage adds a bold tropical look.
![Audrey ficus][]
Photo Credit: chandlerphoto / Getty Images
- Not a true rubber tree but close relative
- Broad, shiny, tropical-looking leaves
- Larger leaves than most rubber trees
Growing Tips
- Place in bright, indirect sunlight
- Use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering
- Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during growing season
- Prune to control size/shape
- Average room temps between 60-80°F
- Maintain moderate humidity
FAQs
How much sun do rubber trees need?
Rubber trees require 6-8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. Avoid harsh direct sunlight which can burn the leaves.
What’s the difference between a rubber plant and rubber tree?
Rubber plants and rubber trees refer to the same species, Ficus elastica. They can be used interchangeably.
How long do indoor rubber trees live?
With proper care, indoor rubber trees can live for over 15 years. Their lifespan is extended when grown inside.
Are rubber trees toxic to pets?
The Ficus genus is mildly toxic to pets when ingested, so keep rubber trees out of reach.
How tall do indoor rubber trees grow?
Depending on the variety, indoor rubber trees typically grow to 6-10 feet tall at maturity. Proper care is needed to reach their full height.
What are some variegated rubber tree varieties?
Some popular variegated varieties include Ficus elastica ‘Tricolor’, ‘Tineke’, and ‘Doescheri’. They have striking multicolored leaves.
With their glossy tropical foliage and ease of care, it’s no wonder rubber trees are a popular houseplant choice. This visual guide covers some of the most common rubber tree varieties to help you pick the perfect one for your indoor space.
