Red Rubber Tree Plant - Ficus elastica Ruby

Ficus elastica 'Ruby', commonly known as the Ruby Red Rubber Tree, is one of the most visually spectacular indoor plants available. Unlike its darker leafed cousins, 'Ruby' dazzles with a stunning multicoloured foliage display of red, pink, white, and dark green. Each large, broad, rubber like leaf a unique work of art in itself.

The variegated leaves emerge with vivid pink and red tones that gradually develop creamy white margins and deep green centres, creating a layered, tropical richness that brings warmth and colour to any interior space. Growing on tall, upright stems, 'Ruby' develops into an impressive indoor tree reaching 1-2m in height, making it a perfect statement plant for bright living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and commercial interiors.

Fast growing and low maintenance, it thrives in bright indirect light to semi-shade and prefers a well drained loamy or sandy potting mix kept consistently moist. The more light it receives, the more vivid and intense the pink and red variegation becomes, making placement in a bright spot well worth it. A rewarding and reliable plant for home or commercial use.

Key Features:

• Soil: Use a well-drained loamy or sandy potting mix. Good drainage is essential, avoid heavy soils or pots without drainage holes that can lead to root rot.
• Light: Bright indirect light to semi-shade. The more bright indirect light 'Ruby' receives, the more vivid and intense the pink and red variegation becomes. Avoid direct harsh sunlight which can scorch the leaves, and keep away from cold draughts and air conditioning vents.
• Watering: Water moderately, allowing the top few centimetres of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Keep consistently moist during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce watering in winter. Never allow the plant to sit in standing water.
• Fertiliser: Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer. Reduce or cease feeding in autumn and winter when growth slows. Avoid over-fertilising, which can cause leggy growth and may reduce variegation intensity.
• Maintenance: Low maintenance overall. Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and keep the variegated foliage looking its best. Monitor for mealybugs, particularly in the leaf axils and undersides. Repot every 2–3 years or when roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes.
• Flowering: Flowers are insignificant and rarely produced indoors. This plant is grown entirely for its spectacular variegated foliage. No fragrance.

The key to the most vivid pink and red variegation on 'Ruby' is light, position it as close to a bright window as possible without exposing it to direct harsh sun. A north or east-facing window is ideal in Australian homes. If the new leaves are emerging predominantly green with little pink, it's a sign the plant needs more light.

At Plant Nest, we make it easy to buy plants online with delivery direct to your door. Every plant is hand-selected for quality, carefully packed, and backed by expert advice so you can grow with confidence.