Burgundy Rubber Tree

The Burgundy rubber tree earns its place on leaf alone: broad, thick and glossy, almost black in good light, with red new growth unfurling from a red sheath. Ficus elastica 'Burgundy' reaches about 2.5m tall and only 1.2m wide as a container plant, so it delivers height in a corner without taking the room. It is one of the few large statement plants that forgives a forgotten watering.

Why you'll love it

• Colour without a single flower. The dark leaves flush deep red in bright light, and each new leaf opens from a scarlet sheath.
• Height in a narrow footprint. At 2.5m tall and 1.2m across it fills the space beside a stairwell or tall window where a spreading plant would not fit.
• Forgiving of neglect. Thick leathery leaves store water, so it copes better with being left dry than kept wet.
• You control the height. Cut the leading stem in spring and it branches, turning a single trunk into a fuller, shorter plant.

Where it works best

Indoors. Give it the brightest position that avoids direct midday sun through glass. In dim corners the leaves space out along the stem and the red tones wash out to plain green.

Balconies and courtyards. It is frost tender, so outdoor life suits tropical and subtropical gardens. Shelter it from hot dry wind, which tears the large leaves.

Feature planting. One plant in a large pot beside a sofa or doorway does more than a group of small plants.

Growing the Burgundy rubber tree in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light indoors anywhere in the country. Outdoors it belongs in tropical and subtropical gardens; from Sydney and Perth southward keep it in a pot that can move under cover before the first cold nights.

Soil. A premium free draining indoor mix, in a pot with real drainage holes. Keep it in a container rather than open ground, because the roots run hard and lift paving and pipes.

Water and feed. Let the top third of the mix dry before watering again, then water until it runs from the base. A liquid feed monthly through spring and summer is enough; wipe the leaves occasionally so they keep their gloss.

Pruning. Prune in spring. Cut stems bleed a milky latex that irritates skin and is an irritant to pets, so wear gloves and clear the trimmings away.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in five sizes. The 300mm and 400mm are single plants and the ones to choose for an indoor feature, the 400mm already branched and carrying height. The 140mm pack of ten, 200mm pack of six and 250mm pack of three are young plants at a lower price each, which suits a fit out or several rooms at once.

Plants travel upright and are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Expect a few weeks of sulking and possibly a dropped leaf while it adjusts to your light, then new growth through the warm months. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Ficus care guide for Australian conditions
• Browse the indoor plant range
• Indoor plant basics for beginners
• Plants that thrive in containers

Common questions

How much light does it need?

Bright indirect light, close to a window but out of the harshest sun. It survives in lower light, though the stems stretch and the burgundy tone fades to green.

Is it safe around pets?

No. The milky sap is an irritant to cats and dogs, and chewed leaves can upset them. Stand it where curious pets cannot reach the lower leaves.

Why are the lower leaves dropping?

Usually too much water rather than too little. Check the mix has dried through the top third before you water, and that none is sitting in the outer pot.

Can I plant it in the garden?

Only in a frost free tropical or subtropical garden, and even then keep it well away from paths, pipes and slabs. The root system is vigorous and lifts hard surfaces over time.