Sophie Rubber Plant

Sophie Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica 'Sophie') is an easycare houseplant with large, thick, pointed oval leaves that are shiny olive green on top and bronze green underneath, and lime when new. It is also sold as Sophia or Sofia. Indoors it is a compact plant, listed at about 30cm high and 35cm wide when young, and in a frost-free tropical garden it grows into a large branching tree.

Why you'll love it

• Glossy leaves that change colour. New leaves open lime, then ripen to olive green above with bronze green beneath.
• Easy for beginners. It is hardy and low maintenance, a good choice for new plant owners or busy people.
• Indoors, in a pot or in the garden. Grow it as a houseplant, in a container or in a tropical garden.
• Room to grow. A young, compact plant today, and in the right garden it develops into a large branching tree.

Where it works best

Living rooms, offices and hallways. Choose a bright spot out of harsh direct sun, with a pot large enough for yearly repotting into fresh soil.

Containers on a sheltered veranda. It needs a sheltered, frost-free spot, so a patio pot in a warm climate works well.

Tropical gardens. In a frost-free tropical garden it can grow into a large branching tree, so allow it plenty of space.

Growing Sophie Rubber Plant in Australia

Position and climate. Bright, indirect light indoors, and a sheltered, frost-free position if grown outside. Outdoors it suits tropical and warm subtropical gardens only, so in cooler regions keep it as a houseplant.

Soil. A good quality potting mix suits containers. Repot container plants into fresh soil once a year.

Water and feed. Mulch and water in with a seaweed-based fertiliser on planting to reduce transplant shock, then water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks. Apply a slow release fertiliser twice a year. Container plants may need extra feed.

Pruning. No pruning is needed. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth from time to time to keep them clean and healthy.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Sophie Rubber Plant as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It also comes in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and 300mm pots, sold singly. The tube is the smallest way to start, the packs suit a group of plants, and the 300mm pot is the most developed plant. Pot on or plant out promptly and keep it out of cold draughts.

The Sophie Rubber Plant tube is grown for us by our grower, and availability comes and goes. If it shows as sold out, press the notify button on the page and we will email you the day it is available again. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Rubber plants
• Ficus
• Indoor plants
• Fig and ficus care guide

Common questions

How big will Sophie get?

It is listed at about 30cm high and 35cm wide as a young plant. Indoors it stays a manageable houseplant, and in a frost-free tropical garden it grows into a large branching tree.

What is the difference between Sophie, Sophia and Sofia?

Nothing. It is the same plant sold under three spellings, so search any of them.

Is it safe for pets?

No. The milky sap of rubber plants is an irritant and is harmful to cats and dogs if chewed, so keep it out of reach.