Ficus elastica
'Tricolor'
Tricolor Rubber Tree, Tricolor Rubber Plant, Tricolor Rubber Bush
Family |
Moraceae |
Genus |
Ficus |
Species |
elastica |
Cultivar |
'Tricolor' |
Category |
Tropicals |
Type |
Tree (evergreen) |
Patent Number |
PP4117 |
USDA Hardiness Zone |
10b - 11 |
Canadian Hardiness Zone |
Requires cold season protection under glass. |
RHS Hardiness Zone |
H1c - H2 |
Temperature (°C) |
1 - 10 |
Temperature (°F) |
33.8 - 50 |
Height |
2.4 - 3 m |
Spread |
1.2 - 1.8 m |
Landscape |
In the landscape, rubbertrees become large wide spreading shade trees. They send down aerial roots that penetrate the soil, become woody and eventually form a trunk. Those grown as interior plants remain a manageable size due to container root restriction. |
Cultivation |
Best grown in partial to full shade in organically rich, well-drained soil. Allow soil to dry between watering. |
Shape |
Upright and erect. |
Growth |
Slow |
Pests |
Mealybugs, scale, and mites. |
Leaf Description |
Large, thick, oval leaves. |
Flower Description |
Non-flowering. |
Colour Description |
Leaves are dark green with variegations on the edges coloured cream and pinkish red. Newly emerging leaves are a striking red. |
Texture Description |
Leaves are glossy and leathery. |
Notable Specimens |
Centennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. |
Propagation |
By cuttings. |
Ethnobotanical Uses (Disclaimer) |
Toxic to cats and dogs. |