Ficus Elastica ‘Burgundy’ Live Plant – 4 inch Pot – Indoor Rubber Plant

Overview

Introduce a dramatic splash of color and natural beauty into your living space with our exquisite ficus elastica burgundy. This live plant, often referred to as the burgundy rubber plant, is a popular choice for indoor gardeners due to its stunning foliage and relatively easy care requirements. Originating from the rainforests of Southeast Asia, the Ficus Elastica ‘Burgundy’ is celebrated for its thick, glossy leaves that unfurl in a vibrant, almost black-red hue before maturing to a deep, dark green with a prominent burgundy underside and midrib. Each leaf is a work of art, adding a sophisticated and modern touch to any interior design. Shipped in a convenient 4-inch pot, this starter plant is ready to thrive in its new home, offering both aesthetic appeal and the benefits of a living, breathing decor element.

As a member of the fig family (Moraceae), the Ficus Elastica ‘Burgundy’ is not just a pretty face; it’s also known for its ability to improve indoor air quality by filtering out common toxins. This makes it a smart and stylish choice for bedrooms, offices, or living rooms. Its upright growth habit and impressive leaf size create a strong focal point, making it an ideal statement plant as it matures. Discover the joy of nurturing an indoor ficus plant that truly stands out.

Key Benefits

The ficus elastica burgundy offers a multitude of benefits beyond its captivating beauty, making it a valuable addition to any plant collection. Its striking appearance is just the beginning of what this remarkable plant brings to your home.

• Stunning Visual Appeal: The deep, rich burgundy and dark green leaves provide a sophisticated and elegant contrast, instantly elevating the aesthetics of any room. Its glossy texture reflects light beautifully, adding a dynamic element to your decor.
• Air Purification: Like many indoor plants, the burgundy rubber plant is an excellent natural air purifier, helping to remove common indoor air pollutants and contributing to a healthier living environment.
• Low Maintenance: This plant is surprisingly resilient and forgiving, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts. Once its basic needs are met, it requires minimal fuss.
• Robust Growth: With proper care, the Ficus Elastica ‘Burgundy’ can grow into a substantial and impressive specimen, providing a long-lasting and evolving natural feature in your home.
• Versatile Decor: Its upright form and bold foliage make it suitable for various interior styles, from minimalist to bohemian, acting as a living sculpture that complements diverse design schemes.
• Positive Energy: Many believe that indoor plants, including the ficus elastica burgundy, bring a sense of calm and well-being, fostering a more serene and productive atmosphere.
• Easy to Propagate: For those interested in expanding their plant collection, learning about ficus elastica propagation can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to create new plants from your existing one.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your ficus elastica burgundy is straightforward, and with a few key considerations, your plant will thrive and display its magnificent foliage. Understanding its native habitat helps in replicating ideal conditions indoors. This indoor ficus plant appreciates consistency in its environment.

Sunlight Requirements: The Ficus Elastica ‘Burgundy’ prefers bright, indirect light. Place it near a window where it can receive plenty of light without direct, harsh sun exposure, which can scorch its leaves. An east or west-facing window is often ideal. If the light is too low, the plant’s vibrant burgundy color may fade, and growth can become leggy. Rotate your plant occasionally to ensure even growth and light exposure on all sides.

Watering Schedule and Soil Moisture: Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. It’s crucial to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom. During winter months, reduce watering frequency as the plant’s growth slows. Yellowing leaves or drooping can be signs of either over or under-watering, so always check the soil moisture levels before watering again. A good rule of thumb for your burgundy rubber plant is to let it dry out slightly between waterings.

Soil Type and Drainage: A well-draining potting mix is essential for the Ficus Elastica ‘Burgundy’. A standard houseplant potting mix amended with perlite or orchid bark for extra drainage works well. This ensures that roots get adequate aeration and don’t sit in soggy soil. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral. For optimal health, consider a mix specifically formulated for aroids or tropical plants.

Temperature Range and USDA Hardiness Zone: This tropical plant thrives in warm, stable temperatures, ideally between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations or cold drafts. It is not frost-tolerant and should be kept indoors year-round in most climates. Its outdoor USDA hardiness zone is typically 10-11, but it is primarily grown as an indoor specimen.

Fertilization: Feed your ficus elastica burgundy every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce or stop fertilization during the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. Over-fertilization can lead to nutrient burn, so always follow product instructions carefully.

Common Problems and Solutions: Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale can occasionally affect rubber plants. Inspect your plant regularly and treat any infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Leaf drop can be caused by changes in environment, overwatering, or underwatering. Assess your care routine and make adjustments as needed. Learning a comprehensive ficus care guide will help you address these issues proactively.

Size & Details

This ficus elastica burgundy is shipped as a healthy starter plant in a 4-inch nursery pot, providing a robust foundation for future growth. At this stage, the plant typically stands approximately 6-10 inches tall, with several well-formed leaves showcasing its distinctive coloration. The growth rate of the burgundy rubber plant is moderate; it can grow 1-2 feet per year under optimal conditions, eventually reaching heights of 6-10 feet indoors if allowed. Its mature leaves can grow quite large, contributing to its impressive presence.

The plant will arrive carefully packaged to ensure its safety during transit, ready to be placed in its new home or repotted into a slightly larger decorative container. While it is a starter plant, it already exhibits the characteristic glossy, deep red-green foliage that makes the Ficus Elastica ‘Burgundy’ so desirable. With consistent care, this plant will steadily increase in size and majesty, becoming a long-term feature in your indoor plant collection. Propagation can be done through stem cuttings, a key part of understanding ficus elastica propagation for enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: This ficus elastica burgundy is a starter plant in a 4-inch pot. Indoors, it can eventually reach heights of 6-10 feet with proper care, though its size can be managed through pruning.
• Q: What size pot does it come in? A: The plant arrives in a standard 4-inch nursery pot, perfectly sized for a young starter plant. You may want to repot it into a slightly larger decorative pot after it acclimates to your home.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The Ficus Elastica ‘Burgundy’ is primarily grown as an indoor plant in most regions. It thrives in stable indoor temperatures and bright, indirect light, though it can be moved outdoors in warm, shaded areas during summer in suitable climates.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: This burgundy rubber plant prefers bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun can burn its leaves, while too little light can cause its vibrant color to fade and lead to leggy growth.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, the ficus elastica burgundy is considered relatively easy to care for, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts. It requires consistent watering but is forgiving if you occasionally miss a watering. Following a good ficus care guide will ensure its health.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your Ficus Elastica ‘Burgundy’ will arrive as a healthy, well-rooted starter plant, carefully packaged to minimize stress during shipping. It will be ready to be unboxed and enjoyed immediately.
• Q: Is it pet-safe? A: No, Ficus Elastica plants are considered toxic to pets if ingested due to the milky sap they produce. It’s best to keep this plant out of reach of curious pets and children.
• Q: When is the best time to repot this plant? A: The best time to repot your indoor ficus plant is typically in the spring or early summer when it is actively growing. Choose a pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than its current pot.
• Q: How do I ensure the leaves stay vibrant and glossy? A: Provide adequate bright, indirect light, maintain consistent watering, and occasionally wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust. High humidity can also contribute to glossier leaves, which can be achieved with a humidifier or pebble tray.
• Q: Can I propagate my ficus elastica? A: Yes, ficus elastica propagation is possible using stem cuttings. Take a cutting with a few leaves, allow the sap to dry, and then place it in water or moist potting mix to root.