Moraceae
Abidjan Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica 'Abidjan')
Ficus elastica 'Abidjan'
An easy houseplant: bright indirect light near a window, water when the top few centimeters of soil dry out, and a free-draining mix. Keep it above 12 °C, away from cold drafts and heaters. Turn the pot every couple of weeks and wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. Keep it away from children and pets.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
12° - 29°C
% - %
Categories
What is Abidjan rubber plant?
Abidjan rubber plant (Ficus elastica 'Abidjan') is a easy-care plant from the Moraceae family. Ficus elastica 'Abidjan' is a dark-leaved variety of the rubber plant, in the fig family Moraceae. Its leaves are broad, thick, glossy and leathery, in a burgundy so deep it looks almost black, with a reddish midrib and a wine-colored underside. Each new leaf unfurls from a bright red sheath that la...
Abidjan rubber plant grows up to 3.0m, spread of 90cm, watering every 7 days, 12°C – 29°C. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Abidjan rubber plant tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Abidjan rubber plant?
TLDR: Abidjan rubber plant needs Bright indirect, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 12-29°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Abidjan rubber plant?
Water when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil are dry, roughly once a week in warm weather, and let excess drain away. Water less in winter. Never leave the pot soggy: too much water rots the roots and makes leaves drop.
How Much Light Does Abidjan rubber plant Need?
Bright, indirect light, ideally near a window. More light makes the leaves darker and more purple; avoid strong direct sun, which scorches them.
What Is the Best Soil for Abidjan rubber plant?
Use an indoor potting mix with composted organic matter and drainage material such as perlite or bark.
What Pot Should You Use for Abidjan rubber plant?
A pot with drainage holes, only slightly larger than the root ball; a heavy pot helps a tall plant stay upright.
Care Schedule
Rotate
Every 14 days
What Is Abidjan rubber plant and Where Does It Come From?
Ficus elastica 'Abidjan' is a dark-leaved variety of the rubber plant, in the fig family Moraceae. Its leaves are broad, thick, glossy and leathery, in a burgundy so deep it looks almost black, with a reddish midrib and a wine-colored underside. Each new leaf unfurls from a bright red sheath that later drops off. The more light it gets, the more purple the tone becomes. Indoors it usually reaches 1.2 to 3 meters tall and 60 to 90 cm wide, and it can be pruned to stay compact. In tropical climates the species grows into a large tree. It is an easy houseplant and a good starter plant. The milky sap is toxic if eaten and irritates the skin.
How to Propagate Abidjan rubber plant?
Stem cutting
Bottom heat speeds rooting. Wash your skin if the milky sap touches it.
- 1 Cut a 10 to 15 cm semi-hardwood tip with at least two leaves, wearing gloves because of the sap.
- 2 Let the sap stop running and strip the lower leaves.
- 3 Insert in a light, moist mix or stand it in water.
- 4 Keep it warm, with bottom heat if possible, in bright indirect light until it roots.
Materials needed:
Air layering
Useful for plants that have grown too tall: the base will also sprout again.
- 1 Make a shallow cut in the stem just below a leaf.
- 2 Wrap the cut in moist moss and cover with plastic, tying both ends.
- 3 When roots show in the moss, cut the stem below them.
- 4 Pot the new plant in indoor potting mix.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Abidjan rubber plant Grow?
TLDR: Abidjan rubber plant can reach up to 3.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
3.0m
Spread
90cm
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Abidjan rubber plant?
TLDR: Abidjan rubber plant is susceptible to 8 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Fun Facts
Each new leaf emerges from a red sheath that drops once the leaf opens.
In the wild, the rubber plant becomes a tree tens of meters tall.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Abidjan rubber plant toxic to cats and dogs?
Why is my rubber plant dropping leaves?
How do I keep the leaves dark?
Can it take direct sun?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
