The Ficus elastica ‘Burgundy’, known as the Burgundy Rubber Plant, is prized for its striking, near-black foliage. This cultivar features large, glossy leaves with a rich, deep purple-red hue, providing a dramatic contrast to typical green houseplants. Its upright growth habit allows it to reach impressive indoor sizes, making it suitable for home or office environments. The plant is relatively low-maintenance, contributing to its widespread appeal among plant enthusiasts.
Essential Care Requirements
The deep color of the leaves is maintained through exposure to bright, indirect light. Placing the plant near an east- or west-facing window is ideal. Too little light will cause new growth to become leggy and revert to a duller green color. While the dark leaves resist scorching, intense, direct sun can still stress the plant, so any transition must be gradual. Periodically wiping the large leaf surfaces with a damp cloth ensures efficient photosynthesis.
Watering requires a soak-and-dry approach to prevent root issues. Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings, often until the top two inches are completely dry. Then, saturate the soil thoroughly until water drains from the bottom. Overwatering is the most common mistake, leading to root rot, evidenced by yellowing leaves and decline. The plant thrives in a well-draining soil mix containing components like perlite, peat moss, or bark to prevent compaction.
The Burgundy Rubber Plant prefers standard indoor temperatures, ideally ranging between 60°F and 75°F (16°C–24°C). As a tropical species, it appreciates moderate to high humidity, with levels between 40% and 60% being optimal. If the air is particularly dry, the leaf edges may develop brown, crispy tips. Placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water or using a room humidifier can increase moisture.
Pruning and Propagation
Pruning manages the size and shape of the plant. Removing the top growth encourages the plant to branch out, creating a bushier, fuller specimen. The best time to prune is during the active growing season (spring through summer) to allow the plant time to recover and push new growth. Always use clean, sharp shears to make cuts just above a leaf node, where new branches are most likely to emerge.
When pruning, a milky white sap, known as latex, will ooze from the cut site. This substance is characteristic of the Ficus genus and can be a mild skin irritant. Stem cuttings are the most reliable method for propagation. Cuttings should have at least one leaf and a small section of stem, and they can be rooted in water or directly into a moist, well-draining potting mix.
Troubleshooting and Safety
Most issues relate to improper watering or insufficient light. Yellowing leaves, especially lower ones, indicate too much water or soggy soil. Conversely, long, spindly stems with sparse leaves signal a need for brighter light. Leaf drop can also occur if the plant is subjected to sudden temperature changes or moved abruptly.
The plant is resilient but can suffer from common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests feed on the plant’s sap. Control them by regularly inspecting the underside of the leaves and wiping them clean. For persistent infestations, treating the plant with horticultural oil, such as neem oil, is effective. Consistent cleaning also helps deter pests by removing their hiding places.
The milky latex sap contained within the plant is mildly toxic to both humans and pets. Contact with the sap can cause skin irritation, and ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal distress. Place the plant in an area inaccessible to small children and household pets. Wearing gloves when pruning and immediately washing any sap from your skin or tools minimizes the risk of irritation.