4" Pot Ficus Elastica Robusta, Rubber Tree

*The plant pictured is not necessarily the plant you will receive, but will be same size and shape. Plants are shipped in nursery pots and may vary slightly in pot size.*

Common Name: Rubber Tree, Rubber Fig, Rubber Plant, Rubber Bush, Indian Rubber Bush, Indian Rubber Tree

Scientific Name: Ficus elastica

*Please note that while this plant produces a white, latex-like sap, which can be mildly toxic if ingested (though animals rarely ingest it or eat the leaves), it is not be confused with the Pará rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), which is the plant responsible for most commercial sources of latex used in rubber making. 

-Care Recommendations By The Dude-

Best for These Animals: Small to medium-sized reptiles and amphibians from tropical and temperate climates, especially arboreal (tree-dwelling) species.  Young ficus leaves can sometimes break if larger animals try to climb them. However, they are excellent for creating miniature tree canopies in your enclosure.

Bio Dude Substrates: TerraFlora, TerraFauna, TerraFirma

Soil Depth: All soil depths okay.

Lighting: Bright indirect light.  Placement directly under a basking or heat lamp may cause leaves to burn.

Humidity & Misting: 40%-100% suggested for optimal growth, but can tolerate 20%-40% under certain circumstances.

Mature Plant Size & Root System:  Ficus trees are very hardy, durable tropical shrubs that can get very large if not pruned to maintain desired shape and size. With age they can form aerial roots and can develop a woody trunk.  They have a wide, shallow fibrous root system, but can also form thick roots for anchorage.

Temperature Tolerance & Placement in the Terrarium: Too high temperatures/low humidity may cause leaves to brown.  Best used as a back/wall planting (tall), or as a corner placement.

Edible & Side Effects if Ingested: Ficus are members of the family Moraceae, which all contain a milky sap. The sap can sometimes leak from out from the stem when a leaf has been removed or snapped off.  Contact with this milky sap may cause skin irritation, and the sap can be toxic if consumed, though many animals are known to be able to ingest ficus leaves themselves with no ill effects.

Pot Size & Packaging: A single 4" potted ficus plant is shipped in the pot, wrapped in paper.