If youre new to plant parenting, a rubber tree is the plant for you. Rubber plant material can be toxic to small animals including cats and small dogs as well as young children. Although its native to asia, it will grow outdoors in the warm climates of u. Natural rubber, also called india rubber or caoutchouc, as initially produced, consists of polymers of the organic compound isoprene, with minor impurities of. Ficus elastica, the rubber fig, rubber bush, rubber tree, rubber plant, or indian rubber bush, indian rubber tree, is a species of plant in the fig genus, native to eastern parts of south asia and southeast asia. Here, we present a highquality genome sequence of the rubber tree cultivar gt1, an elite cultivar cultivated worldwide, based on molecular plant, 336350, february 2020. Watson2 introduction often seen as an interior container plant, rubber tree has large, 5 to 12inchlong, thick, glossy evergreen leaves, multiple trunks, and a spreading, irregular canopy fig. It has become naturalized in sri lanka, the west indies, and the us state of florida. Outdoor rubber tree plants ficus elastica may grow in zone 9 if winter protection is offered. The first rubber tree in thailand has been planted by a thaichinese investor in 1899.
Pdf studies on rubber hevea brasiliensis trees exist plant. I dont know the whole thing just bits and pieces and that it was sung by the late great old blue eyes frank sinatra. Although the rubber tree hevea brasiliensis was native to the amazon, 70,000 seedlings were taken from brazil by henry wickham of england in 1876 and then brought to the east indies for cultivation. Jul 17, 2017 a classic houseplant, the rubber tree plant ficus elastica grows up to 100 feet tall when grown outdoors. Rubber tree plants are very susceptible to changes in environment, such as moving the plant from a warm to a cool room. Introduction rubber hevea brasiliensis is a fastgrowing upright tropical tree crop which is mainly cultivated for its production of latex, a milky plant liquid, which serves as a basis for various rubber products. The rubber plant ficus elastica is a popular ornamental plant from the ficus genus. The shiny glossy leaves look great in most homes and although young plants start off small they will fill the space in an empty corner quickly. The rubber tree is a large houseplant and most people find it is easy to grow and care for indoors. This includes wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or even misting them. Rubber plants water needs vary according to season. More than 2,500 plants produce latex, a milklike saptype material.
In its natural habitat it grows over 30 metres tall, however, the varieties grown indoors are a much more manageable height. These 100% recycled rubber tree rings help to prevent erosion, compaction and fungal growth while conserving moisture. When learning how to care for a rubber tree plant, there are a few key things to remember, but rubber plant care isnt as difficult as one might think. The rubber plant, ficus elastica or ficus robusta, is a hardy accommodating low maintenance houseplant, it also goes by rubber tree or rubber fig. The mighty rubber tree has been a favorite houseplant since the victorian era. The species reproduces by seeds that can germinate in the tree crowns and grow downwards, making it extremely difficult to control. Rubber hevea brasiliensis is a fastgrowing upright tropical tree crop which is mainly cultivated for its production of latex, a milky plant liquid, which serves as a. In this area, outdoor rubber tree plants should be planted on the north or east side of a building for protection from the wind.
Oct 18, 2017 know about rubber plant propagation, how to propagate a rubber tree ficus elastica plant from cuttings in easy steps. A classic houseplant, the rubber tree plant ficus elastica grows up to 100 feet tall when grown outdoors. Eventually, the rubber tree will outgrow its pot and require repotting in order to remain healthy. Rubber trees, a type of ficus, have few maintenance requirements beyond proper watering. Small, immature specimens are often cultivated as houseplants for their attractive foliage, which features large, ovate leaves with a glossy texture and dark green coloring. Rubber tree plants can succumb to attack by scale insects, spider mites, thrips or mealybug if their growing conditions are not ideal. In this guide, well take a look at exactly how to care for your own rubber tree plant. Elastica is among the oldest plants used as houseplants worldwide. Growing tips for this easy care indoor tree in my horticultural book, the rubber plant is the easiest of the ficus trifecta to maintain and keep alive.
Jun 10, 2015 plant growth and tapping in rubber plantation. During the nineteenth century, brazil was the main supplier of hevea latex, which was collected through tapping of trees in the natural forest. Thousands of new, highquality pictures added every day. Known for their glossy evergreen foliage, rubber trees ficus elastica serve well as houseplants and outdoor ornamentals in frostfree areas. Sep 29, 2019 the mighty rubber tree has been a favorite houseplant since the victorian era. With weed fabric on one side, say goodbye to weeding around your trees for years to come. In its native jungle habitat in india and malaysia, the plant can grow up to 100 feet tall. Its most famous feature is the milky white sap, known as latex, which flows freely from the tree when a sliver of bark is removed. The containergrown rubber tree plant maintains its natural vigor and generally requires repotting every one to two years. For the indoor grower looking for a tree type plant species with attractive foliage which can grow from 1ft to over 8ft tall, this is.
Find rubber tree stock images in hd and millions of other royaltyfree stock photos, illustrations and vectors in the shutterstock collection. The common name of ficus elastica, rubber fig tree, refers to the milky white sap that is tapped from the trees bark whistler, 2000. How to care for a rubber plant guide to rubber tree. Natural rubber has been found in the latex of over 2000 plant species belonging to 311 genera of 79 families. The rubber tree ficus elastica is grown as a houseplant rather than outdoors in most of the united states because of its sensitivity to cold weather. It is the most economically important member of the genus hevea because the milky latex extracted from the tree is the primary source of natural rubber. Rubber plant ficus elastica care and growing information. A rubber tree plant is also known as a ficus elastica. The rubber tree plant ficus elastica is a spreading evergreen with thick, glossy foliage and a naturally irregular canopy.
Rubber tree hevea brasiliensis rainforest alliance. Rubber trees need repotting when the roots become visible on the soil surface or if the plant begins lifting itself out of the pot. The chromosomebased rubber tree genome provides new insights. The knowledge of floral ontogeny in plant species is. Able to reach 100 feet in height in its native habitat in the jungle but most often seen at about 35 to 45 feet in the landscape, rubber tree is useful as a screen, shade. Rubber tree plant is one common name for ficus elastica, a species of large tree native to parts of india and indonesia. Read the pages that follow and your rubber tree plant care will be easy. Often seen as an interior container plant, rubber tree has large, 3. Know about rubber plant propagation, how to propagate a rubber tree ficus elastica plant from cuttings in easy steps. The steps to grow a rubber plant from cutting include making rubber tree. If you are lucky enough to obtain some seeds from the ficus elastica plant, you may wish to try to grow a rubber tree from them.
With its glossy, leathery leaves and upright form, its a striking addition to almost any room in your house. Rubber plant ficus elastica complete care and growing guide. Its hardy, easy to care for, and actually removes toxins from the air in your home. The rubber tree oxford academic journals oxford university press. So when learning how to care for rubber tree houseplants, or even outdoors, there are a few key things you should know to find success. A schematic representation for tpd syndrome development in rubber tree reproduced from molecular. Outdoor rubber tree plants can you grow rubber plants. Rubber tree, south american tropical tree of the spurge family euphorbiaceae.
Ficus elastica rubber tree environmental horticulture university. Department of agriculture hardiness zones 10b and 11. Development, flowering, gene expression, leafy, plant reproduction, rubber tree. Keep your plant evenly moist during the growing cycle in spring and summer, but on. That tree, respectively the great, greatgrandson of the original, is located in the town of kan tang, in the province of trang, roughly 30 km west of the provincial capital of trang city. Put them in a big pot, water frequently and put them in a sunny spot. When placed in a welllit, warm area with adequate air circulation and regular applications of watersoluble fertilizer, a rubber tree can outgrow its pot.
Introduction rubber hevea brasiliensis is a fastgrowing upright tropical tree crop which is mainly cultivated for its production of latex, a milky plant liquid, which serves as a. It is nondeciduous and so does not lose its leaves in the winter. Rubber crop cultivation guide rubber farming indiaagronet. Cultivated on plantations in the tropics and subtropics, especially in southeast asia and western africa, it replaced the rubber plant in the early 20th century as the chief source of natural rubber. Rubber tree plant care the rubber plant, ficus elastica, is one awesome plant for the indoors. Amazing asia natural rubber farm rubber harvesting and. Studies on rubber hevea brasiliensis trees exist plant. Aphids and mealy bugs are softbodied insects that pierce plant tissue and feed on cell sap. The sap can irritate the skin and plant material can cause nausea and vomiting if ingested.
Malaysia, i visited an actual rubber tree plantation and the trees that really produce rubber look nothing like these trees. Aphids, mealy bugs spider mites and scale insects are primary pests of rubber tree. Watch for droopy leaves, which indicate a need for more water. The tree girth grows about 5 cm, 10 cm and 15 cm in 1st, 2 nd and 3 rd year of plantation respectively. The chromosomebased rubber tree genome provides new. If you do prune the plant, make as many other changes as possible for a while, like moving the tree, changing watering schedules etc.
Rubber tree, hevea brasiliensis, south american tropical tree of the spurge family euphorbiaceae. Although they are large tree in the wild, rubber trees respond well to pruning and can be kept quite small if trimmed regularly. Ficus elastica is part of the family moraceae, which include figs and mulberries. Other usage of rubber tree other than tapping latex from the rubber tree, we can. Rubberific brown recycled rubber 36in tree ring in the. A rubber tree, also referred to as rubberwood, can be tapped for latex once it reaches approximately six years of age. Everyone knows an ant cant pull a rubber tree plant.
Growth and production of rubber to refer to or to cite. You can propagate a new rubber tree plant from a cutting. One kind, the india rubber plant, is a common houseplant. Found in many products from tires to toys, natural rubber is made from the milky sap of the rubber tree. It is very important to see if white root rot has attacked a tree, because, by the time you see that the tree is ill, it is too late.
Studies on rubber hevea brasiliensis trees exist plant type. However, some people ask about growing outdoor rubber tree plants. How to propagate rubber plant from cuttings tested guide. Tineke rubber tree plant ficus elastica or rubber tree originated from india and malaysia. Make sure that if you do any such thing, that the plant is still allowed to balance itself nicely on the pot. There are several kinds of plants that can produce rubber.
This effectively robbed brazil of its position as the number one exporter of rubber in the world. Elastica leaves and stems and even wood bleed white sticky sap when broken or damaged from which rubber can be made. Its been slightly pushed aside and i think nows the time for the ficus elastica gets the attention it deserves. Gardeners in usda hardiness zones 10 and 11 can grow the plant outdoors, according to most rubber plant information. Oct 27, 2016 rubber plants water needs vary according to season. The rubber tree, better farming 25 food and agriculture.
Rubber trees are no native inhabitants in thailand. Pdf existing plant types of rubber tree after planting and available tapping tree were investigated, and there were about 28 rubber plantations with. In the growing season summer, the plant should be kept moist. Growing a rubber tree plant can be frustrating if all its needs are not met. Keep your plant evenly moist during the growing cycle in spring and summer, but on the dryer side during the rest of the year. Malaysia, indonesia, thailand and africa are the main rubber producing countries. Most people dont even know a rubber plant produces flowers, never mind seed. Repot the plants in late winter or early spring when the rubber tree is semidormant and less prone to transplant. Read more to learn about taking care of a rubber plant outside in. Its product is called natural rubber nr which has an elastic property. In fact, in some areas, this plant is used as a screen or patio plant.
The girth rate would be faster after 3rd year and reaches about 30 cm at the end of 4th year. Not only is it super popular and can be found at many of the mainstream gardening centers, but it has also gained this popularity for being showy and relatively easy to care for. Ficus elastica rubber plant guide our house plants. The tree may be attacked by white root rot fomes, which makes the roots rot. The name ficus elastica was published by roxburgh in 1814. But indoors, a rubber tree typically tops out at 6 to 10 feet tall.
Sep 15, 2012 in the wild, the rubber tree will grow to heights of 100 to feet, and can live up to 100 years. As the name suggests, the rubber tree originated in tropical south america. The plants would be tapped, that is, an incision made into the bark of the tree and the sticky, milk colored latex sap collected and refined into a usable rubber. One of the most common houseplants due to its large, glossy leaves that can reach up to 8 inches long or more, these features made this plant as a perfect houseplant design added that its easy to care and easy to grow. Most of the worlds natural rubber, however, comes from the rubber tree with the scientific name hevea brasiliensis. The survey was focused on exist plant types of rubber tree after planting and available tapping tree, and 100 trees would be selected from each rubber plantation investigated. Plant the seedlings germinated seeds in alternate spaci as shown in the drawing on page 9. Sep 21, 2017 the rubber tree plant ficus elastica is a spreading evergreen with thick, glossy foliage and a naturally irregular canopy.
Give your tree beds a wellmaintained look 365 days a year with a rubberific tree ring. In the wild, the rubber tree will grow to heights of 100 to feet, and can live up to 100 years. May 02, 2019 the rubber plant this is a stunning exotic looking houseplant, with its wide glossy elliptical leaves that can grow as large as 14 x 7, especially on younger plants. Natural rubber exists as latex, a milky white sap, which is a colloidal. Rubber trees arent cold tolerant, so they are most often grown as houseplants. Tree has large, 5 to 12inch long, thick, glossy evergreen leaves, multiple trunks, and a spreading, irregular. Milkweed might be most familiar latexproducing plant to many people, but commercial latex comes from a single tropical tree, hevea brasiliensis.
One of the most common houseplants due to its large, glossy leaves that can reach up to 8 inches long or more, these features made this plant as a perfect houseplant design added that its. How to propagate a rubber tree plant from a cutting hunker. Our information will help you to understand how to care for a rubber plant correctly. The rubber plant ficus elastica could be the ideal houseplant for you if you want a tough but easy going indoor plant that can reach staggering heights within just a few years. During the age of exploration many people were sent out to seek unknown plant species. Rubber tree production guide bureau of plant industry. Rubber trees, how to grow, maintain and care for rubber tree. Rubber trees grow up to a height of over 100 feet and with a spread also of about 100 feet. Pdf rubber plantation business for beginners ravi arasi.
766 903 524 1157 1583 1420 379 1003 147 723 1555 1037 1477 419 880 351 203 539 145 117 606 40 1433 743 1466 493 264 147 103 1068 697 1115 1466 1525 900 717 665 143 994 144 249