Rubber plants are an excellent choice for anyone that is looking for an attractive yet low-maintenance type of houseplant for their home or office.
This rubber tree plant is characterized by its eye-catching, shiny leaves, which can add plenty of color and character to any room. Whether you are looking for a bold, tropical-looking tree for your indoor garden, or you just want a simple houseplant that is easy to care for, there are many options within the rubber plant family.
To help you choose the perfect plant for your indoor space, we are going to count down 10 of the most popular types of rubber plants you can choose from today. Read through this list and discover the perfect plant for your indoor space!
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The Top 10 Most Popular Types of Rubber Plants
1. Neon Rubber Plant (Ficus Altissima)
The Neon Rubber Plant, which is sometimes referred to as the lemon-lime rubber plant, is an extremely popular type of rubber plant amongst those that are looking to add a splash of color to their homes.
The bright green and yellow leaves really catch the eye, and they usually have a shiny appearance that most people find quite interesting. As with most types of rubber plants, the Neon Rubber Plant is really easy to care for and will do well in any corner that receives bright, indirect sunlight. They are also quite drought tolerant, so do not worry if you forget to water it at the odd time.
2. Burgundy Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica Burgundy)
As the name suggests, this rubber plant variety is known for its uniquely colored burgundy leaves. The leaves tend to have a real gloss to them, which partially explains why it is such a popular type of house plant. During the day, the leaves will reflect sunlight, which can really brighten up a room.
The large leaves can grow 12 inches in length, and the entire plant usually measures between four and six feet when it is planted indoors. Its eye-catching appearance, rugged nature, and large stature explain why it is such a popular indoor plant. Consider using a Burgundy Rubber Plant to fill a corner, or to highlight an accent wall.
3. Red Ruby Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica Ruby)
Also known as the variegated rubber tree, this species offers truly unique, tri-colored leaves. While it is still relatively easy to care for, the Red Ruby requires brighter light than most types of rubber trees, so it is a great option if your home gets plenty of natural sunlight throughout the day.
The leaves grow out in a mixture of green, red, and pink, so they can easily become one of the most prominent plants in your indoor garden. They do not grow overly large, so if you plant them in a smaller pot, they can even work as a desk plant.
4. Yellow Gem Rubber Plant (Ficus Altissima “Yellow Gem”)
As you would expect, the Yellow Gem features bold and beautiful golden yellow leaves. While the centers of the leaves are green, it is the golden hue that the plant gives off that really turns heads.
They are exceptionally easy to grow and do well indoors, especially if they get plenty of filtered sunlight throughout the day. They look really nice in large decorative containers, so if you have a nice bright planter that you want people to see, consider using it for a Yellow Gem Rubber Plant.
5. Melany Rubber Tree (Ficus Elastica “Melany”)
The Melany has an elongated trunk that leads to glossy and bright green leaves. Its unique appearance and bold leaves make it a popular choice for those that prefer minimalist décor inside their home.
As with most rubber trees, the Melany draws attention, so it can be used to add character to a corner, or it can become a focal point by itself. They grow roughly 3 feet in height, so they are fairly manageable. It also helps that they have really low maintenance requirements.
6. Doescheri Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica “Doescheri”)
You have probably come across a Doescheri before, as the dark green and creamy white leaves make this plant an extremely popular option for homes, offices, hotels, and more.
The leaves tend to point downwards and grow quite large. In most cases, the plant grows out almost like a shrub, so most people will place them in a corner of their home. Just make sure you offer the plant plenty of indirect sunlight, as they are susceptible to leaf drop when the leaves do not receive enough natural light.
7. Abidjan Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica Abidjan)
The Abidjan is characterized by broad, glossy leaves that grow out in rich tones of bronze and burgundy. They became popular during the 1970s, but they have proven themselves to be a timeless classic amongst ornamental houseplants.
Whether you are looking to add a classic look to your home, or you just want a lush houseplant that is relatively easy to look after, an Abidjan Rubber Plant is an excellent choice. Again, just make sure you place it in a location where it will receive plenty of bright, indirect sunlight, as it is also susceptible to leaf drop when it receives too little sunlight.
8. Belize Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica Belize)
Belize is another rubber plant that delivers colorful, tri-colored leaves and a truly tropical appearance. The leaves tend to have a waxy appearance and they usually grow out in a combination of green, cream, and pink.
They have been a popular choice amongst indoor gardeners for decades, as they offer a really timeless appearance. They will not grow overly large, so they work well on the ground or are raised with a plant pot stand.
9. Decora Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica Decora)
The Decora became popular for its shiny, dark green leaves. The leaves can grow as long as one foot in length, so they work well for those that are trying to give their home a tropical vibe.
The leaves tend to grow off of two or more branches, which makes it a really unique houseplant. Consider placing one in an area with a tall ceiling, as they will continue to grow upwards if they are taken care of properly.
10. Black Prince Rubber Tree (Ficus Elastica “Black Prince”)
The extremely dark leaves of the Black Prince are part of the reason for its ongoing popularity. The leaves are such dark shades of green and burgundy that some people mistake them for black, especially if the light is dimmed.
The underside of the leaves usually reveals a bright red stem, which helps to give the plant such a striking appearance. If you are looking to create contrast against a white wall, a Black Prince Rubber Tree can be the perfect option.