Rubber trees (Ficus elastica) are versatile plants known for their attractive foliage and ease of care. With a diverse array of varieties available, they make fantastic gifts for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Whether you’re looking to add greenery to an indoor space or enhance the beauty of an outdoor garden, there’s a rubber tree variety to suit every gifting occasion!
In this article, we’ll present the best indoor and outdoor rubber tree varieties for gifting. Each variety has unique characteristics that set it apart, like stunning variegation and striking leaf colors.
Best Indoor Rubber Tree Varieties for Gifting
Doescheri Rubber Plant
Botanical Name: Ficus elastica ‘Doescheri’
Origin: India
Size: Up to 10 feet tall indoors
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Make sure to keep the soil consistently moist, but be careful not to overwater it
Toxicity: Mildly toxic if ingested
The Doescheri rubber plant has glossy green leaves that are broad and oval-shaped with prominent white veins that create a captivating variegation pattern.
The contrasting white veins stand out beautifully against the lush green backdrop, giving the foliage an exquisite and eye-catching appearance.
This variety is known for its strong and sturdy growth habit, with the stems exhibiting a slightly reddish hue that complements the variegated foliage.
Doescheri rubber plant prefers bright, indirect light and moderate watering. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
Best for: It’s a perfect gift for anyone who is constantly busy. This plant doesn’t demand frequent watering and thrives well when placed in a spot with bright light, making it easy to care for.
Decora Rubber Tree
Botanical Name: Ficus elastica ‘Decora’
Origin: India
Size: Can reach up to 10 feet tall indoors
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Water moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry before rewatering
Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets
The Decora rubber plant features broad, glossy, oval-shaped leaves that come in various shades of green, ranging from deep green to lighter tones. Its foliage is leathery and has a slightly waxy texture, adding to its visual appeal.
The leaves of Decora can grow to be relatively large, and with time, the plant develops an attractive, woody stem. Its growth habit is naturally upright, making it a wonderful addition to indoor spaces where vertical space may be limited
The Decora rubber plant thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering, and mist the leaves regularly to maintain humidity.
Best for: This variety is an ideal gift for beginners or those who have a busy schedule. It can tolerate lower light conditions and doesn’t demand constant attention, making it a hassle-free addition to their indoor space.
Red Rubber Plant
Botanical Name: Ficus elastica ‘Ruby’
Origin: India and Malaysia
Size: Can grow up to 6 feet tall indoors
Light: Moderate to bright, indirect light
Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry
Toxicity: Mildly toxic if ingested
Ficus elastica ‘Ruby,’ also known as the red rubber plant, is a captivating indoor rubber tree variety with stunning dark red leaves. The foliage of Ruby features deep burgundy hues that intensify under bright light, adding to its bold and dramatic appearance.
The leaves are broad and elliptical, with a glossy and slightly waxy surface. The striking red coloration contrasts beautifully with its green stems, creating an eye-catching display.
As the plant matures, it develops an upright growth habit, making it a visually impressive addition to any indoor space.
This variety prefers bright, indirect light and should be shielded from direct sunlight, as it can cause leaf burn. Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season and reduce watering in winter.
Best for: If you want to gift a plant that adds a bold statement to your recipient’s home decor, Ruby is the perfect choice. Its striking red foliage will be an instant conversation starter and will elevate the ambiance of any room.
Melany Rubber Plant
Botanical Name: Ficus elastica ‘Melany’
Origin: India and Malaysia
Size: Grows up to 6 feet tall indoors
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Water the plant in moderation, allowing the upper inch of soil to dry out between each watering session.
Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets
Ficus elastica ‘Melany’ is a unique indoor rubber tree variety known for its glossy, deep burgundy leaves. The foliage of Melany is leathery and elliptical, showcasing rich, dark red hues that are sure to capture attention.
Each leaf features a blend of burgundy and green shades, creating a captivating mottled appearance. As the plant matures, the color intensity deepens, making it a sought-after choice for collectors and plant enthusiasts.
This variety thrives in bright, indirect light and requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering, and consider using a humidifier to maintain adequate moisture levels.
Best for: Melany is an excellent gift for anyone who appreciates rare and unusual plants. Its distinctive burgundy foliage makes it a standout addition to their indoor plant collection.
Tineke Rubber Tree
Botanical Name: Ficus elastica ‘Tineke’
Origin: South Asia
Size: Grows up to 6 feet tall indoors
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry
Toxicity: Mildly toxic if ingested
The Tineke rubber tree is a visually appealing indoor rubber tree variety that features striking variegated leaves. The foliage of Tineke displays patterns of green, cream, and pink, creating a whimsical and charming appearance.
Each leaf is unique, with no two leaves alike. The variegation patterns are random and captivating, adding a touch of playfulness to the overall look of the plant.
This variety prefers bright, indirect light and requires regular watering during the growing season. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root issues, and ensure proper drainage in the pot.
Best for: Tineke is a great gift choice for those who enjoy adding a touch of whimsy and color to their living space.
Best Outdoor Rubber Tree Varieties for Gifting
Yellow Gem Rubber Plant
Botanical Name: Ficus elastica ‘Altissima’
Origin: Southeast Asia
Size: Can reach up to 100 feet tall in the wild, but smaller when grown outdoors
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Give the soil a chance to dry slightly before the next watering
Toxicity: Mildly toxic if ingested
Ficus elastica ‘Altissima,’ commonly known as yellow gem, is a visually striking outdoor rubber tree variety. It features large, glossy, and elliptical leaves that can grow up to 12 inches in length.
The foliage of Altissima showcases an alluring variegation pattern with vibrant green as the base color and bold streaks of creamy yellow or ivory running along the central veins.
As the plant matures, aerial roots emerge from the stems, giving it a distinctive and eye-catching appearance.
Altissima thrives in bright, indirect light and requires well-draining soil. Ensure the plant receives regular watering, but allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Best for: For those who want a striking outdoor plant without the fuss, Altissima is an excellent gift choice. It requires minimal care and can grow into an impressive and majestic focal point in their garden.
Tricolor Rubber Plant
Botanical Name: Ficus elastica ‘Tricolor’
Origin: Southeast Asia
Size: Can grow up to 30 feet tall outdoors
Light: Partial shade to dappled sunlight
Water: Make sure to keep the soil consistently moist, but be careful not to overwater it
Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets
Ficus elastica ‘Tricolor’ is a captivating outdoor rubber tree variety renowned for its multicolored foliage. The large, broad, and leathery leaves exhibit a striking blend of green, pink, and creamy white colors.
The green areas form the base color, while the pink and white hues appear as intricate patterns and streaks across the leaves, creating a mesmerizing and ever-changing display.
The tricolor rubber plant prefers partial shade and needs protection from harsh direct sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Also, consider adding mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture.
Best for: Tricolor is the perfect gift for anyone who loves vibrant colors in their garden. Its unique foliage will add a lively and colorful display to their outdoor landscape.
Robusta Rubber Plant
Botanical Name: Ficus elastica ‘Robusta’
Origin: India and Nepal
Size: Can grow up to 100 feet tall in the wild
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings
Toxicity: Mildly toxic if ingested
Ficus elastica ‘Robusta’ is a tropical gem among outdoor rubber tree varieties. It boasts large, broad, and leathery, glossy leaves with a rich green coloration, reminiscent of the lush rainforests.
As Robusta matures, its stems develop an attractive reddish hue, further enhancing its overall tropical charm.
This variety prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot weather.
Ensure proper airflow around the leaves to prevent fungal issues.
Best for: For those who dream of a tropical paradise in their backyard, Robusta is an excellent gift. Its bold foliage will create a serene and exotic ambiance, perfect for outdoor relaxation.
Burgundy Rubber Tree
Botanical Name: Ficus elastica ‘Burgundy’
Size: Grows up to 15 feet tall outdoors
Light: Partial shade to dappled sunlight
Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets
Ficus elastica ‘Burgundy’ is named for its captivating and deep burgundy foliage. The leaves are large, oval-shaped, and glossy, exhibiting a rich maroon or wine-red coloration.
The contrast between the dark burgundy leaves and its green stems creates a bold and striking visual display.
Burgundy rubber trees thrive in partial shade and require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Adding organic mulch around the base of the plant can help retain moisture and provide essential nutrients.
Best for: This variety is an ideal gift for those who love to create visual interest in their garden. Its rich burgundy leaves will contrast beautifully with the surrounding greenery, adding a touch of sophistication to the outdoor space.
Abidjan Rubber Tree
Botanical Name: Ficus elastica ‘Abidjan’
Origin: West Africa
Size: Can reach up to 100 feet tall in its natural habitat
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings
Toxicity: Mildly toxic if ingested
Ficus elastica ‘Abidjan’ is an outdoor rubber tree variety treasured for its elegant and elongated leaves. The leaves of Abidjan are lance-shaped and glossy, with a deep green coloration.
This plant exhibits an upright and graceful growth habit, giving it an air of sophistication and refinement.
To ensure the best growth of Abidjan, place it in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. While it can tolerate some shade, providing it with more light will promote optimal growth.
Water the plant regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, and ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Best for: Abidjan is the perfect gift for those who appreciate elegance and grace in their outdoor landscape. Its slender foliage and attractive growth pattern will add a touch of sophistication and charm to any garden design.
