People love rubber tree plants, which are also called Ficus elastica, because they have big, shiny leaves and are easy to take care of. With the right care, these tropical beauties can get very big and live for many years, making them perfect long-term houseplants.
There are over 1000 species of rubber trees in the Ficus genus, but Ficus elastica is the most common species grown indoors This plant is native to tropical Southeast Asia and has numerous cultivars with unique leaf colors and patterns.
In this article we’ll provide a visual guide to the different types of rubber tree plants along with pictures to help you identify them. We’ll also share some key facts care tips, and frequently asked questions about these stunning houseplants.
Common Green Rubber Tree
The most common type of rubber tree has dark green, broad, oval leaves. It looks full and dense, and in its native jungle home it can grow up to 100 feet tall. When grown inside, it usually grows to be about 6 to 10 feet tall.
![Common green rubber tree plant][]
Photo Credit: The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
- Native to Southeast Asia
- Grows up to 100 feet tall outdoors
- Reaches 6-10 feet indoors
- Broad, oval-shaped green leaves
- Dense, full appearance
Burgundy Rubber Tree
The burgundy rubber tree variety has very dark burgundy-colored leaves. The leaves are dark green with a reddish tint. New leaves may initially appear more red. The burgundy color is most noticeable when the plant gets a lot of bright, indirect sunlight.
![Burgundy rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: jonathanfilskov-photography / Getty Images
- Dark burgundy leaves
- Foliage has deep green and dark reddish hues
- New leaves emerge reddish
- Burgundy color shows best in bright light
Variegated Rubber Tree
This eye-catching rubber tree variety has tricolored leaves in shades of cream, pink, and green. The striking variegated foliage makes this plant a beautiful accent piece. New leaves emerge with pink tones before maturing to their full color.
![Tricolor variegated rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: The Spruce / Cara Cormack
- Leaves variegated in cream, pink, and green
- New growth emerges pink
- Striking multicolored foliage
- Grows up to 6 feet tall
Tineke Rubber Tree
People love the “Tineke” cultivar because its leaves are a unique mix of dark green, gray-green, and creamy white. This type is a real statement plant because of its bright colors. The leaves can be solid colors or almost pure white, depending on how much light they get.
![Tineke rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala
- Variegated dark green, gray-green, and white leaves
- Foliage color varies based on light levels
- Beautiful, statement-making plant
- Can reach 13 feet tall
Ruby Rubber Tree
The ‘Ruby’ cultivar has vibrant reddish-pink new growth that matures to dark green. The pink tones are most prominent on young, immature leaves near the top. The eye-catching coloration makes ‘Ruby’ a uniquely beautiful houseplant. It grows up to 6 feet tall at maturity.
![Ruby rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: Cultivar413 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
- New leaves emerge reddish-pink
- Matures to dark green
- Most color on new, top growth
- Distinctive pink and green foliage
Decora Rubber Tree
Unlike other rubber trees, the ‘Decora’ cultivar has very thick, rubbery leaves that can grow quite large. The substantial leaves emerge with a red tint before maturing to a deep green hue. ‘Decora’ makes a bold statement with its large leaves and imposing stature.
![Decora rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: iStock / feihanju
- Thick, rubbery, substantial leaves
- Foliage emerges with red tint
- Matures to deep green
- Can reach 6 feet tall
- Makes a bold statement
Melany Rubber Tree
Unlike the upright, tree-like shape of most rubber trees, ‘Melany’ has a bushy habit with multiple stems sprouting from the base. The leaves are on the smaller side with a bronze tint. ‘Melany’ is a dwarf rubber tree variety reaching just 3-6 feet tall.
![Melany rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: TYNZA / Getty Images
- Bushy, multi-stemmed growth habit
- Smaller bronze-tinted leaves
- Dwarf variety, just 3-6 feet tall
Doescheri Rubber Tree
The ‘Doescheri’ cultivar has elegant leaves marked by irregular gray-green splotches and veining against a light green background. The pink stems provide additional pop of color.
![Doescheri rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
- Gray-green splotched and veined leaves
- Light green leaf background
- Attractive pink stems
Abidjan Rubber Tree
This variety has very dark black-green leaves reminiscent of the burgundy type but without the reddish tones. ‘Abidjan’ is sometimes called black princess or black knight. The glossy, leathery leaves have bold reddish veining.
![Abidjan rubber tree][]
Photo Credit: iStock / feihanju
- Dark black-green leaves
- Glossy and leathery
- Prominent red veining
- Also called black princess/knight
Audrey Ficus
While not technically a rubber tree, the Ficus audrey or Ficus benghalensis ‘Audrey’ is a close relative in the Ficus genus. It has broader leaves than most rubber trees. The large, shiny foliage adds a bold tropical look.
![Audrey ficus][]
Photo Credit: chandlerphoto / Getty Images
- Not a true rubber tree but close relative
- Broad, shiny, tropical-looking leaves
- Larger leaves than most rubber trees
Growing Tips
- Place in bright, indirect sunlight
- Use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering
- Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during growing season
- Prune to control size/shape
- Average room temps between 60-80°F
- Maintain moderate humidity
FAQs
How much sun do rubber trees need?
Rubber trees require 6-8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. Avoid harsh direct sunlight which can burn the leaves.
What’s the difference between a rubber plant and rubber tree?
Rubber plants and rubber trees refer to the same species, Ficus elastica. They can be used interchangeably.
How long do indoor rubber trees live?
With proper care, indoor rubber trees can live for over 15 years. Their lifespan is extended when grown inside.
Are rubber trees toxic to pets?
The Ficus genus is mildly toxic to pets when ingested, so keep rubber trees out of reach.
How tall do indoor rubber trees grow?
Depending on the variety, indoor rubber trees typically grow to 6-10 feet tall at maturity. Proper care is needed to reach their full height.
What are some variegated rubber tree varieties?
Some popular variegated varieties include Ficus elastica ‘Tricolor’, ‘Tineke’, and ‘Doescheri’. They have striking multicolored leaves.
With their glossy tropical foliage and ease of care, it’s no wonder rubber trees are a popular houseplant choice. This visual guide covers some of the most common rubber tree varieties to help you pick the perfect one for your indoor space.