Ficus elastica 'Melany' is a gorgeous ficus plant with dark leaves. Ficus elastica is commonly called the rubber tree because its white coloured sap makes rubber, which is a key ingredient for tyres and many more rubber-based products. Ensure the sap does not come into contact with your skin as it can cause irritation. This is an excellent indoor plant for home or commercial use. The darker colour offers a good contrast to other plants.
Ficus plants have extremely invasive roots so, in urban gardens, it is strongly advisable to keep them in pots or containers rather than planting them in the ground.
Light requirement: Part sun/part shade and Bright indirect sunlight
Water requirement: Medium
Watering frequency:
Soil: For pots: premium-quality potting mix in pots that have good drainage. For the ground, well draining loam with pH between 6 - 6.5.
Skill level: Beginner
Growth rate: Fast
Suitable for containers: Yes
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Drought tolerance: Medium
Frost tolerance: Low
Wind tolerance: Low
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Suitable for shaping: No
Colour: Dark glossy green with burgundy hues
Variegation: No
Size: Small/medium
Seasonality: Evergreen
Flowering: Yes; but primarily grown for it's foliage
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Fruit: Insignificant