Ficus elastica Burgundy - Rubber plant

Ficus elastica ‘Burgundy’, nicknamed the Burgundy rubber plant, is a sought-after decorative houseplant prized for its large, almost black leaves, accentuated by a dark red central vein. With its stylish small tree appearance and harmonious foliage, it is well-suited to contemporary settings, spacious living rooms, and offices. Placed in a bright room, away from direct sunlight, it becomes a true botanical focal point.

Originating from the Ficus elastica species, a member of the Moraceae family, this cultivar finds its origins in the humid tropical forests stretching from the foothills of the Himalayas to eastern India, Malaysia, and the islands of Sumatra and Java. In the wild, the wild species can reach over 30 m in height, forming a powerful trunk and impressive aerial roots; when grown in pots in our homes, it is limited to 1.50-2.50 m in height.
‘Burgundy’ was selected for its particularly dark foliage: its thick, leathery, elongated ovate leaves measure 20 to 25 cm long by 10 to 12 cm wide. Their upper surface is such a dark green that it appears black, with burgundy highlights. Their underside is brown-red. The young leaves emerge from a decorative, bright red sheath. The insignificant flowers of Ficus, enclosed in small fleshy receptacles, rarely appear indoors; the plant is mainly grown for its spectacular foliage.
Like all rubber plants, this cultivar contains abundant white latex, irritating to the skin and mucous membranes, and toxic if ingested.

Indoors, Ficus 'Burgundy' requires bright, filtered light, a temperate atmosphere between 18 and 24 °C, and medium to fairly high air humidity, easily achieved by grouping several plants. It is an overall easy variety, suitable for attentive beginners.

In the home, place Ficus Burgundy in a bright living room, an open entrance hall, an office, or a dining room. It lends itself to many decorative settings. Placed in a large matte ceramic pot or a woven basket, it creates an atmosphere of chic urban jungle. You can pair it with a Calathea orbifolia and a Calathea ‘Dottie’. A Syngonium ‘Snow White’ provides a brighter counterpoint, while a Philodendron ‘Sunlight’ with coppery highlights forms beautiful foliage around its trunk. Grouped near a glazed bay window filtered by a sheer curtain, these plants create a lush botanical display that is easy to live with day-to-day.