Ficus elastica Shivereana - Rubber plant

The Ficus 'Shivereana', derived from the species Ficus elastica, is a variety of Rubber Plant also known as 'Shivereana Moonshine'. This houseplant which forms a small tree indoors with its upright trunk(s) is prized for its beautiful and vibrant foliage. Each leaf is uniquely adorned with a lovely marbling of cream, soft white, and various shades of green. Its broad, thick, and glossy leaves typical of the Rubber Plant often appear slightly translucent under bright, indirect light, further enhancing their beauty. It is recommended to regularly clean the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and maintain the foliage's lustre. Give it plenty of light to see it truly thrive.

Belonging to the Moraceae family, the Ficus 'Shivereana' also has the botanical synonym Ficus elastica 'Schrijveriana'. It is a horticultural variety selected for its colourful foliage. At maturity, the plant can reach up to 2 m in height with a spread of 1 m, displaying an upright and elegant habit. Its ovate, thick, and leathery leaves can grow up to 25 cm long and have a smooth texture. Although flowering is rare indoors, it manifests if at all as small, inconspicuous inflorescences of little ornamental value. The plant is toxic if ingested by animals and humans. Take precautions during pruning or prolonged handling.

Native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, particularly India and Malaysia, the Ficus elastica naturally grows in warm and humid environments, often in undergrowth, which explains its preference for indirect light and not unduly dry ambiant air indoors.

The Shivereana Rubber Plant is a houseplant with a striking presence due to its elegant, upright, and open habit, as well as its superb foliage adorned with various colours. It can be placed among many plants in a large space or serve as the sole focal point in a smaller room. While it tolerates medium light, it truly thrives in bright, indirect light with ambient humidity levels of around 50 to 70%. Why not pair it, among others, with Monstera deliciosa and Philodendron scandens, which share similar light and humidity requirements. It is beneficial to group houseplants together for aesthetic reasons and to increase ambient humidity.