Rubber Plant Varieties
A comparison of the most popular Rubber Plant varieties — learn which one is right for your space and skill level.
| Variety | Key Feature | Care Difficulty | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ficus elastica Burgundy | Deep dark red-black leaves with a glossy sheen; the darkest of all rubber plant varieties | Easy | Varies |
| Ficus elastica Tineke | Variegated green, cream, and pink leaves with painterly splotches and margins | Easy | Varies |
| Ficus elastica Ruby | Pink and burgundy variegated leaves with vivid pink new growth | Easy | Varies |
| Ficus elastica Decora | Classic dark green glossy leaves with prominent central vein; the traditional rubber plant look | Easy | Varies |
Variety Details
Ficus elastica Burgundy
The most popular rubber plant variety, prized for its dramatic deep dark red-black leaves that add bold color to any room. New leaves emerge from red sheaths and darken as they mature.
Distinguishing feature: Deep dark red-black leaves with a glossy sheen; the darkest of all rubber plant varieties
Care notes: Needs slightly more light than green varieties to maintain its dark coloring. In low light, leaves may fade toward green. Otherwise, standard rubber plant care applies.
Ficus elastica Tineke
A stunning variegated variety with leaves painted in shades of green, cream, and soft pink. Each leaf has a unique pattern, making no two plants exactly alike.
Distinguishing feature: Variegated green, cream, and pink leaves with painterly splotches and margins
Care notes: Requires more bright indirect light than non-variegated types to sustain the lighter portions. More sensitive to overwatering — the white and pink areas are prone to browning if stressed. Avoid direct sun which scorches the variegated sections.
Ficus elastica Ruby
A show-stopping variety with pink and burgundy variegated leaves. The new growth emerges a vivid pink that deepens to burgundy as the leaves mature, creating a gorgeous gradient effect.
Distinguishing feature: Pink and burgundy variegated leaves with vivid pink new growth
Care notes: The most light-hungry of the rubber plant varieties — insufficient light causes the pink to fade to green. Needs consistent bright indirect light. More prone to reverting; prune back any fully green branches to maintain variegation. Slightly more delicate than Burgundy or Decora.
Ficus elastica Decora
The classic rubber plant with broad, dark green glossy leaves. This is the variety most people picture when they think of a rubber plant — reliable, robust, and the most forgiving for beginners.
Distinguishing feature: Classic dark green glossy leaves with prominent central vein; the traditional rubber plant look
Care notes: The easiest variety to care for. Most tolerant of medium light conditions and the most forgiving of occasional care mistakes. Best choice for first-time rubber plant owners.