Hardiness zones
Sunset 13 with building protection), 16-24
USDA 9 (with building protection) -11
Landscape Use: Mostly used in Phoenix as a large foundation tree up tight against north and east walls of single and multiple story buildings, commercial building courtyard planters, and in large atriums and courtyards. It is also used as container plant on patios or indoors. Its large leaves make it a bold textural accent plant.
Form & Character: Upright and rounded, bold, tropical.
Growth Habit: Upright, soft wooded and vigorous from 5' to 25' in height (taller in more favorable climates) with a less than equal spread.
Foliage/texture: Large, glabrous, simple, ovate and fleshy leaves with a distinct mid-vein and rounded petiole, foliage ranges in color from green to deep burgundy green. Leaves emerge at terminal meristems from a reddish sheath. All leaves and stems drip copious amounts of white latex when cut or damaged; coarse texture.
Flowers & fruits: Not showy and rarely seen when cultivated in Arizona.
Seasonal color: None
Temperature: Intolerant of freezing temperatures below 32oF and summer heat above 115oF
Light: Light to full shade is best in Phoenix. Mature specimens of rubber tree can take some full sun for up to 6 to 8 hours a day, but absolutely NO western exposures (otherwise its french fry time)!!!
Soil: Tolerant
Watering: Regular irrigations
Pruning: Requires ample pruning to develop a strong scaffold branch structure. Make sure to place a large tarp underneath any larger rubber tree when pruning due to the heavy exudation of white milky, sticky latex sap from pruning wounds (I'm serious, its that bad!).
Propagation: Softwood cuttings, air layering
Disease and pests: None
Additional comments: Rubber plant is a long time popular house plant.
Leaves and stems emit copious amounts of white latex sap that can
stain indoor or outdoor surfaces. Here
is an excellent Florida web site about production of rubber tree. There
are many named cultivars including 'Rubra'
(my personal favorite).
