Ficus Abidjan Rubber Plant

For those who want the tough-as-nails nature of a Rubber Plant but prefer their foliage with a bit of dark, moody drama.

The Ficus Abidjan brings serious presence to any flat. It features large, glossy, architectural leaves that emerge with a bright red sheath and mature into a deep, almost black-burgundy colour. It is an absolute showstopper of a houseplant that looks incredibly sophisticated sitting in a bright corner of the room.

Like all plants in the Rubber Tree family, it is wonderfully robust and relatively easy to care for, provided you respect its two main boundaries: it needs plenty of light to keep those dark colours popping, and it absolutely despises being moved around constantly.

How to keep it happy:

Light: This moody beauty needs plenty of bright, indirect light. If you stick it in a shady corner, those stunning dark red and burgundy tones will slowly fade to a standard, boring green. It can handle a little bit of soft morning sun, but avoid harsh afternoon rays.

Water: Let the top half of the potting soil completely dry out between waterings. When it is time for a drink, give it a thorough soak, but never let it sit in a puddle. They are notoriously dramatic about getting "wet feet."

Cleaning: Those massive, glossy leaves act like dust magnets. Give them a gentle wipe down with a damp cloth every few weeks. It keeps the plant looking incredibly sharp and helps it soak up all that vital sunlight.

Feed: A standard dose of liquid houseplant fertiliser once a month during the spring and summer will keep it growing tall and pushing out massive new leaves.

Troubleshooting:

• Dropping leaves suddenly? If the leaves are perfectly healthy but suddenly jumping off the plant, it is throwing a tantrum because you moved it, or because it is sitting in a cold draught. Find it a bright, warm spot away from doors and radiators, and just leave it be!
• Yellowing lower leaves? This is almost always a sign that you are being too heavy-handed with the watering can. Let the soil dry out significantly more before its next drink.
• Fading colours? It is begging for more sunlight. Nudge it closer to the window to get that deep burgundy colour back.

Pet Safety:
Not Pet Safe. The sap of the Ficus Abidjan is mildly toxic to pets and can cause stomach upset and skin irritation. Keep it out of reach of nibbling cats and dogs.