Ficus elastica 'Belize' – Vibrant Variegated Rubber Plant for Indoors

Ficus elastica 'Belize', also called 'Red Ruby', is a colorful rubber tree cultivar with thick, leathery leaves in creamy pink, green, and blush tones. New growth unfurls in vivid reddish-pink, fading into rich cream and green, adding dynamic color to any bright room. This upright, easygoing plant is ideal for adding height and vibrancy without much fuss.

● Origin and Botanical Background

Botanical name: Ficus elastica Roxb. ex Hornem.
Native range: Tropical lowland forests of northeast India, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia
Growth habit: Upright, self-supporting, evergreen shrub or tree
Toxicity: Contains latex sap; toxic to pets and may irritate skin
Cultivar name: 'Belize' or 'Red Ruby' refers to its red-toned young leaves

● Key Features of Ficus elastica 'Belize'

Foliage: Variegated leaves with green, cream, and pink tones
New growth: Reddish-pink flushes that fade into soft cream and green
Size: Grows up to 2.5 m indoors; slower growth in medium light
Structure: Adds vertical height and color contrast to interior spaces

● Care Tips for Ficus elastica 'Belize'

Light: Prefers bright, indirect light to maintain variegation. Avoid harsh midday sun and deep shade.
Water: Let the top 15-20% of soil dry between waterings. Avoid soggy soil.
Humidity: Enjoys moderate humidity. Use a humidifier if air is very dry.
Temperature: Ideal range: 18 – 24 °C. Protect from cold air and heat vents.
Soil: Well-draining mix with peat, perlite, and bark for aeration.
Fertilizer: Feed every 4 – 6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Repotting: Every 2 – 3 years or when rootbound. Use a pot with drainage holes.
Pruning: Trim leggy growth to encourage bushiness. Cut above a node with clean tools.
Propagation: Use stem cuttings. Root in water or moist soil with optional rooting powder.
Semi-hydroponics: Adapts well to LECA or pon systems with proper nutrient solution.

● Common Problems and How to Solve Them

Yellow leaves: Usually caused by overwatering. Let soil dry more before watering.
Root rot: From poor drainage or frequent watering. Repot in fresh, airy soil and reduce water frequency.
Drooping: Often from underwatering. Check soil moisture and water deeply when dry.
Browning edges: Low humidity or excessive light. Increase humidity or move to filtered light.
Leaf drop: Caused by drafts or inconsistent care. Keep conditions stable.
Pests: Watch for spider mites or mealybugs. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

● Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ficus elastica 'Belize' toxic to pets? Yes. It’s toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Keep out of reach.
How often should I water it? When the top 15-20% of soil feels dry. Don’t let the roots sit in water.
Can it grow under artificial light? Yes. It tolerates artificial light but grows best with bright, filtered daylight.
How do I boost humidity? Mist regularly, group with other plants, or use a humidifier.
How often should I prune it? Once or twice a year is enough to maintain shape and size.

● Ficus elastica 'Belize' – A Colorful Indoor Statement

If you're looking for a striking rubber plant with personality, Ficus elastica 'Belize' brings color, form, and easy-care nature together. Order now to brighten your interior with a vibrant, upright beauty.

Ficus elastica ‘Belize’ aka ‘Red Ruby’

€11.00

VAT Included

Quantity

Ficus elastica ‘Belize’ aka ‘Red Ruby’ is approximately 35 cm tall and comes in a ⌀ 12 cm pot
Name: Ficus elastica 'Belize' – a variegated cultivar of Ficus elastica Roxb. ex Hornem.

Common Names: Indian rubber tree, rubber plant, India rubber fig; known for its colorful foliage.

Type: Evergreen tree; maintains its leaves year-round, ideal for indoor environments.

Form: Phanerophyte; aerial buds grow above ground, promoting resilience and adaptability.

Family: Moraceae; known for their diverse range of trees and shrubs, many with striking foliage.

Native Range (Ficus elastica Roxb. ex Hornem.): From Nepal to Western Yunnan in China and Western Malesia, thriving in tropical climates.

Height: Reaches up to 1.5-3 m indoors; can grow much taller in natural habitats.

Spread: Up to 1.2 m; forms a bushy, upright structure.

Growth Habit: Erect and sturdy, with large, leathery leaves; branches sparsely, promoting a sculptural appearance.

Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; can tolerate lower light conditions but variegation may diminish.

Watering: Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging as it may lead to root rot.

Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity levels; adapts well to typical indoor humidity.

Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 18-24°C; avoid exposure to temperatures below 12°C.

Soil: Well-draining, loamy soil; a mix of peat, pine bark, and perlite is ideal.

Water: Consistent but moderate watering; reduce frequency in cooler, low-light conditions.

Maintenance: Low-maintenance; occasional pruning helps maintain shape and removes damaged leaves.

Foliage: Oval, leathery leaves with pink, cream, and green variegation; stunning focal point in any setting.

Tolerance: Tolerates occasional neglect, lower light, and fluctuating temperatures.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during active growth.

Propagation: Propagate via stem cuttings in water or soil; rooting hormone enhances success rate.

Common Pests: Prone to scale, spider mites, and mealybugs; inspect regularly and treat with insecticidal soap if necessary.

Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors; primarily grown for its decorative foliage.

Growth Rate: Moderate; faster in bright, indirect light with consistent moisture.

Toxicity: Toxic to pets if ingested; can cause mouth irritation and gastrointestinal distress.

Ideal Placement: Place in bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight and cold drafts.

Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years to refresh soil and accommodate root growth.

Special Care: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and maintain their vibrant color.
🌿 Ficus Care and Insights

🌱 Discover comprehensive details on Ficus plants and their care on our Ficus Varieties and Genus Info page in the Genera Information Catalogue.

💡 For extra tips and expert advice, visit our Blog featuring useful plant care FAQs, interesting plant facts, and detailed care guides.
Plant Care Help – Start Here

Plant Care After Purchase – Unpacking, first placement, and the crucial first week.

Acclimatization – What plants go through after shipping and how to support recovery.

Light – Practical light principles for predictable indoor growth.

Watering – Frequency, volume, and signs of over- vs. underwatering.

Substrates – Mix structure, particle size, and drainage for strong roots.

Humidity – Managing ambient moisture indoors without gimmicks.

Fertilizing – Nutrients, EC, and how to avoid salt stress.

Semi-Hydro – Inert/mineral substrates, wicks, and reservoir management.

Pest Control – Identification, treatment cycles, and prevention that works.
Please Note:

Curated Selection: Every plant is hand-picked for quality and visual appeal, ensuring you receive a healthy, well-established specimen.

Representative Image: Product photos serve as reference. Each plant is unique — differences in leaf number, shape, or variegation are natural.

Size Details: Sizes refer to pot diameter and overall height (from the base of the pot to the tallest leaf or stem).

Specific Listings: If a product is a ‘Get What You See’ item, this will be stated clearly in the size section.

Individual Photos: Photos of single plants are not available unless explicitly mentioned in the size section. For details on each plant’s unique traits or minor quirks, please read the full product description.