Ficus elastica ‘Shivereana Moonshine’
rubber tree
Pale lime green leaves are specked with dark flecks. Easy and durable, prune to size as the plant grows.
 Height | 6–50ft |
|---|---|
 Width | 6–50ft |
 Tolerates | Pots |
 Water needs | When soil surface is dry. |
This plant wants water when the top of the soil is dry, but you can still feel moisture just below the surface. This plant will often fall into a once-a-week watering cycle, but remember that your watering should be based on the moisture left in the soil, which will depend partly on the moisture in the room and the weather outside. The soil "surface"' goes a bit deeper for larger pots; for example, a plant in a 14-inch diameter pot should dry out a couple of inches deep before you water it, while a plant in a 4-inch pot will only want to dry out in the top ½ inch or so of soil. | |
 Hardy to | 28°F |
 Exposure | Bright Indirect – Direct Sun |
 Plant traits | Foliage Feature, Tree |
 Indoor / outdoor | Indoor |
 Drainage | In Ground: Planting Mix, In Pots: Potting Soil |
 Fertilizing | All Purpose |
 Origin | Hybrid |
 California native | No |
 Sunset zones | 16, 17, 19–24, H2 |
Growing Notes
All ficus respond well to pruning, allowing even very large ficus to be maintained at a modest size. They do exude white sap, often containing latex, so if you have a latex allergy avoid the sap.
Pruning them consistently and keeping in a smaller pot will make the leaves proportionately smaller and help maintain the size of the plant. If a very small plant (in a six inch to one gallon pot) is desired remove the plant every three to five years and prune back the roots by one third. Repot in fresh potting soil.
Special Interest
Ficus make figs, which at first don't seem to be flowers. The trick is that the flowers are on the inside of the fig, which is why many figs are hollow and so unusual inside. This plant is unlikely to make figs indoors, but you never know!
More Info
This cultivar of Ficus elastica has been grown as a houseplant and is intended to live indoors. That said, many Ficus elastica live quite happily outdoors in mild areas of California. Since this one is so new to us we are unsure if it will do well outdoors, or not. If you give it a try and succeed do let us know!
Links
The above information reflects the observations of Grubb and Nadler and our extended plant community. We always consider input from fellow horticulturists and welcome feedback from those with additional information on the culture of this plant.
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