Ficus Audrey

• Botanical Name: Ficus elastica

• Common Name(s): Variegated Rubber tree, Ficus Elastica Ruby

• Description: Native to tropical regions of India and Malaysia, Ficus is a hardy, vibrant evergreen plant. Care is similar to other rubber plants, but the variegation requires more light than the 'Burgundy' variety. It won't do well in low light spaces, so place in bright indirect light. Water to keep soil moist at all times. Ficus elastica is a source of latex that is toxic to the skin, and poisonous if ingested, so pet-owners and those allergic to latex should be cautious.

Care:

• Light: Place the Ficus near a window in a room that gets bright light in the summer with more moderate light in the winter. Turn the plant occasionally so all the growth does not occur on one side.
• Pet Friendly: No
• Water: Water weekly during the summer with room temperature water. Add water until it drains from the bottom of the pot. Discard the excess water if it flows into a container. Adjust the watering for your plant. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. If the leaves turn yellow and begin to drop, you may need to increase or decrease the amount of water. Check the root ball. If the roots are soggy water the plant less often. If they are dry, increase watering. Humidity and light levels affect the amount of water needed.
• Humidity: High
• Temperature: Ficus plants will do best in temperatures between 50° to 85° F. If the temperatures exceed this the leaves will loose their turgid appearance. It is best to avoid any quick temperature drops.
• Difficult Level: Easy