Moderate Care Mildly toxic

Rubber plant 'Burgundy'

Ficus elastica (cultivar)

Family: Moraceae

Care guide for Rubber plant 'Burgundy'. Light, watering, humidity, toxicity, and quick fixes for common issues.

Light

Bright Indirect

Watering

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Growth

Medium

Quick care summary

Light: Bright Indirect
Watering: Moderate
Humidity: Average
Difficulty: Moderate
Growth speed: Medium
Toxicity: Mildly toxic

Thrives in bright, indirect light near a window. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Does well in most homes, moderate airflow helps.

What this plant likes (and what it hates)

Light

  • Best: Bright Indirect
  • Avoid: harsh midday sun if leaves scorch, or deep shade if growth gets weak

Watering

  • Rule of thumb: water based on the soil, not the calendar
  • Target: Moderate watering habits
  • Common mistake: keeping the pot wet for days at a time

Soil and pot

  • Use a pot with drainage holes.
  • Choose a mix that matches watering needs.
  • If the plant stays wet for too long, use a chunkier mix and a breathable pot.

Common problems and quick fixes

Here are the issues people hit most often with Rubber plant ‘Burgundy’.

  • Yellow leaves: usually light change, watering swings, or a stressed root system
  • Moldy soil: often low humidity, mineral buildup, or inconsistent watering
  • Brown tips: can be thirst, heat stress, or early root trouble
  • Drooping: often overwatering, stale airflow, or splashy watering

A quick diagnosis checklist

  1. Check the soil moisture 2 inches down.
  2. Look at the newest growth first.
  3. Inspect the underside of leaves.
  4. Confirm drainage and airflow.

Pest watch

These are the most common pests to check for:

If you are unsure, the fastest move is a clean photo of the underside of a leaf and a close shot of the damage.

Propagation basics

  • Best time: spring through early fall
  • Method: depends on the plant, but clean cuts and fresh water or airy mix matter most
  • Tip: slow propagation usually means low light or cold temps

Safety notes

If you have pets or small kids, treat toxicity seriously. Even mild toxicity can cause drooling or stomach upset.

BotanAI shortcut

Open BotanAI, scan the leaf, then check:

  • confidence score
  • top 3 matches
  • pest scan if damage is present

Common Problems

Yellow leaves
Moldy soil
Brown tips
Drooping

See diagnosis guides →

Toxicity Warning: Mildly toxic

This plant may cause mild irritation if ingested. Keep away from curious pets and children.

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