Ficus - Black Knight

The Ficus elastica is often referred to as the Rubber Tree because the sap of this species is the original source of latex, but there's nothing plastic about this tree. It's alive. The Black Knight Ficus elastica Rubber Tree has striking sturdy black-green leaves and fire engine red growth tips to rival any flower. The ideal low maintenance plant for beginner plant keepers or beyond.

Light Requirements: Bright Indirect Light is ideal, can handle part-day Sun. Provide enough light to maintain the dark leaves otherwise they may revert to green.

Moisture & Soil Requirements: Prefers evenly moist soil with good drainage in warm seasons - never soggy soil. Water when the first few centimetres of soil are dry.

Growth & Nutrients: Tree /shrub. Aggressive roots, will fill up nearly any container, keep away from water pipes outside. Prune at the start of spring to the desired shape. Suits apartments or houses of any size. Feed with a general-purpose fertiliser for containers from the start of spring each year to autumn when growth slows down.

Temperature, Humidity & Ambient requirements: Prefers warm humid environments inside but can deal with most home environments. Grows well outdoors in frost-free northern NZ

Toxicity: Moderately toxic. Don't let anyone or anything eat it. The sap is a skin irritant so do not touch.