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ficus elastica cultivars

If you’re drawn to lush foliage and effortless style, ficus elastica cultivars offer a stunning range of options for New Zealand homes and gardens. Known commonly as the rubber plant, ficus elastica is prized for its bold, glossy leaves, upright growth, and reliable nature both indoors and out. With so many unique cultivars to choose from, there’s a perfect match for every plant enthusiast—from classic green forms to striking variegated varieties.

Ficus Black Knight growing in a pot with lush, dark foliage.

Ficus Black Knight

Ficus ‘Black Knight’ is a striking indoor plant characterised by its large, glossy leaves, which range from deep green to nearly black tones. This bold rubber plant adds a dramatic, modern touch to interior spaces and thrives in bright, indirect light. It’s low-maintenance, air-purifying, and well-suited to homes and offices alike. Ficus ‘Black Knight’ grows upright and can reach over a metre tall indoors, making it an excellent choice for statement pots and stylish interiors.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Tropical
Ficus elastica 'Ruby' plants with colourful foliage.

Ficus 'Ruby'

Ficus 'Ruby' is a popular indoor plant owing to its amazing, tri-coloured foliage. The large, glossy leaves are variegated with dark red, pink, and cream, and are held off a solitary stem as it grows to 80 cm tall and 50 cm wide. Ficus 'Ruby' is commonly grown as a potted plant in offices and homes. In subtropical climates, it is often planted around pools and other outdoor living areas, maintained in a container, or included in tropical-themed gardens.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 80 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' variegated foliage.

Ficus benjamina 'Starlight'

Ficus benjamina ‘Starlight’ is a striking indoor plant admired for its glossy green leaves edged in creamy white. This variegated form of the popular...

From$33.68
Ficus pumila 'Ice Caps' plant with trailling variegated foliage.

Ficus 'Ice Caps'

Ficus 'Ice Caps' is a variety of Creeping Fig that features variegated leaves. It carries small, heart-shaped leaves which are light green with a...

From$20.18
Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) growing on a stone wall with colourful foliage.

Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

Ficus pumila, commonly known as Creeping Fig or Climbing Ficus, is a vigorous, evergreen climber popular in New Zealand for covering walls, fences...

From$18.23
Stromanthe triostar plant.

Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$32.33
Ficus benjamina 'variegata' foliage.

Ficus benjamina variegata

Ficus benjamina 'Variegata' is a popular indoor plant owing to its colourful foliage. It has a short trunk that supports a dense canopy of dark green...

From$29.63
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.

Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$19.58
A strong and studry planting spade.

Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$158.00
Ficus benjamina plant in black pot with lush green leaves

Ficus benjamina

Ficus benjamina, known as the Weeping Fig, is a popular indoor plant in New Zealand, prized for its elegant, arching branches and glossy green...

From$29.63
A well trimmed Ficus Tuffy hedge with lush green foliage.

Ficus Tuffi

Ficus 'Tuffi', also known as Ficus Tuffy, is a dense, upright evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand for hedging and screening. It features glossy...

From$16.13
Fiddle-Leaf Fig with lush, green leaves.

Ficus lyrata (Fiddle-Leaf Fig)

Ficus lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig) is a highly sought after indoor tree admired for its large glossy violin shaped leaves and bold architectural form...

From$103.88
A Ficus hillii (Evergreen Fig) specimen tree with lush, green foliage.

Ficus Hillii (Australian Banyan)

Ficus hillii (Evergreen Fig, Hill's Fig) is a fast growing evergreen tree valued for its dense glossy green foliage and excellent screening ability...

From$24.23
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Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant)

Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its large glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in late winter and spring. This...

From$21.53
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1.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$23.75
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3.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$42.50
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10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.00
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PB12 Planter Bags (Grow Bags For Plants)

These PB12 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 6.75 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$48.54
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0.51 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$20.00
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2.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$32.50
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5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$68.75
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Fertiliser for acid loving plants (Acid Fertiliser)

Using fertiliser for acid loving plants is important for plants such as Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Daphne’s, Gardenia’s, and Hydrangea’s who...

From$7.50
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Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

From$21.53
Chlorophytum 'Golden Glow' plant.

Chlorophytum Golden Glow (Chlorophytum comosum Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Golden Glow, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and bright foliage. It features...

From$21.53
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Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

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Indoor Plant Fertiliser (Indoor Plant Fertiliser)

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$12.50
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Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

From$43.13
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Perovskia atriplicifolia (Perovskia plant)

Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage or Russian Lavender, is a small and erect shrub that is grown for its fine foliage and...

From$24.23
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Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets (Fertilizer Tablets)

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

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Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

Sansevieria Hahnii, commonly known as the Dwarf Snake Plant or Serpent Plant, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

From$37.73
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Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

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Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.18
Ficus Black Knight

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Bergenia, Chlorophytum, Ficus, Kniphofia, Perovskia Sansevieria and Stromanthe, or related Categories - Acid Loving Plants, Indoor Plant Fertiliser, Native Plant Fertiliser, Moss Poles, Plant pots, Planter Bags, Spades, Evergreen Climbers, Indoor Plants, Perennials Evergreen Shrubs and Evergreen Trees.

Search ficus rubber plant

What Makes Ficus Elastica Cultivars Special?

Ficus elastica cultivars are primarily appreciated for their diversity in leaf colour, size, and shape. These plants are incredibly easy to care for, making them ideal for beginners and seasoned collectors alike. Their ability to purify air and thrive in typical Kiwi home conditions means they’re just as popular in living rooms as they are in offices or patios.

Popular Ficus Elastica Cultivars in NZ

Whether you’re after timeless elegance or something a little more dramatic, here’s a quick overview of some favourite ficus elastica cultivars available in New Zealand nurseries:

Ficus elastica 'Melany'

Known for its deep green, almost bronze leaves, Ficus elastica 'Melany' is a standout among ficus elastica cultivars. This compact form is perfect for indoor pots or small spaces and is famous for its resilience and lush, dense growth.

Ficus 'Midnight Beauty'

If you love dark, moody foliage, Ficus 'Midnight Beauty' is a must-have. It features almost-black leaves with a subtle sheen, giving living spaces a sophisticated edge. Like other ficus elastica cultivars, it tolerates a range of lighting conditions and is generally low-maintenance.

Ficus robusta

The robusta variant is often the classic “rubber plant” folks imagine—broad, glossy leaves with a deep green hue. Ficus robusta stands out amongst ficus elastica cultivars for its traditionally bold appearance and tough, easy-going nature.

Ficus Black Knight

For those chasing dramatic contrasts, Ficus Black Knight is well worth considering. Its nearly black, shiny foliage creates a striking look, and it makes an excellent anchor plant in modern interior designs.

Ficus Shivereana

Adding a playful touch, Ficus Shivereana brings a palette of creamy greens and subtle pinks to the world of ficus elastica cultivars. This variety makes a real statement and is the perfect choice for plant lovers seeking a point of difference in their collection.

Growing and Caring for Ficus Elastica Cultivars

All ficus elastica cultivars flourish in bright, indirect light but are resilient enough to handle low-light corners. Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering and avoid cold draughts. With the right care, these plants are vigorous growers, rewarding you with striking foliage year-round.

Ficus elastica cultivars adapt beautifully to containers, large statement planters, or as part of a foliage-rich indoor feature. Their low-maintenance needs and range of beautiful forms make them a top choice for Kiwi homes and offices.

Looking to explore ficus elastica cultivars for your own indoor jungle? Browse our range to find the perfect variety for your next green companion.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Azalea Pink Ice and Lomandra 'Tanika' are beloved staples, but Agapanthus 'Seafoam', Cordyline 'Can Can', and Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' bring fresh energy to any planting scheme.
–The Plant Company

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