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rubber leaf plant

The rubber leaf plant is a striking and popular choice for plant lovers across New Zealand. Renowned for its glossy, deep-green leaves and its robust nature, the rubber leaf plant (also known as Ficus elastica) makes a versatile and easy-care addition to any home or office. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or a beginner interested in indoor plants, the rubber leaf plant offers tropical flair with minimal fuss. With many attractive varieties to choose from, these plants not only purify the air but also elevate any space with their bold, architectural presence.

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.

From $99.52

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 'Melany' plant in a pot.

Ficus elastica 'Melany'

Ficus Melany is a compact glossy leaved rubber plant known for its deep green foliage and upright form. Ideal for NZ homes and offices it adds structure and modern character to interior spaces. With thick durable leaves and year round colour it thrives in bright filtered light and handles lower light better than many indoor plants.

From $33.05

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, 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...

From$37.19
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$30.29
Ficus elastica 'Burgundy' plants in a tropical garden.
Ficus elastica 'Burgundy'

Ficus elastica 'Burgundy' is a popular indoor plant owing to its rich and colourful foliage. The large and glossy leaves are burgundy-red and held...

From$33.05
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$9.95
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$33.05
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$71.69
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$225.86
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$30.29
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$8.95
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
Plant watering bottle for watering a plant on a shelf.
Plant Watering Bottle

Plant Watering Bottles provide a simple and convenient way to deliver water directly to indoor plants, seedlings, cuttings, and small container...

From$55.13
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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$5.76
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Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
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0.5 Litre Plant Pots

0.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young plants, herbs, seedlings, and smaller ornamentals. Their compact size makes them ideal...

From$23.04
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
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3.5 Litre Plant Pots

3.5 Litre Plant Pots are a versatile choice for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other established plants. They provide generous root...

From$48.96
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Plant Pots

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

From$27.36
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5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
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2.5 Litre Plant Pots

2.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical option for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide ample root...

From$37.44
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Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
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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...

From$16.95
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Indoor Plant Fertiliser 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...

From$34.95
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$16.95
Moss pole for plants.
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...

From$6.90
sansevieria-green-1
Sansevieria Green (Serpent Plant)

Sansevieria Green, commonly known as the Snake Plant or Mother in Law’s Tongue, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

From$32.95
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
White waterproof paper plant tags for sale.
Waterproof Paper Plant Tags

These industry standard labels are made from plastic infused paper which makes them both tough and waterproof. They are widely used across the...

From$26.78
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
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Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
Ficus 'Black Knight'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Ficus, and Stromanthe, or related Categories - Spades, and Indoor Plants. Alternatively, forage through similar ideas like chinese rubber plant, and large indoor rubber plant.

Search ficus rubber plant

Why Choose a Rubber Leaf Plant

Choosing a rubber leaf plant is an excellent decision if you seek a hardy, low-maintenance indoor plant with effortless style. Rubber leaf plants thrive in a range of lighting conditions, from bright, indirect sunlight to moderate shade, allowing flexibility in placement within your home. They tolerate the indoor environments of New Zealand homes exceptionally well and are known for their ability to improve indoor air quality. Their thick, glossy leaves help filter out toxins and enhance oxygen levels. With minimal requirements for watering and only occasional feeding needed, rubber leaf plants excel in both small apartments and large family spaces.

Popular Rubber Leaf Plant Varieties

If you're looking for a unique twist on the classic rubber leaf plant, there are several stunning varieties to consider. Ficus elastica 'Melany' features velvety, dark leaves and a compact size, making it perfect for tabletops or shelves. For fans of dramatic foliage, Ficus 'Midnight Beauty' is a showstopper with its almost black, glossy leaves that create a sophisticated look. Another popular choice, Ficus robusta, is known for its extra-large, thick leaves and strong growth habit, ideal for a bold indoor statement. If you prefer unique variegation, Ficus Black Knight and Ficus Shivereana offer remarkable leaf colours and patterns that stand out in modern interiors.

Tips for Caring for Your Rubber Leaf Plant

Proper care is the key to a thriving rubber leaf plant. Place your plant in indirect, filtered sunlight and keep it away from draughts or direct heat sources. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering, and wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and keep them looking glossy. If you want bushier growth, gently prune back the stems. Rubber leaf plants benefit from a well-draining, chunky potting mix and an occasional feed during spring and summer. Watch for signs of overwatering, like yellowing leaves or root rot, and adjust your care routine as needed.

Decorating with Rubber Leaf Plants

Rubber leaf plants make a bold design statement. Their upright growth and lustrous foliage complement minimalist, Scandinavian, or contemporary schemes. Large specimens can become floor-standing focal points, while smaller cultivars tuck beautifully onto shelves or desktops. Consider pairing different varieties or mixing them with other indoor plants for a lush, jungle vibe.

Explore Our Range of Rubber Leaf Plants

At our New Zealand nursery, we offer a curated range of stunning rubber leaf plant varieties. Discover your ideal plant by exploring Ficus elastica 'Melany', Ficus 'Midnight Beauty', Ficus robusta, Ficus Black Knight, and Ficus Shivereana. We’re here to help you bring home the perfect rubber leaf plant for your indoor oasis.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Sure, Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) and Schefflera arboricola are crowd-pleasers, but Hoya pubicalyx 'Royal Hawaiian Purple', Hebe 'Wiri Mist', and Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant) are quietly making a name for themselves.
–The Plant Company

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