Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

variegated rubber plant

The variegated rubber plant is one of New Zealand’s most stunning and sought-after indoor foliage favorites. With its broad, leathery leaves splashed in creamy whites, soft pinks, and lush greens, this striking Ficus adds instant style and vibrancy to any home or office. Not only is the variegated rubber plant gorgeous and distinctive, but it’s also easy to care for—making it an excellent choice for both new and experienced indoor gardeners.

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.

Buy Ficus 'Ruby'

From $37.19

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 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.

Buy Ficus elastica 'Melany'

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

What Makes the Variegated Rubber Plant Special?

Unlike its solid green relatives, the variegated rubber plant features multicolored patterns across its leaves, lending it a unique look that turns heads. Its bold leaf variegation is a product of careful cultivation, resulting in creamy margins, pastel blushes, and unique patterns on each leaf. The plant’s upright growth habit makes it a fantastic statement piece, whether you feature it as a solo specimen or incorporate it into a lush indoor jungle.

Care Tips for Variegated Rubber Plants

To help your variegated rubber plant thrive, provide it with bright, indirect light. Too little sunshine can cause the leaf variegation to fade, while harsh direct sunlight may scorch the delicate patterns. Water your rubber plant when the top 2-3cm of soil feels dry, and make sure the pot drains well to prevent root rot. These plants appreciate a little humidity, so misting occasionally or placing the pot near other plants can help keep them happy.

When it comes to feeding, apply a balanced houseplant fertiliser every four weeks during the spring and summer. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth from time to time to keep them shiny and dust-free—this also helps with photosynthesis.

Styling Your Home with a Variegated Rubber Plant

The bold flair of a variegated rubber plant works well in Scandi, minimalist, and boho interiors alike. It can be grown as a compact table-top specimen or trained into a stately floor plant over time. Place it in a bright bedroom, the living room corner, or even in your workspace to enjoy its elegant foliage year-round.

Keen to add more Ficus varieties to your collection? Explore the enchanting Ficus Shivereana with its speckled green leaves, the pastel-edged Ficus Tineke, and the vibrant Ficus 'Ruby' for even more colour. Lovers of deep greens will also appreciate Ficus 'Midnight Beauty' and the classic Ficus robusta.