“Burgundy” rubber plant (Ficus elastica “Burgundy”), a man-made cultivar, develops large leaves, 8 to 12 inches long and 4 inches wide, with a burgundy tint and a red midrib.
In frost-free climates, this plant reaches 40-feet tall when planted in the ground in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. In cooler climates, the “Burgundy” rubber plant grows as a houseplant.
Locate the “Burgundy” rubber plant in the brightest light available. Direct sunlight produces the darkest burgundy color on the leaves. This plant tolerates low indoor light, but the leaves fade to a light green color.
They can grow to impressive heights within a few years, especially if you put the plants outside during the summer. Keeping the plants in small pots will restrict their growth, if you want to keep them smaller.
.This plant needs watering only when the soil becomes dry. Pour water into the top of the plant pot, and let it run out the bottom to soak the roots. Do not splash the leaves since this will cause stains. “Burgundy” rubber plants do not like waterlogged roots. During the winter, cut the watering schedule back to only every couple of weeks.
