RUBBER PLANT – FICUS ELASTICA

Native to southern China, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia, Ficus elastica is a species of evergreen tropical plant that makes for an excellent houseplant: It is tolerant of indoor light conditions. Rubber plants (known scientifically as Ficus elastica or Ficus robusta) get their name from the milky white latex in their veins. The Mesoamerican people from way back in 1400BC used rubber plants as a key ingredient to make bouncy balls. In parts of India, people use their strong roots to make ‘living bridges’ over small rivers. But they’re best known today for being handsome houseplants with their silky sheen, creamy colors and air purifying qualities.