Complete file of the Ficus elastica or Gomero

This is a very popular tree in the interior of homes. And no wonder: its leaves are large and can be both one color (green) and several (green and yellow). Its growth rate is also slower than that of other species of the genus, so they can be kept for several years in a pot smoothly.

His scientific name is Elastic figalthough it is much better known by its other names, such as Tree of Rubber or Gomero. If you want to know everything about him, you’ve come to the right place. After reading this article you will know its care, how it reproduces, and much, much more.

Characteristics of the rubber tree

Originally from India, the Elastic fig It is a tree of the so-called epiphytes, which develops a trunk and also roots that grow in such a way that they form a pillar solid enough for the plant to support itself. It is not a parasite, as is the ficus benghalensisbut it is true that the roots are very invasive and that, therefore, if we want to have it in the garden we will have to take a series of precautions that we will see later.

Now, we are going to focus on its characteristics, on what distinguishes it from others of its kind. Let’s start, how could it be otherwise, with the leaves. The leaves of this plant are perennial, and large, up to 30cm long. Normally, they are of a bright green color, but as we said, there are also those that are variegated, which are hybrids from the Ficus elastica Robusta, which have wider and more rigid leaves. As a curiosity to say that nothing else sprouts, before opening, They are red that are losing as they open up and finish developing.

It does not have decorative flowers. In fact, its pollinator is a fig wasp, and since this insect does not have a very good sense of smell and cannot distinguish colors well, the tree does not waste energy producing beautiful flowers. Once it has been pollinated, the fig is developed, which is 1cm long and is greenish-yellow in color that is not very edible.

gomero care

Are you thinking of having a rubber tree? These are the care your plant will need:

Location

Whenever possible, it will be more advisable to put it outside, in full sun. But keep in mind that is sensitive to frostbeing able to withstand only those that are soft (up to -2ºC) and of short duration. In addition, it needs a lot of space to grow, so it has to be planted at a minimum distance of 10m from any construction and any irrigation system.

Inside the home It should be put in a room where a lot of natural light entersaway from air currents (both cold and warm), and also away from areas of passage, since the continuous rubbing would damage the tips of the leaves.

Irrigation

Irrigation has to be frequentespecially in summer which is when the tree grows faster and faster. Thus, it will be watered between 3 and 4 times a week in summer if it is in the garden and 2 if it is at home, and the rest of the year once or twice every 6-7 days.

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It is not advisable to paybecause its roots grow quickly without the need to make an extra supply of nutrients.

Pruning

It can be pruned in spring and summer, but it is important to put ash on the cuts as soon as they are done to prevent too much latex from coming out.

Transplant

Whether you want to move to a larger pot or to the garden, it must be done in springafter the risk of frost has passed.

To pot

To transfer the gum tree to a larger pot, you simply have to do the following:

1. Take a pot that is about 5cm wider than the »old one».
2. Fill it with a little universal growing medium mixed with 20% perlite.
3. Remove the tree from the pot. If you see that you can’t, hit it on different sides.
4. Put the plant in its new pot.
5. Finish filling your new pot with more substrate.
6. And finally he waters.

To the garden

To pass the Elastic Ficus directly to the garden, you have to:

1. Make a planting hole deep enough to fit well.
2. Water it well, so that the soil is well soaked.
3. Remove the tree from the pot.
4. Place it inside the hole and fill it with garden soil mixed with universal substrate.
5. Water.

Plagues and diseases

This is a very hardy tree, but it can be attacked by fungi and nematodes that damage their roots. For this reason, it is worth doing preventive treatments with copper or sulfur for fungi and with Neem oil for nematodes during the growing season (spring and summer).

Reproduction of the rubber tree

How does this tree reproduce? Actually, in a very simple way: by apical cutting in spring or summer. To do this, you must cut a branch of about 20cm, and plant it in a pot with porous substrate, such as black peat and perlite in equal parts, for example, as they did with the one you can see in the image above.

To make sure that it will go well you can, before planting it, moisten the base with water and then impregnate it with rooting hormones. Afterward, always keep it moist but not watery, and within a month it will begin to grow roots.

Uses

It is a plant that is normally used as an ornamental, either as an isolated specimen to give a little shade to the garden, or as an indoor plant, but you should also know that its latex is used to make chewing gumwhich is why it is called gomero.

Of course, prevent your skin from coming into contact with this sap because it is very irritating.

Can you make a bonsai from Ficus elastica?

Yes you can, but It is very difficult. The first thing to do is reduce the size of the leaves, by pinching during the growing season, and then prune it to shape. It’s not easy at all, but sometimes you get interesting jobs.

And so far the special of one of the most interesting trees to have indoors. What do you think? Do you dare to have one at home or in the garden?