Ficus elastica 'Robusta'
Thick, glossy, almost lacquered leaves on an upright, restrained habit: the easiest-going ficus.
At a glance
Care
For each area, the instruction specific to this plant, then the general principle that explains why.
For this plant
Let the soil dry halfway down the pot between waterings, roughly every ten to fourteen days.
The principle
A low need means a clear dry-then-wet cycle. Wait until the top two thirds of the substrate are dry, water until it runs from the base, then empty the saucer ten minutes later. Permanently moist soil suffocates roots far faster than dryness starves them.
For this plant
Medium to bright indirect light. It accepts a slightly dimmer corner without losing its shape.
The principle
Partial shade is bright but filtered light: a metre back from a glazed door, behind a sheer curtain, or morning sun only. It is the broadest and easiest exposure to achieve in a Moroccan interior. Direct afternoon sun, by contrast, leaves irreversible bleached patches on the leaf.
For this plant
A liquid organic feed every six weeks from March to September.
The principle
Moderate growth is fed once a month from March to September with a balanced liquid feed at the maker's dose. Water with plain water first, then feed: on dry substrate, concentrated fertiliser burns the fine roots. Nothing from October to February, the resting period.
For this plant
From 15 to 30 °C; avoid sudden temperature changes and draughts.
The principle
This plant is comfortable between 15 and 30 °C, the range of a Moroccan interior all year. Above 35 °C, move it out of direct sun and water more often without watering more heavily. The most common enemy is not the heat but the dry stream of an air conditioner aimed at the foliage.
Yearly rhythm
Calendar derived from the plant's profile — water need, heat tolerance, environment and growth rate — applied to the Moroccan climate; adjust it to your city, your exposure and your substrate.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watering | Watering in January: Reduced | Watering in February: Reduced | Watering in March: Reduced | Watering in April: Reduced | Watering in May: Reduced | Watering in June: Reduced | Watering in July: Reduced | Watering in August: Reduced | Watering in September: Reduced | Watering in October: Reduced | Watering in November: Reduced | Watering in December: Reduced |
| Feeding | Feeding in January: Nothing to do | Feeding in February: Nothing to do | Feeding in March: Reduced | Feeding in April: Regular | Feeding in May: Regular | Feeding in June: Regular | Feeding in July: Regular | Feeding in August: Regular | Feeding in September: Reduced | Feeding in October: Nothing to do | Feeding in November: Nothing to do | Feeding in December: Nothing to do |
| Pruning | Pruning in January: Nothing to do | Pruning in February: Nothing to do | Pruning in March: Regular | Pruning in April: Regular | Pruning in May: Nothing to do | Pruning in June: Nothing to do | Pruning in July: Nothing to do | Pruning in August: Nothing to do | Pruning in September: Nothing to do | Pruning in October: Nothing to do | Pruning in November: Nothing to do | Pruning in December: Nothing to do |
Morocco
Our observations city by city, crossed with the local climate. A city that is missing is not a refusal: it simply has not been documented for this plant yet.
Thrives
Well suited
Possible with care
We deliver to all of these cities.
Diagnosis
The three most common disorders on a plant with this profile, and the move that corrects them.
What you see
Lower leaves turning yellow and dropping at the slightest touch while the surface still feels fresh.
Likely cause
Watering too close together: the roots never get to breathe between two doses.
The right move
Switch to a clear cycle — dry through two thirds of the depth, then a thorough watering with full drainage. Always empty the saucer and raise the pot on feet if needed.
What you see
Bleached then brown patches in the middle of the most exposed leaves.
Likely cause
Direct afternoon sun through glass — the magnifying effect scorches the blade in a matter of hours.
The right move
Pull it back a metre or hang a sheer curtain. Marked leaves will not repair, but the next ones will be clean; remove them only if more than half is scorched.
What you see
Grey dust on the foliage, growth slowing with no obvious cause.
Likely cause
A dusty blade captures markedly less light, and city dust in Morocco builds up fast.
The right move
Wipe the leaves with a damp sponge every month, upper and lower surfaces. Avoid leaf-shine products, which block the stomata.
Take the step
Every available size, the premium setup and delivery across Morocco are on the product page.