The Green East

Ficus Elastica - Pink Camouflage

£18.00
/
Tax included.

The Ficus Elastica 'Camouflage' is a stunning, heavily variegated variety of the classic Rubber Plant, it features mottled splashes of cream, lime green, and deep forest green. Because it has less chlorophyll than its fully green cousins, it requires a slightly more mindful touch to keep that gorgeous variegation vibrant.

Care Guide

Light

  • Bright, indirect light is essential: Place your Ficus near a spacious East or West-facing window. It needs plenty of ambient light to maintain its striking mottled pattern; if left in the dark, the new leaves will revert to plain green to maximize photosynthesis.

  • Avoid harsh midday sun: South-facing windows can work, but pull the plant a metre or two back from the glass during mid-summer. Direct afternoon sun will quickly scorch the white and cream parts of the variegation.

Watering Technique

  • The "drench and dry" method: Wait until the top two to three inches of compost have thoroughly dried out before watering again. Stick your finger into the soil to check—never water on a strict calendar schedule.

  • Water thoroughly: Pour water evenly over the compost until it flows freely out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

  • Empty the saucer: Let the pot drain completely for 15 minutes, then empty any residual water from the decorative cachepot or saucer. Ficus roots hate sitting in stagnant water, which easily triggers root rot.

  • Dial it back in winter: During the colder, darker months, the plant's growth slows right down. You will find it needs watering significantly less often than it does in spring and summer.

Compost & Feeding

  • Use a chunky, well-draining mix: Plant your Ficus in a houseplant compost amended with plenty of perlite and orchid bark. This keeps the soil aerated and lets water pass through efficiently.

  • Feed during the growing season: Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser diluted to half-strength once a month from April to September.

  • Do not feed in winter: Give the plant a break from nutrients when the natural daylight hours drop.

Temperature & Humidity

  • Standard household warmth: They thrive best in stable temperatures. 

  • Keep away from cold draughts: These are tropical plants at heart. Keep them well away from single-glazed windows, leaky front doors, or radiators that blast dry heat in the winter.

  • Humidity: a Rubber Plant handles average UK indoor humidity quite well. However, if your heating makes the winter air exceptionally dry, grouping your plants together or using a humidifier will keep the foliage pristine.

Maintenance & General Care

  • Dust the leaves regularly: The broad, glossy leaves act as dust magnets. Wipe them down gently with a damp microfibre cloth every couple of weeks. This removes dust barriers so the plant can absorb light effectively, and keeps it looking beautifully shiny.

  • Rotate for even growth: Ficus plants will lean quite noticeably towards their light source. Give the pot a quarter-turn every time you water to ensure straight, balanced growth.

  • Watch out for the toxic sap: Like all Ficus species, the milky white sap contains latex, which is an irritant to skin and highly toxic to pets if consumed. Wear gardening gloves when pruning, and keep the plant out of reach of curious cats or dogs.

D17 H55

Sold without decorative pot, colour and size may vary slightly.

Local plant delivery or collection available in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland.