Origin
The Ficus elastica Belize®, also known as the Rubber Tree, has its origin in parts of South-East Asia and India. This plant species, belonging to the Moraceae family, mainly grows in rainforests where the conditions are moist and tropical. Once, the Ficus elastica Belize® was an important source of rubber, before synthetic alternatives were developed. Nowadays, this plant is mainly grown indoors and in landscaped gardens for its decorative and air-purifying properties.

Characteristics
The Ficus elastica Belize® is valued for its remarkable leaves. These are thick, shiny, and can grow up to an impressive 30 centimetres in length. The leaves have a striking green colour intermingled with cream-coloured stripes. The plant has a vigorous growth and can, if properly cared for, reach a substantial size. The plant usually has a shrub-like form but can take on a tree-like size under optimal growing conditions.

Care
The Ficus elastica Belize® requires a certain level of care to stay healthy and vibrant. For instance, the plant enjoys a lot of light, but does not thrive in direct sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to find a spot where the plant is exposed to indirect sunlight. The soil should be well-draining and should not dry out between watering sessions. Although the plant has a reasonably high tolerance for drought, it prefers a consistently moist soil. In terms of temperature, the Ficus elastica Belize® best thrives at temperatures between 15 and 29 degrees Celsius. It is also important to note that the plant does not tolerate cold drafts or sudden temperature changes.