Origin
The Ficus elastica 'Melany', also known as the Rubber Plant, originates from the tropical regions of India and Indonesia. It is part of the Moraceae family, which is known worldwide for its diverse species. The plant was spread globally by the British in the 17th century and is now also grown in other parts of the world.

Characteristics
The Ficus elastica 'Melany' is known for its striking dark-coloured, glossy leaves which are thick and robust. It tends to grow quite large, with a height that can vary from 1 to 2 metres, but it can grow much taller under good conditions. Its leaves are elliptical in shape and can grow to a length of 30 cm – 40 cm. The new leaves of this plant unroll with a red or pink tint before they change colour to the characteristic dark green.

Care
The Ficus elastica 'Melany' prefers a light to semi-shade location without direct sunlight, as this can damage the leaves. This plant is quite easy to care for and only requires moderate watering, it is better to give too little water than too much as the roots are sensitive to waterlogging. The ideal room temperature for the plant is between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. It does not need a lot of food, but during the growing season, from April to September, it is recommended to fertilise every two weeks. Additionally, it is important to dust the plant regularly, especially because this contributes to a healthy leaf cycle.