The ficus elastica Belize is a variety of the ficus elastica, also popularly called the rubber plant. This ficus belongs to the family of Moraceae and is native to Asian regions. Think of countries like India to Indonesia. The rubber plant is so named because both the trunk and the stems and leaves produce a white kind of milk juice.
In ancient times, this milk juice was used to make rubber, thus the plant got its name. The ficus elastica Belize is a plant that is very easy to take care of and also has very strong air-purifying properties. This is especially beneficial in an office because it can neutralize the harmful substances from photocopiers.
Appearance of the ficus elastica Belize
The ficus elastica Belize is a true climbing plant. In nature, this plant climbs higher and higher by strangling other plants and especially trees. If you keep a rubber plant indoors, you can put a stick in the middle and you will see how the plant hoists itself higher and higher by strangling this stick.
This ficus has large glossy leaves, which have an oval shape and highly visible veins. The younger the leaves, the redder the color. Young leaves often show colors such as pink, red and cream. As the leaves get older, they also become increasingly greener. The ficus elastica Belize can reach imposing heights of up to 30 meters in nature, but indoors you can expect a height of up to one and a half to 2 meters.
Maintenance of the ficus elastica Belize
This plant prefers a spot in semi-shade. Direct sun can dry out and burn the leaves, since in nature the plant also almost always grows in the shade of trees. You can also dust and spray the leaves, especially in summer, to keep the plant nice and fresh. Also preferably give small bits of water often, so that the soil is always slightly moist.
Ideally, do not move the plant, as this plant greatly benefits from a fixed spot and structure. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 15°C and 24°C. Is the plant losing leaves? Try to move the plant to a slightly lighter spot. You can give some plant food once or twice a month in spring and summer. You can also repot the ficus once every 2 years, use a pot at least 20% bigger than the previous one.
The ficus elastica Belize as an office plant
The ficus elastica Belize is a beautiful and also rather special plant, as you can have this plant climbing against multiple surfaces. This can be very nice in a reception area, for example. Also, this ficus requires little special maintenance and is therefore very suitable for placement in the office. Would you like to know more about this nice plant?
At Any Green, we offer several options and options for maintenance. Want to know more about coming or renting plants? Contact Any Green, we will lovingly provide you with advice on the best plant for your office.
