The Role and Home Value of the Rubber Plant: Foliage and Air Purification in One

The rubber plant is an evergreen tree of the genus Ficus in the mulberry family, also called the Indian rubber tree or Indian rubber fig. Its leaves are thick and broad with a leathery, glossy sheen, making it a much-loved foliage plant. It originates from tropical regions and likes warmth, humidity and plenty of light; it is highly adaptable and not too much trouble to care for day to day.

Ornamental value is one of the rubber plant's main roles. Its form is upright and neat, and its foliage is deep green and lustrous. Varieties such as 'Black Prince' have dark, shiny leaves, while variegated varieties carry yellow and white markings that make them even more decorative. Grown in a pot in the living room, study or office, it adds a rich touch of greenery; in the warm south, it can also be planted in the ground in courtyards and along roadsides, where it is a commonly used shade and landscaping tree.

Air purification is another benefit often mentioned for the rubber plant. Its leaves are broad and cover a considerable area, so they can trap some of the dust in the air and help settle it; it also absorbs certain harmful gases indoors to some degree, and together with opening windows for ventilation it helps improve the air quality of a home. In addition, because the rubber plant stays green all year and grows vigorously, many people keep it as a houseplant with auspicious associations.

One thing to note is that when the branches or leaves of the rubber plant are broken, they exude a white milky sap. This sap is somewhat irritating, so it is best to wear gloves when pruning to avoid getting it on your skin or in your eyes. You can also wipe the leaf surfaces regularly with a damp cloth, which keeps the plant looking good and helps it do a better job of trapping dust and purifying the air.