This variety ofFicus elasticawill have brighter, more pronounced variegation with brighter light.
Ficus ruby prefers warm, humid conditions similar to its tropical native range in India and Malaysia.
Note that direct sunlight can burn the plant’s leaves and inhibit growth.
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Soil
Ficus ruby requires rich, well-drained potting mix that’s slightly acidic or neutral in pH.
Water
Water ficus ruby to keep the plant’s potting mix evenly moist but not soggy.
Check the soil moisture regularly to know when it’s time to water.
When the top inch or two has begun to dry out, give the plant a drink.
Avoid letting the soil dry out entirely.
The plant prefers temperatures between 60F and 80F and humidity ranging from 40 to 60 percent.
Keep the plant away from cold, drafty doors, windows, or air conditioning vents.
Hold off on feeding your plant in fall and winter.
Use sharp, sterilized shears or pruners to remove up to 30 percent of the plant’s growth.
It’s best to do this in late winter when the plant’s sap isn’t flowing as much.
Throughout the year, it’s a good idea to remove dead or damaged leaves as they appear.
You’ll have the best chance of success in spring.
Dab away pests with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Treat infested plants with neem oil or horticultural soap.
If your plan is lacking variegation, move it to a place with brighter light.
Lack of light can also cause leaves to turn yellow.
Ficus ruby typically grows up to 6 to 10 feet tall indoors.
Outdoors, plants can grow up to 40 or 50 feet tall with the proper conditions.
Give your ficus ruby bright, indirect light to help the plant keep its coloring.
The main difference between ficus tineke and ficus ruby is the color of their leaves.
New leaves on both plants can emerge with a pinkish tint.
However, as they mature, ficus tineke’s leaves are a green and cream variegation with pinkish veins.
The leaves of ficus ruby are a mix of cream, green, and pink or deep red.
