'One of the best air-filtering houseplants, the rubber plant features wide, glossy green foliage and can reach ultimate heights of 32 feet (10m) with the correct care,' says Mark McCance of Hortology.

'The broad leaves of the rubber plant are said to help the flow of positive energy throughout interiors, helping to eradicate negative Chi and promote health and prosperity,' he adds.

These feng shui plants require their soil to remain moist at all times; allow the top layer of soil to dry out slightly in between waterings and apply a small dose of plant nutrition 1-2 times a month during the growing season. 

'It is a bit of a superhero when it comes to removing toxins from your air, keeping you feeling refreshed. To optimize the feng shui of the plant, we suggest that you position it in a sunny spot that is in the east or south east of your home. In this position, it should bring an air of calm and positivity into your space,' advises Shannon Barnadin, co owner of The African Garden.

'As the ficus is related to the fig plant, it is connected with the good luck that figs are supposed to bring,' Shannon adds.

Plant Bio

Ficus elastica 'Abidjan' is a tender evergreen tree species from the Moraceae family. It produces oval, glossy, leathery, dark red-purple coloured leaves. Sometimes known as Rubber Plant 'Abidjan' or Rubber Plant 'Burgundy'. This houseplant wants to be in bright, indirect sunlight. It is a large tree in the banyan group of figs, growing to 30–40 metres (98–131 ft) (rarely up to 60 metres or 200 feet) tall, with a stout trunk up to 2 metres (6.6 ft) in diameter. The trunk develops aerial and buttressing roots to anchor it in the soil and help support heavy branches.

Plant Care

Water once a week or when the soil starts to become slightly dry at the top. Keep the soil lightly moist at all times, but do not overwater as this will cause brown spots and leaf drop. Curly or dry leaves suggest, the plant is dry and needs watering. Water in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. Always check your soil before watering.

Sunlight

Bright indoor light or indirect sun. 6 hours to 8 hours.

Ambient

.Maintain temperatures between 18°C - 24°C. Avoid draughts as these can create undesirable temperature fluctuations. Consider giving your plant an occasional misting twice every week to maintain the optimum humidity level.

Nutrients

Apply liquid fertilizer once in 15 days when the plant is actively growing. For best results use Folikraft ready to use Indoor Plant Food.