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Ficus elastica 'Abidjan'
Ficus elastica 'Abidjan' is an established rubber plant cultivar with deep burgundy to near‑black glossy leaves that open red‑purple from red sheaths and show bronze undersides. As an upright, single‑ or multi‑stemmed houseplant it makes a narrow, architectural specimen suited to buyers wanting bold foliage (colour intensifies in bright indirect light), and it's not pet‑safe—milky sap can irritate skin and is toxic if eaten.
- height Height
- 15 cm
- swap_horiz Pot Size
- 6 cm
- volunteer_activism Care
- Medium
- wb_sunny Light Needs
- Indirect light
- pets Not Pet Friendly
- water_drop Watering Needs
- Medium
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Quick care table
Plant care at a glance
| Care factor | Ficus elastica 'Abidjan' |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Ficus elastica 'Abidjan' |
| Common name | Abidjan rubber plant, rubber plant, rubber tree, rubber fig, and Ficus elastica 'Abidjan' |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Light | Indirect light |
| Humidity | Medium |
| Pet safe | No, toxic if ingested |
| Best for | Living room, Hallway, and Bedroom |
Deep burgundy foliage: Ficus elastica 'Abidjan' specimen
This selected cultivar is defined by thick, leathery leaves with a high, lacquer‑like gloss. Mature blades take on a deep burgundy to near‑black tone, while new leaves open red‑purple from striking red/carmine sheaths; undersides show a bronze cast and a conspicuous dark red midrib for strong contrast. The overall silhouette is upright and architectural, the leaves persistent and sculptural rather than feathery.
Indoors it starts narrow and vertical as a young pot plant and develops a sturdier, woody stem and a fuller crown with age; lower leaves may drop on older specimens leaving a visible trunk. New foliage reliably shows that red‑to‑dark ontogenetic colour shift, and brighter indirect light intensifies the burgundy tones while lower light pushes the foliage toward plain green. Pruning above nodes encourages branching for a bushier shape.
In everyday ownership expect a bold visual effect but some trade‑offs: colour intensity depends on light and will soften in dim conditions, and the sap can irritate skin and is toxic to pets—handle and place accordingly. Typical indoor pests that affect glossy leaves can occur and moderate drainage is important; this is a chosen cultivar commonly stocked by European growers rather than a recent patented introduction.
Choose a size to suit the space: a baby pot makes a compact grow‑on or shelf plant, a medium sits well on a side table or desk for immediate impact, while a larger specimen creates a fuller display and greater visual presence in an entryway or living area.
Shipping Information
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- All orders are subject to a €25 minimum order value requirement
- All orders are hand-picked and shipped from the Netherlands
- Plastic-free materials when possible
- Orders are usually processed in 1-3 working days and shipped via DPD and their international partner carriers
- At times, orders may take up to 7 days to ship
- Orders to Germany Free shipping over €60. Free shipping all other EU countries* at €100 (Except Malta and Cyprus)
- Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on delivery country:
See our FAQ and Shipping Guarantee for any further Questions!
Size: Baby - P6 H15
Plant questions, answered
What makes Ficus elastica 'Abidjan' different from a standard rubber plant?
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Ficus elastica 'Abidjan' is a selected cultivar noted for its deep burgundy to near‑black mature leaves, red/carmine new‑leaf sheaths and bronze undersides. Unlike the common 'Robusta' dark‑green form, 'Abidjan' shows pronounced anthocyanin colouration that collectors prize for high‑contrast, architectural foliage. Colour intensity varies with light, so expect changes with placement.
How will light and age affect the leaf colour of my 'Abidjan'?
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Light and leaf age strongly influence colour: young leaves open red‑purple from red sheaths and darken to burgundy/near‑black as they mature. Brighter indirect light intensifies the burgundy tones, while lower light shifts leaves toward plain dark green. Expect seasonal and ontogenetic variation rather than a fixed leaf colour.
Is Ficus elastica 'Abidjan' safe around pets and children?
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No—Ficus elastica 'Abidjan' contains milky latex and related compounds that can irritate skin and cause oral/gastrointestinal problems if ingested. It is considered toxic to pets (cats, dogs, horses). Keep plants and prunings well out of reach, and wear gloves when handling sap or pruning.
Which size should I choose and what will I receive?
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Choose by intended placement: the Baby option comes in a 6 cm pot and is listed at about 15 cm height (good for small shelves or desks); the Medium is in a 12 cm pot at about 35 cm height (shelf or side table); the XL is a specimen in a 27 cm pot around 110 cm height but may be intermittently unavailable.
Will my 'Abidjan' stay compact or become a tree indoors?
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It typically starts upright and narrow as a young potted plant and can develop a thicker woody stem and larger crown with age—many indoor specimens eventually reach around 1–2 m if left to grow. The plant is self‑supporting; pruning above nodes encourages branching if you prefer a bushier habit.
Plant care guide
Light
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Water
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Soil and repotting
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Humidity and temperature
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Feeding
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Growth and support
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Common concerns
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Yellowing leaves — commonly from overwatering or poor drainage. Brown leaf edges — low humidity or underwatering. Pests — scale, mealybugs, spider mites and thrips can occur on glossy leaves and stems. Sap contact can cause skin irritation; wear gloves when pruning.