Ficus elastica ‘Green King’ is a beautifully variegated form of the classic Rubber Plant, native to Southeast Asia and part of the Moraceae family. It’s admired for its broad, glossy foliage and its stunning pattern of creamy-white and soft green variegation, giving it a refined yet tropical appeal.

Each leaf of ‘Green King’ features bold streaks and marbling of pale green, ivory, and darker emerald tones, with a high-gloss surface that reflects light beautifully. New growth emerges with a subtle blush before maturing into rich, contrasting foliage. The strong, upright stems and elegant form make it an excellent statement plant for homes, offices, and conservatories alike.

Like all Ficus elastica varieties, ‘Green King’ is hardy, easy to care for, and one of the best plants for improving indoor air quality. Its classic look and graceful variegation make it a timeless favourite among plant enthusiasts and interior designers.

Ficus elastica ‘Green King’ – Care Guide

Light

Thrives in bright, indirect light. A few hours of gentle morning or evening sun will help maintain the creamy variegation. Avoid harsh midday sunlight, which can scorch the leaves, and very low-light conditions, which can cause fading or slower growth.

Watering

Water when the top 3–5 cm of soil feels dry. Keep the soil lightly moist, but never soggy — overwatering is the most common cause of issues. Reduce watering in winter when the plant’s growth slows.

Temperature and Humidity

• Temperature: Prefers 18–28°C. Protect from draughts and avoid temperatures below 15°C.

• Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity but appreciates occasional misting to keep the leaves healthy and glossy.

Soil and Potting

Use a free-draining, rich peat-free compost, ideally mixed with perlite or fine bark to improve aeration. Repot every 2–3 years in spring or early summer, moving up just one pot size at a time.

Feeding

Feed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser to promote healthy growth and strong colour. Stop feeding in winter.

Pruning and Maintenance

Prune lightly to control height or shape. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves at the base. Clean the large, glossy leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and restore their shine. Rotate the plant occasionally to ensure even light exposure.

Growth and Maturity

A moderately fast-growing upright plant that can reach 1–2 metres indoors. With occasional pruning, ‘Green King’ can be kept compact and bushy or trained into a single-stemmed specimen for a classic indoor tree look.

Common Issues

• Yellowing leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage.

• Leaf drop: Sudden changes in light or temperature.

• Pale colouration: Low light levels.

• Pests: Occasionally scale insects or mealybugs — wipe leaves regularly to deter them.

Background and Benefits

A natural variant of the traditional Rubber Plant, Ficus elastica ‘Green King’ offers a more refined, variegated twist while retaining all the durability and ease of care that make Ficus elastica a household staple. It is also a proven air purifier, known to remove common toxins like formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from indoor air.

With its lush, marbled foliage and sculptural silhouette, ‘Green King’ makes a perfect centrepiece in bright rooms, adding elegance and freshness to modern or classic interiors alike.

✅ Quick Care Summary

• Light: Bright, indirect; tolerates gentle sun

• Water: Lightly moist; allow topsoil to dry slightly

• Temperature: 18–28°C; protect below 15°C

• Humidity: Average indoor; mist occasionally

• Soil: Rich, well-draining compost with perlite

• Feed: Every 4–6 weeks in spring/summer

• Growth: Upright plant, 1–2 m; glossy green and cream variegated leaves with soft marbling

⚠️ Toxicity Note: Like all Ficus species, ‘Green King’ produces a milky sap that may irritate the skin and is toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of pets and children.

🌿 Styling Tip:
Display Ficus ‘Green King’ in a ceramic or stone-effect pot to complement its creamy variegation. It pairs beautifully with darker foliage plants such as Philodendron ‘Micans’ or Calathea Orbifolia for a balanced, tropical aesthetic.