Ficus Elastica Shivereana Live Plant – Moonshine Rubber Tree – 6″ Pot – Indoor

Overview

Introduce a touch of rare botanical beauty to your home with the exquisite Ficus Elastica Shivereana, commonly known as the Moonshine Rubber Tree. This live plant is a highly sought-after variety of Ficus, celebrated for its unique and mesmerizing variegated foliage. Each leaf is a masterpiece, displaying a delightful blend of lime green, mint, cream, and white speckles, often developing charming orange to peachy tones when exposed to optimal light. The ‘shivereana’ cultivar stands out even among other Ficus species, offering a sophisticated and eye-catching presence in any indoor plant collection. As a rare Ficus plant, it’s a fantastic acquisition for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts looking for something truly special to elevate their living space. Its striking appearance makes it a natural focal point, drawing admiration and conversation.

The Moonshine Rubber Tree is a member of the Ficus genus, known for its robust growth and ability to thrive indoors with proper care. This particular variety, with its ‘moonshine’ variegation, adds an extra layer of allure, making it a prized possession. It arrives as a healthy, established live plant, ready to bring vibrant life and natural elegance into your home or office. Its distinctive coloring ensures it will stand out, creating a serene and lush environment wherever it’s placed. Embrace the opportunity to cultivate this extraordinary plant and witness its beauty unfold.

Key Benefits

Owning a Ficus Elastica Shivereana offers numerous advantages, transforming your space with its unique aesthetic and contributing to a healthier environment. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Stunning Variegated Foliage: The primary draw of this plant is its incredibly beautiful lime green, mint, cream, and white variegated leaves. This vibrant coloring provides a dynamic visual appeal that can brighten any room, making it a true showstopper. The unique patterns on each leaf are a testament to its rare and captivating nature.
• Air Purification Qualities: Like many Ficus varieties, the Moonshine Rubber Tree is known for its ability to help purify indoor air. It can absorb common airborne toxins, contributing to a fresher and healthier living environment for you and your family, making it a beneficial addition beyond just its looks.
• Unique Collector’s Item: As a rare Ficus plant, the ‘shivereana’ cultivar is a fantastic addition for plant collectors or anyone seeking an unusual and distinctive houseplant. Its scarcity and unique appearance make it a conversation starter and a source of pride for its owner.
• Enhances Interior Decor: With its striking colors and elegant form, this plant acts as a living piece of art. It complements various interior design styles, from minimalist to bohemian, adding a sophisticated and natural element that can elevate the aesthetic appeal of any room.
• Relatively Low Maintenance: While it is a specific cultivar, the overall care requirements for this Ficus Elastica Shivereana are similar to other rubber trees, making it manageable for those with some plant experience. With consistent care, it proves to be a resilient and rewarding plant.
• Promotes Well-being: Bringing nature indoors has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall well-being. Caring for a beautiful plant like the Moonshine Rubber Tree can provide a calming and fulfilling hobby, connecting you with the natural world.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your Ficus Elastica Shivereana, or Moonshine Rubber Tree, involves understanding its specific needs to ensure its variegated leaves remain vibrant and healthy. This rare Ficus plant thrives best with consistent attention to its environment. Begin with providing bright, indirect light. Direct, harsh sunlight can scorch its delicate variegated leaves, while too little light can diminish its vibrant coloring and lead to leggy growth. An east-facing window or a few feet away from a south or west-facing window often provides ideal conditions. Rotating the plant every few weeks will ensure even growth and light exposure on all sides.

Watering is crucial for the health of your Ficus Elastica Shivereana. It prefers to be kept moderately moist during its active growing season, typically spring through summer. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again. Overwatering is a common issue for Ficus plants and can lead to root rot, so ensure your pot has excellent drainage. During the cooler months or when the plant is dormant, reduce watering frequency significantly. High humidity is also beneficial for this tropical plant. You can increase humidity by misting the leaves regularly, placing the pot on a pebble tray with water, or using a humidifier, especially in dry indoor environments.

For soil, a well-draining potting mix is essential. A mix designed for aroids or houseplants, often containing perlite and coco coir, works well to prevent waterlogging. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid fertilizing in winter. Ficus plants are sensitive to drafts and sudden environmental changes, which can cause leaf drop. Try to find a permanent spot for your indoor Ficus care and avoid moving it frequently. Maintain a consistent room temperature between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and protect it from temperatures below 60°F (15°C). Regularly wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and allow for better photosynthesis, keeping your plant looking its best.

Size & Details

This Ficus Elastica Shivereana, or Moonshine Rubber Tree, is offered as a live plant in a 6-inch nursery pot, providing a robust and established start for its new home. At this size, it typically stands approximately 10-14 inches tall from the base of the pot, though individual plant heights may vary slightly. The plant is well-rooted and actively growing, showcasing its characteristic variegated foliage. While young, it already exhibits the striking lime green, mint, cream, and white patterns that make this cultivar so desirable. As an indoor plant, its growth rate is moderate, and with optimal indoor Ficus care, it can eventually reach several feet in height, becoming a significant statement piece over time. Its compact size when young makes it perfect for desks, shelves, or as part of a larger plant collection, offering immediate visual impact.

The plant is carefully packaged to ensure it arrives healthy and ready to thrive. Expect it to be shipped in its nursery pot with soil, minimizing transplant shock. The mature size of a Moonshine Rubber Tree can range from 6 to 10 feet indoors under ideal conditions, making it a long-term companion for your living space. Its leaves can grow quite large, further enhancing its impressive display. The unique coloration of this variegated rubber tree will continue to develop and intensify with proper light exposure, rewarding your efforts with a continually evolving spectacle of natural beauty. This particular size is perfect for integrating into your home decor right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: The Ficus Elastica Shivereana typically arrives in a 6-inch pot and is about 10-14 inches tall. Indoors, with proper care, it can grow to be 6 to 10 feet tall over several years, becoming a stunning focal point in your home.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The Moonshine Rubber Tree is primarily an indoor houseplant in most climates, though it can be moved outdoors to a shaded area during warm summer months. It is not cold-hardy and must be protected from temperatures below 60°F (15°C).
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: This rare Ficus plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct harsh sunlight, which can scorch its delicate variegated leaves. An east-facing window or a spot a few feet from a south or west window is ideal for optimal coloring.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: While not considered difficult, the Ficus Elastica Shivereana benefits from consistent care. It requires attention to watering, light, and humidity to maintain its vibrant variegation and overall health. It’s suitable for intermediate plant enthusiasts.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your Ficus Elastica Shivereana will arrive as a healthy, established live plant in its 6-inch nursery pot with soil. We take great care in packaging to ensure it reaches you in the best possible condition, ready to flourish in its new home.
• Q: Is this variegated rubber tree pet-safe? A: No, like many Ficus varieties, the sap of the Moonshine Rubber Tree can be irritating to pets if ingested. It’s best to keep this plant out of reach of curious pets and small children.
• Q: How often should I water my Ficus Elastica Shivereana? A: Water your Ficus Elastica Shivereana when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. This typically means watering every 1-2 weeks, but always check the soil moisture before watering to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot.