'Burgundy' rubber plant guide
Ficus elastica 'Burgundy', also called black rubber plant, 'Black Prince', 'Abidjan'
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Medium
- Water
- When the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- Average room air is fine
- Temperature
- 16 to 27°C (60 to 80°F). Keep above 10°C (50°F).
- Soil
- Well-draining houseplant mix with perlite
- Feeding
- Balanced liquid fertilizer, monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs. The milky sap irritates the mouth, stomach, and skin.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- 1 to 3 m (3 to 10 ft) tall indoors
- Propagation
- Stem cuttings in water, or air layering
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes 'Burgundy' rubber plant different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the rubber plant care guide.
What it is
‘Burgundy’ is a rubber plant with glossy leaves so dark they look black. In light, the leaves show a deep burgundy red. New leaves unfurl from a bright red sheath. It grows into a tall, upright tree.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Burgundy’ | Near-black with a red sheen | Red sheath on new leaves |
| ‘Robusta’ rubber plant | Large, deep green | Green, not burgundy |
| ‘Black Prince’ | Near-black, similar | Often sold as the same plant |
‘Black Prince’ and ‘Abidjan’ are close to ‘Burgundy’. Stores mix up the names.
Care differences
The dark leaves handle medium light better than variegated rubber plants. The red sheen shows best in bright indirect light.
Wipe the big glossy leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks. Dust shows on dark leaves.
Grow it from a cutting
Take a tip cutting in spring. Let the sap stop, then root it in water or moist mix. Roots take four to six weeks.
Buying it
‘Burgundy’ is common at garden centers and big box stores. Look for glossy leaves down to the soil and a red sheath on the newest leaf.