The Rubber Tree has made a huge comeback in the last few years, and it’s easy to see why. Those dark green, glossy, oval-shaped leaves are a total vibe. But if you love that look, you aren’t limited to just one plant! There are plenty of other options out there with similar foliage and growth habits.
Plants with a Similar Vibe
Finding houseplants that look like the Rubber Tree (*Ficus elasticus*) is actually pretty easy. You can look within its own family (the *Ficus* or Fig genus) or explore other plant families that share its low-maintenance nature and bold look. Plus, your houseplant doesn’t have to be plain green—*Ficus elasticus* itself comes in some stunning variegated colors.
Ficus elasticus Varieties
- Variegata: Features creamy white to pale yellow variegation.
- Tineke: Dark green leaves with striking white marbled edges.
- Melany: Deep green leaves with a moody reddish tint.
- Belize: A showstopper with red, white, and green variegation.
Similar Plants in the Ficus Family
Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis)
- Growth Habit: Tree-like
- Height: Up to 6.5 feet indoors
- Leaves: Oval to elliptical
- Light: Bright and sunny; older plants can even handle direct sun once they’re acclimated.
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
- Growth Habit: Tree-like
- Height: 6.5 feet or more (can easily reach the ceiling!)
- Leaves: Large and shaped like a violin or fiddle.
- Light: Sunny, but avoid harsh, direct midday sun.
Look-alikes from Other Plant Families
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
- Growth Habit: Herbaceous with a thick, sturdy stem.
- Height: Up to 10 feet.
- Leaves: Large and oval with white or yellow patterns (depending on the variety).
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
Velvet Cardboard Anthurium (Anthurium clarinervium)
- Growth Habit: Leaves grow from a central base.
- Height: Up to 3 feet.
- Leaves: Heart-shaped, dark green, and velvety with stunning white veins.
- Light: Sunny to partial shade.
- Bloom Time: Year-round (produces yellow-green spathes).
Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
- Growth Habit: Shrub-like.
- Height: Up to 10 feet.
- Leaves: Oval and leathery.
- Color: A riot of green, yellow, and purple-red; the more light it gets, the more colorful the leaves become!
- Light: Bright and sunny (just protect it from scorching midday sun).
Philodendron melinonii
- Growth Habit: Bushy and upright.
- Width: Can spread up to 8 feet wide.
- Leaves: Massive, glossy dark green leaves.
- Light: Partial shade; keep it out of direct sun.
There are several other Philodendron varieties that give off that same bold, Rubber Tree energy, such as:
- Black Cardinal: Features leaves so dark they’re almost black.
- Imperial Green: Classic, lush green foliage.
- Congo Rojo: Beautiful reddish undersides on the leaves.
- Philodendron gloriosum var. gigantea: Known for its exceptionally large, statement leaves.
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
- Growth Habit: Low-growing; leaves sprout from the base.
- Height: Up to 12 inches.
- Leaves: Oval with a soft, fuzzy texture on the surface.
- Light: Sunny, but avoid direct sunlight to keep the leaves from burning.
