If youre looking for a new houseplant to bring life into your home, youve likely come across both the fiddle leaf fig and the rubber plant.
But which one is right for you? In this article, well compare and contrast the two plants based on their similarities and differences, ideal growing conditions, maintenance requirements, and pros and cons.
Get ready to learn which one is the better choice for you!.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Both the fiddle leaf fig and the rubber plant are popular houseplants, as they are relatively easy to care for and can tolerate low light levels.
The fiddle leaf fig is an evergreen with large, leathery leaves that are easy to shape through pruning.
The rubber plant is a tropical evergreen with glossy, dark green leaves.
Both plants prefer bright, indirect light, and need to be watered regularly and allowed to dry out in between waterings.
Overview of Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is an evergreen plant native to the tropical rain forests of West Africa.
With its large, fiddle-shaped leaves, the fiddle leaf fig is a popular choice for indoors due to its low-maintenance nature and ability to thrive in bright, indirect light.
The fiddle leaf fig’s leaves are typically a deep green color, and can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide.
This plant prefers to be watered when the soil is dry, and can be pruned to help maintain its shape and size.
Fiddle leaf figs are also known to be air purifiers, removing harmful toxins from the air such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
Overall, the fiddle leaf fig is a great option for those looking for a low-maintenance plant to add a touch of greenery to their indoor space.
Its lush, green foliage can bring a touch of nature indoors, and its air purifying abilities make it a great choice for those looking to improve the air quality in their home.
Overview of Rubber Plant
The Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) is a beloved houseplant, known for its glossy, dark green oval leaves and its ability to grow to impressive heights of up to 10 feet tall.
Native to India and Southeast Asia, the Rubber Plant is a species of the fig family and has been a popular houseplant choice for centuries.
Rubber Plants thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer to be watered when the soil is dry.
With proper care and maintenance, the Rubber Plant can live for many years and will add a touch of greenery to any indoor space.
The Rubber Plant is an easy-care houseplant and is not prone to pests or diseases.
It is also a great choice for new plant owners, as it is a low-maintenance plant that can survive with minimal attention.
The Rubber Plant is also an air-purifying plant and can help to reduce indoor air pollution.
Similarities Between the Two Plants
Fiddle leaf figs and rubber plants may look quite different, but they have several similarities.
First of all, both plants are relatively low-maintenance and are great choices for those looking for an easy-to-care for houseplant.
Both plants also thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer to be watered when the soil is dry.
Additionally, both plants are known for their lush, green foliage, making them great additions to any indoor space.
The fiddle leaf fig is known for its large, fiddle-shaped leaves that are a deep green color and can grow up to 6 feet tall, while the rubber plant has oval-shaped leaves that are glossy and dark green in color and can grow up to 10 feet tall.
Both plants can be an attractive addition to any home and add a touch of greenery to any indoor space.
Differences Between the Two Plants
When it comes to choosing between a fiddle leaf fig and a rubber plant, there are several differences to consider.
Firstly, the size of the plants.
The fiddle leaf fig typically grows up to 6 feet tall, while a rubber plant can grow up to 10 feet tall making it a better choice for taller spaces.
When it comes to the leaves, the fiddle leaf fig has large, fiddle-shaped leaves that are a deep green color, while rubber plants have oval-shaped leaves that are glossy and dark green in color.
The care requirements for both plants are quite similar.
Both thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer to be watered when the soil is dry.
However, the rubber plant is slightly more tolerant of low light conditions than the fiddle leaf fig.
The fiddle leaf fig is known to be a bit more sensitive to overwatering, so it’s important to be careful not to over-water it.
On the other hand, the rubber plant is more tolerant of overwatering and can handle a bit more water than the fiddle leaf fig.
Finally, the cost of both plants varies depending on the size and quality of the plant.
Generally speaking, the rubber plant is more affordable than the fiddle leaf fig, though both plants can be quite expensive.
In conclusion, both the fiddle leaf fig and the rubber plant are popular houseplants that can add a touch of greenery to any indoor space.
However, there are some differences between the two plants that should be taken into consideration before making a decision.
The fiddle leaf fig is smaller and more sensitive to overwatering, while the rubber plant is taller and more tolerant of overwatering.
Additionally, the cost of the two plants varies, with the rubber plant typically being more affordable.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Each Plant
When it comes to choosing between a Fiddle Leaf Fig or a Rubber Plant, it is important to consider the ideal growing conditions for each plant.
Both of these popular houseplants thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer to be watered when the soil is dry.
However, there are some significant differences between the two that may make one a better fit for your home than the other.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a tropical plant that loves humidity and warmth.
It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers temperatures between 60-75F (16-24C).
It prefers to be watered when the soil is dry, but should not be allowed to get too dry or the leaves will start to drop.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig can grow up to 6 feet tall and its leaves are large, fiddle-shaped and a deep green color.
The Rubber Plant is a tropical evergreen tree that is native to India and Southeast Asia.
It prefers temperatures between 65-75F (18-24C) and bright, indirect light.
It should be watered when the soil is dry, but needs to be kept evenly moist.
The Rubber Plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and its leaves are oval-shaped, glossy and dark green in color.
Both the Fiddle Leaf Fig and the Rubber Plant are low-maintenance plants that can add a touch of greenery to any indoor space.
While both plants may thrive in similar conditions, it is important to consider the size of each plant when choosing which one is best for your home.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a smaller plant and may be better suited for smaller spaces, whereas the Rubber Plant is larger and may be better for larger spaces.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which one is best for your home, but either way you cant go wrong with either the Fiddle Leaf Fig or the Rubber Plant.
Maintenance Requirements for Each Plant
When it comes to maintenance requirements, the fiddle leaf fig and rubber plant are both relatively low-maintenance plants.
Both plants prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered only when the soil is dry.
The fiddle leaf fig is more sensitive to underwatering, as its leaves will start to droop if it does not get enough water.
The rubber plant is more tolerant of underwatering, as its leaves will still remain firm even when the soil is dry.
However, both plants should be watered regularly to ensure they stay healthy and thrive.
When it comes to fertilizing, both plants should be fertilized with a balanced, organic fertilizer twice a year.
This will help provide the plants with the essential nutrients they need to grow.
It is important to note that too much fertilizer can be harmful to the plants, so it is best to stick to the recommended dosage.
Both the fiddle leaf fig and the rubber plant should also be pruned regularly to remove dead or damaged leaves.
While the fiddle leaf fig should be pruned when the leaves start to look droopy or brown, the rubber plant can be pruned more often since it is more tolerant of pruning.
It is important to use sharp, clean scissors when pruning the plants to avoid damaging them.
Finally, both the fiddle leaf fig and the rubber plant should be repotted every few years when the roots outgrow the pot.
The potting soil should be well-draining and made for houseplants.
The pot should be large enough to accommodate the roots without crowding them.
It is important to be gentle when repotting the plants to avoid damaging the roots.
Pros and Cons of Each Plant
When it comes to deciding between a fiddle leaf fig and a rubber plant, there are a few things to consider.
Each of these plants has its own set of pros and cons that can help you make the right decision for your home.
The fiddle leaf fig is a popular choice for those looking for a low-maintenance plant.
It is relatively easy to care for, requiring only bright, indirect light and occasional watering when the soil is dry.
Its large, fiddle-shaped leaves are a deep green color and can grow up to 6 feet tall.
While it is a hardy plant, it can be prone to pests and diseases if not cared for properly.
The rubber plant is also a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance plant.
It has oval-shaped leaves that are glossy and dark green in color and can grow up to 10 feet tall.
It prefers bright, indirect light and should be watered when the soil is dry.
It is a hardy plant that is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be vulnerable to overwatering.
When choosing between a fiddle leaf fig and a rubber plant, consider the amount of care and maintenance you are willing to give the plant.
Both plants require bright, indirect light and should be watered when the soil is dry.
The fiddle leaf fig is more susceptible to pests and diseases, while the rubber plant is more prone to overwatering.
Ultimately, the best plant for you depends on the amount of care and attention you are willing to give.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to making the decision between a Fiddle Leaf Fig and a Rubber Plant, it really comes down to personal preference.
Both plants are low maintenance, thrive in bright, indirect light, and prefer to be watered when the soil is dry.
Each plant has its own unique look and characteristics which can help add a touch of greenery to any indoor space.
It’s important to consider your lifestyle and the amount of time you have available for care before making a decision on which one is better for you.