How to Grow and Care for Ficus Burgundy

The Ficus Burgundy, known botanically as Ficus elastica ‘Burgundy’ or ‘Black Prince’, is a popular houseplant known for its dramatic foliage. Its large, oval leaves have a deep color that ranges from a rich burgundy to almost black, offering a striking contrast in any indoor setting. This plant’s upright growth habit and glossy leaves make it an elegant addition to homes and offices. Native to the tropical rainforests of Asia, it brings a touch of the exotic indoors, growing to a manageable height of around eight feet.

Ficus Burgundy Care Guide

Light

The deep color of the Ficus Burgundy’s leaves is directly influenced by light exposure. To maintain the signature dark burgundy shade, the plant requires bright, indirect sunlight. An ideal location is a few feet from a window where the light is filtered, preventing the sun’s direct rays from scorching the leaves. While the plant can tolerate lower light, its growth may become leggy, and the dark foliage can fade.

Water

This plant is more sensitive to overwatering than to being dry. Water thoroughly only when the soil has dried out completely. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a serious condition that is difficult to resolve. During the winter months, the plant’s growth slows, and its water requirements will decrease accordingly.

Soil

A well-draining and aerated potting medium is necessary for the health of a Ficus Burgundy. The soil needs to retain some moisture without becoming waterlogged, allowing the roots to breathe. Most standard houseplant potting mixes are suitable, particularly those amended with perlite or sand to improve drainage and aeration.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant thrives in typical household conditions. It prefers a temperature range between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 30 degrees Celsius). Avoid sudden temperature drops and cold drafts from windows or vents, as these can stress the plant. It benefits from average to high humidity and appreciates an occasional misting or placement in a more humid room like a kitchen or bathroom.

Fertilizer

To support its growth during the spring and summer, the Ficus Burgundy benefits from regular feeding. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, can be applied every two to four weeks to encourage healthy development. In the fall and winter, fertilization should be reduced or stopped completely to allow the plant to rest.

Pruning and Repotting

Pruning can control the plant’s size and encourage a fuller, bushier appearance. When pruning, make cuts just above a leaf node to stimulate new branches to grow from that point. It is best to prune during the spring or summer growing season. Always wear gloves, as the plant’s milky sap can cause skin irritation.

Repot every one to two years or when the plant shows signs of being root-bound, such as roots growing out of the drainage holes. Select a new pot that is two to four inches larger in diameter than the current one. When moving the plant, gently loosen the root ball and place it in the new container with fresh, well-draining potting mix, watering it thoroughly afterward.

Propagating Ficus Burgundy

New Ficus Burgundy plants are most successfully grown from stem cuttings. Take a healthy cutting that has several leaves and is a few inches long. Remove the lowest set of leaves to expose the stem nodes, and then dip the cut end into a rooting hormone.

Plant the cutting in a small pot filled with a moist, well-draining potting mix, ensuring one or two nodes are covered by the soil. To create a humid environment that facilitates rooting, you can cover the pot with a clear plastic bag. Place the cutting in a warm spot with bright, indirect light, keeping the soil moist until roots establish in about six to eight weeks.

Common Problems

Leaf drop is a frequent problem, often triggered by sudden changes in the plant’s environment, such as a shift in location or temperature. Yellowing leaves are another common symptom, often indicating overwatering or insufficient light. If you notice yellow leaves, assess your watering schedule and the plant’s light exposure.

Pests can also affect the plant, with common culprits being scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. Regularly inspecting the leaves, especially the undersides, can help you catch an infestation early. Root rot is a more serious disease caused by excessive watering and manifests as dropping leaves and soft, soggy stems.

Ficus Burgundy Toxicity

The Ficus Burgundy is toxic to pets and humans if its leaves are ingested. The plant produces a milky white sap that contains latex, which can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. For safety, the plant should be placed in a location that is out of reach of children and pets.