There are definitely some plants that look more or less similar to the rubber tree. On the one hand, these are plants from the same genus, such as the fiddle leaf fig (lat. Ficus lyrata), but on the other hand, the balsam apple.
Which plants are similar to the rubber tree?
Similar plants to the rubber tree are the fiddlehead fig (Ficus lyrata), the balsam apple, the yucca and the phoenix palm. They offer visual similarities and/or have similar requirements regarding location and care conditions.
Which plants are optically good alternatives to the rubber tree?
The fiddle leaf fig is a very good alternative to the rubber tree because it is also very easy to care for. Its large wavy leaves are somewhat reminiscent of the instrument that gave it its name. Just like the rubber tree, the fiddle leaf fig is also suitable for growing hydroponically. Both plants often find a home in offices or business premises.
Which plants need the same conditions as the rubber tree?
The phoenix palm, among others, prefers the same location as the rubber tree. It likes it bright and warm and can tolerate drought quite well for some time. However, it has slightly different demands on the soil because it likes slightly acidic soil.
The yucca, a variant of the palm lily, is just as easy to care for as the rubber tree. Both plants like it dry and warm, but the yucca is more or less hardy depending on the variety.
The balsam apple is often confused with the rubber tree because the two look very similar. However, anyone who is familiar with the plants can distinguish them quite easily. The new leaves of the balsam apple grow open and are not protected by a red stipule, as is the case with the rubber tree. In addition, the leaves of the balsam apple are arranged parallel, whereas the leaves of the rubber tree are offset.
Similar plants to the rubber tree:
- Violin fig: visually similar, related
- Balsam apple: visually very similar, not related, very similar requirements
- Yucca: no visual similarity, but similar uses and requirements, hardy
- Phoenix palm: visually no similarity, but similar requirements, but likes slightly acidic soil
Tip
If you don't want to have a rubber tree, there are various alternatives to this houseplant, both visually and in terms of care.
