Plant comparison
Fiddle leaf fig vs Rubber plant
Both are popular statement Ficus trees — one is famously fussy, the other forgives.
| Fiddle leaf fig | Rubber plant | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Ficus lyrata | Ficus elastica |
| Light | Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) | Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) |
| Water | When the top 5 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 7-10 days | When the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days |
| Soil | Well-draining indoor tree mix | Free-draining indoor tree mix |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C (65-75°F) | 18-26°C (65-80°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 10-12 (indoor-only) | 10-12 (indoor-only) |
| RHS hardiness | H1b | H1b |
| Mature size | 1.5-3 m indoors | 1.5-3 m indoors |
| Growth habit | Single-trunk or branched evergreen tree | Single-trunk or branched evergreen tree |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Toxic to pets | Toxic to pets |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Fiddle leaf fig — Fiddle leaf fig if you prefer its single-trunk or branched evergreen tree habit at 1.5-3 m indoors indoors.
- Choose Rubber plant — Rubber plant if you prefer its single-trunk or branched evergreen tree habit at 1.5-3 m indoors indoors.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Fiddle leaf fig care and Rubber plant care. For pet-safety detail see Fiddle leaf fig and Rubber plant.
Fiddle leaf fig vs Rubber plant — frequently asked questions
Is Fiddle leaf fig the same as Rubber plant?
No — Fiddle leaf fig is Ficus lyrata and Rubber plant is Ficus elastica. Both are popular statement Ficus trees — one is famously fussy, the other forgives. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, fiddle leaf fig or rubber plant?
Easier comes down to your conditions. Fiddle leaf fig wants bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) and to be watered when the top 5 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 7-10 days. Rubber plant wants bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) and watering when the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days. Match the species to the brightest spot you actually have and how often you remember to water — both can be the easier pick for the right home.
Is fiddle leaf fig or rubber plant safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Fiddle leaf fig is toxic to pets and Rubber plant is toxic to pets. Either way, place them out of reach of curious chewers if pets share the home.
How big do fiddle leaf fig and rubber plant get indoors?
Fiddle leaf fig matures to 1.5-3 m indoors, with a single-trunk or branched evergreen tree habit. Rubber plant reaches 1.5-3 m indoors, single-trunk or branched evergreen tree. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can fiddle leaf fig and rubber plant live in the same room?
Yes — both can share a room as long as you give each one a spot that matches its light requirement. Fiddle leaf fig needs bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window); Rubber plant needs bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window). Group them only if their watering and humidity needs are also close, otherwise keep them on different schedules.