PLANT

The Ficus elastica ‘Shivereana’ (often also known as ‘Shivereana Moonshine’) It is one of the most sought-after and spectacular varieties of rubber tree. It stands out clearly from other varieties due to its “camouflage”-style leaves, characterised by a a stunning mottled pattern in shades of light green, cream and lime and, in the younger leaves, delicate shades of orange or pink.

• • Plenty of indirect light: It requires bright light to maintain its vibrant variegation. If the light is poor, the plant will tend to produce predominantly green leaves, losing its cream-coloured hues.
  • Avoid direct sunlight in summer: Direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day can cause irreparable damage to the light-coloured parts of the leaves.

• • The dry ground rule: Water only when the top two-thirds of the potting mix have dried out. It is very sensitive to waterlogging, which causes root rot.
  • Humidity: It adapts well to indoor conditions, but benefits from occasional misting or a moderately humid environment.
  • Cleaning: Wipe the large leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and help the plant breathe.

• • Well-drained growing medium: Use a light-textured mix, such as good-quality all-purpose potting compost combined with a generous handful of perlite or bark to encourage good drainage.
  • Stability: Avoid moving the plant around constantly; Ficus plants thrive in stable conditions, and sudden changes in position or draughts can cause the leaves to fall off.