There’s no denying that Rubber Tree plants (Ficus elastica) have gained popularity among houseplant enthusiasts in recent years. With their beautiful leaves and fast-growing branches, Rubber Trees can quickly become a showpiece in any room. But, are they safe to have in your home?
While it’s true that Rubber Tree plants are considered to be “toxic,” they are only mildly so and are still great plants to add to your home. Rubber Trees have a latex sap that, when ingested or in contact with skin, can be irritating to various degrees but rarely cause any lasting damage.
Now, people tend to freak out a bit when they learn a plant is “toxic,” jumping to the conclusion that they are inviting impending doom into their home along with the plant in question. I promise you, though, that with a little knowledge, you’ll see that while the Rubber Tree plant is technically toxic, there’s no reason why you can’t still enjoy it as a stunning plant in your house.
Are Rubber Trees Dangerous?
Rubber Trees are mildly toxic. While that word may invoke elements of danger for some, I assure you that these plants are not actively plotting against you in any way.
The toxic properties of a Rubber Tree plant lie in its sap. Rubber Tree sap contains latex, a compound that is a known irritant to many people. Components of latex, which give it its elastic attribute, are the same found in many man-made products, mainly latex gloves, condoms, and many other medical supplies.
Many people have adverse reactions to latex that range from mild to severe. Most folks who do not tolerate the compound end up with skin dermatitis, which usually presents itself as a mild rash at the site of contact.
In a very small percentage of the population, latex can cause more severe effects, from blistering and burning to anaphylactic shock (very rare).
However, Rubber Tree plants are classified as Toxicity Class 4, considered to be the mildest classification and on par with the toxicity of other plants, like the ZZ Plant. Rest assured that exposure to the sap is often rare, and most symptoms can be cleared up by washing the site of the exposure with soap and water.
Are Rubber Trees Toxic to Humans?
As I mentioned above, Rubber Trees can be toxic to humans. Most encounters with the sap result in mild skin irritation at the site of exposure but are not debilitating in any other way. However, it is worth mentioning that exposure should be monitored if you are unsure if you have a latex allergy or to what extent you are allergic.
Most people come into contact with the sap on the skin. This can happen if you are pruning your Rubber Tree or if branches get bent or broken while trying to move or repot the plant. Depending on your reaction to the exposure, you may experience itchy, red, rash-like symptoms. These can sometimes take up to 24-48 hours to appear, so if you think you’ve come into contact with the sap, make sure you wash with soap and water as soon as possible.
Be careful not to touch your eyes while working with a Rubber Tree. The sap can cause severe discomfort in the soft tissue, often burning, stinging, and causing red, watery eyes. If you do get any sap in your eyes, you should flush them out with cold water for 10-15 minutes.
Special considerations should be taken if you have small children in your home. While skin contact with the sap won’t necessarily be a big deal, kids tend to put a lot of things in their mouths, and ingesting the sap can cause burning, itchiness, and pain in the mouth and throat, as well as GI distress, diarrhea, and vomiting in more severe cases.
Much of this can be avoided if you are strategic about where you place your Rubber Tree. Usually, any spot above waist-level is enough to deter most children from tugging on a leaf or sampling them as a snack.
Are Rubber Trees Toxic to Animals?
The same rules apply to animals as they do to humans. Rubber Tree sap can be just as irritating to our furry sidekicks if exposed to the skin, mouth, or eyes.
If your pet comes into contact with the sap, their fur will likely protect them from skin exposure, although it is best to clean their coats quickly to avoid spreading the sap to your skin the next time you go in for a pet.
More concerning would be exposure to an animal’s nose and eyes. These soft tissues are usually less protected and can easily get covered in sap if your pet likes to sniff everything in sight.
It’s even more likely that a pet may taste-test your buffet of houseplants. My cat likes to wait until I’m watching before she bites the tips off my Parlor Palm. Typical cat power move. Ingestion of Rubber Tree sap can cause stomach upset or a moderate case of diarrhea or vomiting.
I should note that if your pet does experience diarrhea or vomiting, you need to keep them well hydrated, as dehydration can cause other, more serious issues. If your pet’s symptoms worsen, call your veterinarian for additional advice.
Simple Tips to Keep You and Your Family Safe
I understand that talking about toxicity in plants can be a concern for a lot of people, but Rubber Tree plants are great additions to the home. All it takes is a little understanding and a few simple precautions to enjoy this plant worry-free.
Take proactive steps to minimize the chance of exposure to the sap any time you are watering, pruning, moving, or repotting the plant. Wear garden gloves and an apron to avoid getting the sap on your hands or on your clothes, where it can be spread to other areas of the body.
If you do get some sap on your skin, wash with warm water and a gentle soap to minimize irritation. Any clothes that get sap on them should be washed as soon as possible.
As for your kiddos, cats, and dogs, it is all about strategic plant placement. Find an area where little hands or curious pets won’t tug, nibble, or knock over your Rubber Tree. I find most kids don’t really pay attention to anything out of their line of sight, so a countertop or a tucked-away corner may be your best bet.
Animals can be a little more persistent, so consider an elevated plant stand that keeps your Rubber Tree a few feet off the ground. If curiosity keeps getting the better of them, you can try adding pungent citrus peels or coffee grounds around the base of the plant, as many animals tend to dislike the smell. Diluted vinegar sprayed on and around the plant may help, as well.
Are Rubber Trees Good for the Home?
I know we’ve been talking a lot about the toxicity of the Rubber Tree plant in this article, but it’s important to mention that this plant makes a GREAT addition to your home! If you’ve considered getting one and are comfortable taking any steps needed to keep your kids and pets safe, you’ll end up with a truly stunning plant in your collection.
Rubber Trees are beautiful! Their large leaves are very elegant, usually coming in different shades for you to mix and match with. This plant is also fairly fast-growing, which means that you can cultivate a true statement piece in no time. If you have bigger spaces to fill or need something with height, you won’t go wrong choosing a Rubber Tree plant.
If you are still a bit nervous about owning a Rubber Tree, I would suggest buying a small one that you can keep on a shelf or countertop. It’ll grow quickly, but starting small will give you time to assess how you, your kids, or your pets react to it, and you’ll be able to enjoy it in different spots in your home as it grows bigger.
Final Thoughts
Although they are considered to be mildly toxic, Rubber Trees are still really neat plants. A little common sense goes a long way, and you should be able to enjoy them in your home without any issues. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of how to keep these impressive houseplants and are ready to add a few to your collection.