Overview
Ficus elastica 'Black Knight' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ficus, part of the Moraceae family, with evergreen foliage. Ficus elastica 'Black Knight' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include houseplants and conservatory and greenhouse.
About
Ficus elastica 'Black Knight' is a bushy evergreen shrub cultivar of the Ficus genus, known commonly as the rubber plant 'Black Knight'. Like other Ficus species, it has leathery leaves and produces small flowers inside a hollow structure that develops into fruit. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade, preferring a sheltered aspect with fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil of any pH. It is suitable for growing as a houseplant or in conservatories and greenhouses, with a winter season of interest. Propagation can be done by semi-hardwood cuttings or air layering.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ficus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1b
Plant details
Ficus elastica 'Black Knight' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees, Fruit Edible
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ficus elastica 'Black Knight'
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings, Air layering
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs, scale insects under glass
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ficus elastica 'Black Knight'?
Ficus elastica 'Black Knight' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ficus elastica 'Black Knight' need?
Ficus elastica 'Black Knight' grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Ficus elastica 'Black Knight' hardy in the UK?
Ficus elastica 'Black Knight' has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Ficus elastica 'Black Knight'?
Semi-hardwood cuttings, Air layering.
More in the Ficus genus
- Ficus 'Panda'
- Ficus afghanistanica 'Silver Lyre'Afghanistan fig 'Silver Lyre'
- Ficus altissimacouncil tree
- Ficus americanajacquinia-leaved fig
- Ficus amplissimabat tree
- Ficus aspera
- Ficus australis
- Ficus barteri
