Form
Broad elliptical blades arrange around an upright stem to create a sturdy clean crown.
Ficus 'Abidjan' 14cm — Care & Tips
This store requires javascript to be enabled for some features to work correctly.
This store requires javascript to be enabled for some features to work correctly.
It isn't burgundy. It's deeply considered dark red 🧠
Family: Moraceae · Pot diameter: 14 cm · Height: approx. 50 cm
Ficus elastica ‘Abidjan’ dresses the sturdy rubber plant form in a deep, considered burgundy that approaches black. Large glossy blades reflect light clearly, while each new leaf emerges from a red sheath and adds a warm note. Its upright architectural silhouette fills a bright corner with elegance and works beautifully beside low furniture, a neutral wall or natural wood, where the dark foliage becomes an immediate focal point.
Its shine and colour shift through the day: from warm burgundy to almost charcoal, with green tones emerging in older blades. In a pale room it creates dramatic contrast; in darker styling it adds layered depth and the serious contemporary presence of living sculpture.
A large glossy blade and near-black burgundy colour create one of the strongest Ficus silhouettes.
Broad elliptical blades arrange around an upright stem to create a sturdy clean crown.
Young deep red and burgundy mature into very dark green with warm reflections.
The thick smooth surface has strong gloss, while the red sheath at the tip adds satin contrast.
Why you’ll love it: it offers deep burgundy, mirror-like shine and strong vertical form in a plant with genuine decorative confidence.
In a bright corner, on a low stand or a generous side table, with enough space for the linear crown. Terracotta, sand or charcoal pots emphasise the sculptural trunk.
Choices with compatible light needs and contrasting textures keep the arrangement balanced.
Plentiful bright indirect light for deep burgundy colour, with some gentle morning light after acclimation.
Water when the upper 3–5 cm of mix have dried and allow all excess to drain away.
Average household humidity, gentle airflow and roughly 18–28°C, without abrupt relocation or cold draughts.
Not safe for chewing or ingestion; the milky sap may irritate the mouth and skin.
Place it near a bright window with harsh sun filtered. In very low light, blades become greener and new growth becomes more widely spaced.
Let the upper 3–5 cm dry, then wet the entire root zone. Remove drained water; continuous moisture around the woody collar encourages decline.
Wipe each blade with a damp soft cloth while supporting it from below. Removing dust reveals burgundy again and keeps the surface clear.
Maintain roughly 18–28°C and avoid cold glass, draughts and frequent relocation. Abrupt change can cause leaf drop without indicating thirst.
Use Sybasoil Ficus Mix in a pot with clear drainage holes, without compacting it around the roots. Repot one size up only when the root system has filled its space.
During active growth use Nutri One according to the label and only on already moist mix. Reduce when growth slows.
The botanical basis of the selection is the accepted Ficus elastica, a species occurring naturally from Nepal and western Yunnan to western Malesia.
In nature it is a large evergreen tree of wet tropical habitat and may begin life on another tree.
‘Abidjan’ is a cultivated selection maintained for exceptionally dark burgundy foliage and red new growth.
From natural habitat to care: Its tropical tree origin explains the preference for steady light and warmth, while roots need oxygen rather than prolonged saturation.
Red and purple pigments visually overlay chlorophyll and create the deep near-black appearance.
A modified stipule encloses the blade while it develops and falls after unfurling.
Specialised ducts release white latex when tissue is damaged, part of the plant's defence.
In tropical habitat, aerial roots can reach the ground and thicken, supporting the broad crown.
Practical answers about growth and the plant’s most common signals.
An older lower leaf may be ageing naturally. If several yellow together, first check moisture in the mix, drainage, cold and abrupt relocation.
One old leaf may age naturally. Several at once often indicate abrupt relocation, chilling, prolonged dryness or excessive moisture.
A new blade shows more visible red pigments and gradually darkens as it hardens. This change is a normal part of maturation.
Wipe them gently with a damp soft cloth while supporting the blade from below. Avoid leaf-shine products that may block or mark the surface.
Yes. On a healthy mature stem, a clean cut may activate buds below. White sap is irritating, so use protection while working.
Not for chewing. Milky sap can irritate the mouth and skin, and ingestion may cause digestive upset.