Rubber plant Ficus elastica 'Melanie'Three shoots in one pot! The rubber tree 'Melany' (Ficus elastica) is a robust plant. That is also very easy to look after. Rubber used to be made with the juice from its green and red leaves. This is where the nickname "rubber tree" comes from. The sap will irritate your skin, so be extra careful! The plant likes light, but not strong, midday sun. Always keep the potting soil moist, without letting the roots stand in water.