These two get compared because both are sold as easy, glossy-leaved tropical plants. In the pot they look nothing alike. Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is a trailing aroid vine from Mexico to tropical America. Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is a fig tree from Southeast Asia, in the mulberry family (NC State Extension).
So the real question is shape and light. Do you want a vine for a shelf in a dim room, or a tree for a bright corner? The care follows from that.
This page compares heartleaf philodendron, the most common philodendron. Clemson Extension notes that self-heading types such as ‘Xanadu’ and tree philodendron grow from a heavy clump instead of vining, and can become very large. And a “baby rubber plant” is not a rubber plant at all; the ASPCA lists it as Peperomia obtusifolia.
How to tell them apart
Heartleaf philodendron. Thin, flexible stems trail or climb. NC State describes glossy, heart-shaped, leathery leaves that emerge bronze and quickly turn green. Clemson gives a leaf length of 5–10 cm (2–4 in); Iowa State gives 7.5–13 cm (3–5 in). New leaves are wrapped in a papery sheath (stipule) that dries and falls off (Clemson, NC State).
Rubber plant. A woody, upright stem carries large, stiff, glossy leaves. NC State gives leaves up to 43 cm (17 in) long and 15 cm (6 in) wide, paler underneath with a raised midrib. Each new leaf unfurls from a pink or purple stipule (NC State). Cut a leaf and white sap drips from it (NC State, Clemson).
A soft vine with small hearts is a philodendron. A thick, woody stem with leathery, paddle-sized leaves is a rubber plant.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Heartleaf philodendron (P. hederaceum) | Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) |
|---|---|---|
| Family (NC State) | Araceae (aroids) | Moraceae (mulberry and fig) |
| Habit | Trailing or climbing vine | Upright woody tree |
| Leaf size | 5–13 cm (2–5 in) (Clemson, Iowa State) | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) (Clemson); up to 43 cm (17 in) (NC State) |
| Indoor size | Vine up to 4 m (13 ft) (NC State) | Usually 0.6–3 m (2–10 ft) (NC State) |
| Growth rate (NC State) | Rapid | Rapid |
| Best light | Medium; tolerates very low light (NC State, Clemson) | Bright, indirect; morning sun from an east window (Clemson) |
| Low light | Survives long periods (NC State) | Adaptable (Clemson), but may drop leaves (Missouri) |
| Watering | Evenly moist, not soggy (Clemson, Iowa State) | Let the surface dry slightly between waterings (Clemson) |
| Humidity | Tolerates dry air; prefers medium (NC State) | Prefers humid air; tolerates dry (Clemson) |
| Temperature (Clemson) | 21–29 °C (70–85 °F) by day, 18–24 °C (65–75 °F) at night | 24–27 °C (75–80 °F) by day, 16–18 °C (60–65 °F) at night; avoid below 13 °C (55 °F) |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings or air layering (Clemson) | Stem or tip cuttings, air layering (Clemson, Iowa State) |
| Pets | Toxic: insoluble calcium oxalates (ASPCA) | Toxic to cats and dogs (NC State; ASPCA Ficus entry) |
Light: the deciding difference
Heartleaf philodendron copes with deep shade. NC State says it can survive long periods in extremely low light, though it prefers medium light. Clemson says it grows well under artificial or ordinary room light, or near a north, east or west window. University of Missouri Extension agrees it tolerates low light. Illinois Extension notes the best results come from bright, indirect light, out of direct sun.
Rubber plant wants more. Clemson says it prefers bright light but adapts to low light, and grows best with morning light from an east window. NC State recommends bright, indirect light or partial shade, protected from afternoon sun. Missouri Extension puts fig species in the medium light range and warns low light may cause leaf drop. Clemson names ‘Robusta’ as good in low light.
If your only spot is a dim hallway, the philodendron is the safer choice.
Watering
The philodendron likes steadier moisture. Clemson says to water often enough to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy, and never let the pot stand in water. NC State says keep it slightly moist and slow down in winter. Clemson links yellowing lower leaves and dying growing tips to too little light or overwatering; see philodendron yellow leaves.
The rubber plant wants a short dry spell. Clemson says water thoroughly, then let the soil dry slightly to the touch, and empty the saucer. It notes leaves may yellow if the soil stays too wet. NC State says reduce watering from autumn to late winter, when growth slows. Our rubber plant overwatering guide covers the warning signs.
Both need a pot with drainage holes and a well-drained mix.
Temperature and placement
Both like normal to warm rooms. The rubber plant is fussier about change. NC State says it prefers to stay in one place and does poorly with drafts or cold. Clemson says avoid temperatures below 13 °C (55 °F), sudden drops and cold drafts, which along with low light and dry air can cause leaf loss.
Size, pruning and propagation
Philodendron. NC State rates growth as rapid. Iowa State suggests cutting stems back when they grow too long, which encourages new branches. Stem cuttings root at any season (Clemson).
Rubber plant. Clemson says it can reach 1.8–3 m (6–10 ft) or more indoors. Stake it, or prune in spring to rejuvenate it. NC State notes that pruning the main branches gives a bushier plant, while leaving them gives a tall, narrow tree. It also notes a big rubber plant becomes heavy.
To propagate, Clemson lists stem or tip cuttings and air layering. Iowa State describes air layering a stem 30–45 cm (12–18 in) from the tip: remove a 2.5 cm (1 in) ring of bark, wrap it in moist sphagnum and plastic, and expect roots in several weeks.
Pet safety
- Heartleaf philodendron. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs, cats and horses because of insoluble calcium oxalates. Signs include mouth pain and swelling, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. See philodendron toxicity.
- Rubber plant. NC State lists Ficus elastica as a problem for cats, dogs and horses. The ASPCA’s Indian rubber plant entry is filed under Ficus benjamina. It lists toxicity to dogs and cats from ficin and ficusin. Clemson says the sticky white sap may irritate skin or the stomach if eaten.
Keep both out of reach of pets that chew leaves.
Which should you choose?
- Low light, north window or office: heartleaf philodendron.
- Bright room with an east window and floor space: rubber plant.
- Hanging basket or high shelf: heartleaf philodendron.
- You want a single bold plant that grows upward: rubber plant, staked or pruned.
- Draughty spot by a door or vent: not the rubber plant, which NC State and Clemson both say to keep out of cold drafts.
For full care, see our heartleaf to rare philodendron care guide and rubber plant care guide. Not sure your vine is a philodendron? Check it against pothos vs philodendron.
References
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Philodendron hederaceum
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Ficus elastica
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC 1509: Philodendron
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC 1510: Rubber Plant
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, A. Steil: Easy low-maintenance houseplants
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: How can I propagate a rubber tree?
- University of Illinois Extension: Philodendron
- University of Missouri Extension, D. H. Trinklein: Lighting Indoor Houseplants, G6515
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Heartleaf Philodendron
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Indian Rubber Plant
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Baby Rubber Plant