Rubber fig Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 2,027 found this helpful

All parts of Ficus elastica are toxic, with a low overall toxicity rating per CliniTox classifications.

Ingestion typically causes vomiting and diarrhea, while seizures and paralysis may occur with very high intake.

The plant shares toxic triterpenes and ficin proteases with all other species in the Ficus genus.

FAQ

Is Rubber fig toxic to Humans?

Vomiting, diarrhea; seizures and paralysis possible if large quantities are ingested, sap may cause skin irritation (Low)

Is Rubber fig toxic to Cats?

Limited species-specific data, expected to include vomiting, diarrhea, and oral irritation; severe neurological effects possible with large ingestion (Low)

Is Rubber fig toxic to Dogs?

Limited species-specific data, expected to include vomiting, diarrhea, and oral irritation; severe neurological effects possible with large ingestion (Low)

Is Rubber fig toxic to Horses?

Limited species-specific data, expected to include gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea; severe effects possible with very high intake (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Vomiting, diarrhea; seizures and paralysis possible if large quantities are ingested, sap may cause skin irritation

Cats

Low

Limited species-specific data, expected to include vomiting, diarrhea, and oral irritation; severe neurological effects possible with large ingestion

Dogs

Low

Limited species-specific data, expected to include vomiting, diarrhea, and oral irritation; severe neurological effects possible with large ingestion

Horses

Low

Limited species-specific data, expected to include gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea; severe effects possible with very high intake

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant

Exposure RouteIngestion of plant material, skin or mucous membrane contact with plant sap

Toxic CompoundsTriterpenes; Ficin A; Ficin B; Ficin C; Ficin D1; Ficin D2

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• If ingested, rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water to remove remaining plant debris
• If sap contacts skin or eyes, flush affected area with cool, clean water for 10-15 minutes immediately
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed by a medical or veterinary professional

Contact Vet Immediately

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 2 hours post-exposure
• Signs of seizures, muscle weakness, or paralysis after ingestion
• Severe skin blistering, swelling, or persistent eye irritation after sap contact

Prevention

• Keep plants out of reach of children, pets, and livestock to avoid accidental ingestion
• Wear protective gloves when pruning or handling the plant to avoid contact with irritant sap
• Educate household members and pet caregivers about the plant's mild toxicity risks

Treatment & Prognosis

• Exposure site decontamination (mouth rinse, skin/eye flush)
• Symptomatic care including anti-emetics for vomiting and fluid therapy for dehydration
• Monitoring for neurological symptoms in cases of large-volume ingestion

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameFicus elastica Roxb.

AliasesRubber bush、Rubber tree、Rubber plant、Indian rubber bush

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractNervous system (high dose exposure only)Skin and mucous membranes

Mechanism of Action

• Ficin proteases irritate gastrointestinal mucous membranes, triggering vomiting and diarrhea

• Triterpene compounds contribute to irritant effects, with high doses potentially impacting nervous system function

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): Ingestion expected to cause gastrointestinal irritation, including diarrhea and abdominal pain, with higher risk of severe effects due to small body size

Pet birds: Limited data available, but ingestion of plant material may cause mild digestive upset and oral irritation

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Weeping fig Ficus benjamina

Both are common ornamental Ficus species with glossy foliage; F. benjamina has smaller, narrower leaves compared to the broad, thick leaves of F. elastica

Fiddle-leaf fig Ficus lyrata

Both are popular houseplants in the Ficus genus with large leathery leaves; F. lyrata has distinct violin-shaped lobed leaves, unlike the oval unlobed leaves of F. elastica

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Related Toxic Plants

Low to Moderate (mild to moderately toxic)

Fiddle-leaf fig

Ficus lyrata

Low (mildly toxic)

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.