Paint Nettle

Clusia rosea is an ornamental leafy houseplant that is remarkably sturdy and easy to care for. Its stiff, leathery leaves are a dark olive green in colour and are said to be so tough, you could carve your name into them – hence the popular name 'Autograph Tree'. The paddle-like leaves are also noted for their air filtering properties.

It is possible for Clusia rosea to produce lovely funnel shaped flowers that are relatively long lasting in delicate shades of creamy white with soft pink accents, however this only tends to happen in particularly warm and humid conditions.

Clusia rosea is also known as Pitch Apple, Copey, Scotch Attorney and Balsam Apple. It has a wide, spreading nature and is fast growing.

Cone/slanted fiberglass planter with golden palm

The rubber plant gets its name from the white latex coursing through its veins, which was once used to make rubber. Even its handsome, glossy leaves have a thick, rubber-like look.

In its native habitat in southern parts of Asia, this plant can grow as tall as 60 metres, with its trunk getting as thick as two metres in diameter. It won’t get anywhere near as lofty as that indoors, thankfully.

Give it all the care it needs - don’t forget it loves a regular misting - and you’ll be rewarded with a striking plant that will be a focal point in any room. It likes a medium level of light and watering only when the top two inches of soil are dry. It will also appreciate a feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer.

Its an Indoor and outdoor plant

A tropical sculptural herbaceous perennial plant that works well in containers but must be brought inside during cold winters.  Works well as a houseplant.  Desired for its unusual inflorescence and attractive foliage. Look for the purple underside of the leaf and the unusual bract-enclosed flowers to distinguish this plant from bromeliads.

Plant in a peat-based potting soil and give it plenty of bright light. If kept outdoors in the summer provide it with afternoon shade. Allow the top 1-2 inches to dry out between waterings and cut back on the water during the winter months.