Variegated Rubber Plant | Ficus Elastica Tineke

Ficus Elastica 'Tineke' is a striking variegated rubber plant known for its creamy-white, green, and sometimes pink foliage, making it a popular and easy-to-care-for houseplant.

Here’s a detailed look at its characteristics and care:

🌿 Overview of Ficus Elastica 'Tineke'

• Botanical Name: Ficus elastica 'Tineke'

• Common Names: Variegated Rubber Plant, Tineke Rubber Tree

• Family: Moraceae

• Native Region: Southeast Asia, India, Indonesia

• Size: Indoors, it can grow between 2 to 10 feet tall and about 5 feet wide.

• Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors

🎨 Appearance

• Foliage: Large, glossy leaves with camouflage-like variegation—a mix of creamy white, green, and sometimes pink hues.

• Leaf Sheath: Creamy white, which helps distinguish it from the similar Ficus Elastica 'Ruby' that has more pink tones.

☀️ Light Requirements

• Prefers bright, indirect sunlight.

• Can tolerate lower light but may lose some variegation.

• Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.

💧 Watering & Humidity

• Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

• Likes moderate to high humidity—mist occasionally or use a humidifier.

• Avoid overwatering; root rot is a common issue.

🌱 Soil & Fertilizer

• Use well-draining potting mix; a mix for tropical plants or indoor foliage works well.

• Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

✂️ Pruning & Propagation

• Prune to control height and encourage bushier growth.

• Propagate via stem cuttings in water or soil.

🐛 Pests & Problems

• Susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects.

• Wipe leaves regularly to prevent dust buildup and inspect for pests.

🪴 Potting Tips

• Repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound.

• Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.

Ficus Tineke is a fantastic choice for adding color and texture to your indoor plant collection.

Ficus elastic Tineke

Ficus elastic Tineke is a popular ornamental plant from the Ficus genus.
The Ficus Elastica Tineke is also known as a variegated rubber plant.
This is because its deep, variegated dark-green with red shaded leaves used to be used for the extraction of rubber. The rubber plant has a strong air-purifying effect and requires little care, making it hugely popular as a houseplant. It’ll even survive in a corner with minimal daylight.
Care

• A nice brightly lit spot is ideal, without direct sunlight.
• Water once the soil becomes slightly dry to the touch and make sure the pot has sufficient drainage holes to allow excess water to seep through.
• Well-draining and well-aerated potting soil is needed. 1 part peat, 1 part pine bark and 1 part sand or perlite is a good mix.
• Feed during spring and summer with a diluted liquid fertilizer every two weeks.