Ficus Elastica ‘Tineke’ is an elegant and highly sought-after cultivar of the Rubber Tree. It features large, thick, leathery leaves that are beautifully marbled with irregular patches of creamy-white and shades of green. The most distinctive feature is the prominent reddish-pink veins and stems, which give the leaf edges a beautiful, rosy hue. This tri-colour variegation makes it a superb, architecturally strong statement plant for bright rooms. It grows into a handsome, upright, small tree indoors and is generally considered easier to care for than many other highly-variegated houseplants.
Care Tips:
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Light: Requires bright, indirect light to maintain the crisp white and pink variegation. The less green a leaf has, the more light it needs. Low light will cause the white/pink areas to fade and the plant to become leggy. Protect it from direct, harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the creamy patches.
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Watering: Allow the top 5-7 cm of the soil to dry out completely before watering thoroughly. It’s crucial to avoid overwatering, as this is the biggest killer of Ficus plants and leads to root rot. Reduce watering significantly during the cooler winter months.
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Soil: Use a well-draining, airy potting mix. Ensure the pot has excellent drainage holes.
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Maintenance: Wipe the large leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove dust. This ensures the maximum amount of light reaches the leaf surface to support the variegation.
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Pruning: Prune the tips in spring to encourage the plant to branch out and become bushier. When pruning, be aware that the white, milky sap (latex) is mildly toxic and can be an eye/skin irritant.
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Toxicity: Like all Ficus, the sap is mildly toxic and can irritate skin or eyes, and is harmful if ingested by pets or children.
