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🌿 Ficus elastica ‘Tineke'

Ficus elastica ‘Tineke’, often simply called the Variegated Rubber Plant, is a true showstopper among indoor foliage plants. A cultivar of the classic Ficus elastica, ‘Tineke’ sets itself apart with its marbled leaves in a painterly palette of creamy white, sage green, and soft blush-pinks. Each leaf is unique, with random splashes and borders of variegation that give the plant a lively, almost abstract quality. The new growth often emerges in pinkish-red tones, contrasting beautifully with the mature cream-edged leaves.

This variety is just as structurally upright and hardy as its green-leafed cousin (Ficus elastica ‘Robusta’), but its decorative foliage makes it especially sought after for modern interiors, Scandinavian-inspired designs, and bright plant corners. It brings instant freshness and light to a room, and it pairs beautifully with neutral tones or alongside darker-leafed plants for contrast.

While Tineke is relatively easy to care for, it does demand a bit more attention to light compared to non-variegated types — this is to maintain its vibrant colouring. When given the right conditions, it will reward you with steady, elegant growth and stunning foliage that continues to evolve as it matures.

🪴 Ficus elastica ‘Tineke’ Care Guide

☀️ Light

• Needs bright, indirect light to maintain bold variegation. Near a west or south-facing window is ideal.

• Can tolerate some gentle direct sun, especially morning light, which helps bring out the pink tones.

• Avoid low light — the cream areas on the leaves contain less chlorophyll, so insufficient light can cause fading and weak growth.

💧 Watering

• Water when the top 3–5 cm of soil is dry. Frequency will vary with light and season.

• Water deeply, then allow excess to drain completely — never let the plant sit in water.

• Reduce watering in autumn and winter, but do not allow the soil to fully dry out.

• Signs of overwatering: yellowing lower leaves, mushy stems, mouldy soil.

• Signs of underwatering: dry, curled, or browning leaf edges.

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

• Thrives in temperatures between 18–24°C.

• Keep away from cold draughts or heat sources (like radiators).

• Prefers moderate humidity; average indoor levels are usually fine, but boost humidity in dry homes with:

  • Pebble trays

  • Grouping with other plants

  • Occasional misting

🌱 Soil

• Use a well-draining, peat-free indoor compost.

• A mix containing compost, perlite, and bark chips is ideal — aeration is key to avoiding root rot.

• Avoid compact or moisture-retentive soils.

🔁 Feeding

• Feed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced, all-purpose houseplant fertiliser diluted to half strength.

• Pause feeding in winter unless the plant continues to produce new growth.

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

• Prune lightly to shape or encourage bushier growth — always cut above a node.

• Remove any leaves that revert to solid green to preserve variegation.

• Clean the leaves with a damp, soft cloth to remove dust and enhance their natural gloss.

🌿 Repotting

• Repot every 1–2 years, preferably in spring.

• Choose a pot 2–4 cm wider when roots become tight or emerge from the base.

🌱 Propagation

• Propagate using stem cuttings with at least one node and leaf.

• Root in water or moist compost with warmth and humidity — a propagator or covered container helps.

🐾 Pet Safety

• Toxic if ingested by pets or humans (can cause irritation and digestive upset).

• The sap can cause mild skin irritation — gloves are recommended when handling.