Ficus elastica ‘Tineke’ is a variegated form of the beloved rubber tree. The glossy oval leaves feature an enticing, relaxing palate of greens, cream or ivory, and perhaps a tinge of pink. Precise coloring will vary, depending on light and care. And that's part of the fun! No two leaves will boast identical patterns. Find your ficus a nice spot bathed in bright but indirect light. This will help maintain the vibrant variegation. While the plant will do fine with less light, the visual party on the surface of the foliage will dim, so to speak. ‘Tineke’ desires well-draining soil that is consistently lightly moist; it's very much not a fan of soggy feet. One clue that you could be overwatering is if leaves turn yellow and drop, particularly those that aren’t the oldest. Like virtually any rubber plant, this variegated ficus carries with it some serious growth potential, possibly reaching ceiling level with age and serving for many years as a fabulous anchor of its space. You can control this trajectory with a conservative repotting schedule or pruning.
The variegated 'Tineke' rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is a lush houseplant with glossy, uniquely-patterned multicolor leaves
Arrives in a white 6" ceramic pot with textured polka dots, ready to display upon arrival
This decorative plant grows best in medium to bright, indirect light
Tolerant of and adapts to lower light conditions
A low-maintenance houseplant and beloved by beginning plant parents and houseplant aficionados alike
Water this easy plant every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry between waterings or watering when the top of the soil is dry
Research shows that beautiful plants like this are air-purifiers that can reduce stress, promote creativity and boost productivity