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Ficus elastica Tineke, commonly known as the Variegated Rubber Plant, is a striking tropical evergreen cherished for its broad, glossy leaves marbled in cream, green, and soft pink tones. A member of the Moraceae family and native to the tropical forests of India and Southeast Asia, this cultivated variety brings bold colour and effortless sophistication to modern interiors.
In its bush form, Ficus Tineke is grown with multiple stems, creating a lush, full-bodied appearance with dense, layered foliage. Each leaf is large, leathery, and beautifully variegated a mix of jade green, pale cream, and delicate blush tones, often with pink-tinged new growth. The plants upright yet compact shape makes it perfect as a feature plant in living spaces, hallways, or offices where it can enjoy bright light and space to shine.
Refined, hardy, and full of character, the bush-form Ficus elastica Tineke offers tropical drama and contemporary elegance a perfect statement plant for homes and interior design spaces alike.
Thrives in bright, indirect light, which helps maintain its vibrant variegation. It can tolerate moderate light but may lose its pink and cream tones in lower-light environments. Avoid harsh direct sunlight, which can scorch the pale leaf sections.
Allow the top 35 cm of soil to dry between waterings. Water thoroughly, ensuring excess drains freely Ficus Tineke dislikes sitting in water. In winter, reduce watering frequency to prevent soggy soil. Its better to slightly underwater than overwater this species.
Temperature: Prefers warmth between 1828 C. Avoid temperatures below 15 C and protect from cold drafts.
Humidity: Average household humidity (4060%) is suitable. It adapts well to drier indoor air but benefits from occasional misting or placement near other plants to keep foliage glossy and healthy.
Use a rich, well-draining mix compost blended with perlite and a small amount of bark or coco coir provides the ideal balance of aeration and moisture retention. Repot every 23 years in spring to refresh nutrients and give roots more space.
Feed every 46 weeks during spring and summer with a diluted, balanced liquid fertiliser. Over-fertilising can damage roots or dull variegation, so apply lightly. Suspend feeding in autumn and winter when growth slows.
Prune lightly in spring or summer to shape the plant and maintain its bushy form. Removing the top growth encourages branching and a denser canopy. Wipe leaves regularly with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and reveal their natural shine. Rotate occasionally for even light exposure.
A moderately fast grower, Ficus elastica Tineke in bush form typically reaches 11.5 metres indoors. With its multiple stems and lush foliage, it creates an instant focal point that continues to become fuller with age. Outdoors in warm climates, it can grow much taller, but as a houseplant, it remains an elegant, manageable size.
Yellowing leaves: Overwatering or sudden changes in environment.
Brown edges: Low humidity or inconsistent watering.
Leaf drop: Caused by cold drafts or moving the plant frequently.
Pests: Occasionally affected by scale or spider mites treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Ficus elastica is a species long celebrated for its resilience and sculptural beauty. The Tineke cultivar was developed for its unique variegation, offering a softer, pastel take on the classic Rubber Plant. In bush form, multiple stems are cultivated from the base to create a fuller, more compact growth habit ideal for interior styling.
Symbolically, the Rubber Plant represents abundance, growth, and prosperity fitting for a plant that thrives with stability and care. Its also a powerful natural air purifier, helping to remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air.
Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct midday sun
Water: Allow top few cm of soil to dry before watering
Temperature: 1828 C; avoid below 15 C
Humidity: Average to moderate (4060%)
Soil: Rich, well-draining mix compost, perlite, coco coir, bark
Feed: Every 46 weeks in spring/summer
Growth: 11.5 m; bushy, multi-stemmed form with variegated green, cream, and pink leaves
Toxicity note: Mildly toxic to pets and humans if ingested; sap may cause mild skin irritation.
Place Ficus elastica Tineke in a bright, open space where its creamy, variegated leaves can catch natural light a living artwork for modern interiors. Its pastel tones pair beautifully with soft furnishings, neutral dcor, and natural textures like wood and rattan. Use it as a floor-standing statement plant or cluster with smaller tropicals like Philodendron Moonlight and Homalomena Cream Frost for a layered, elegant display. Perfect for home or office environments, the bush-form Tineke adds structure, colour, and tranquillity to any room.