Rubber Tree-Tineke 4”

Ficus elastica ‘Tineke’, commonly called Tineke rubber tree, is a variegated tropical plant native to Southeast Asia known for its large, glossy leaves patterned with cream, light green, and darker green, often with a soft pink blush on new growth. What makes this plant special is its layered variegation—each leaf shows a mix of tones that create a bright, marbled look while maintaining a strong, upright tree form.

Light drives both variegation and leaf size. Place it in an east or south-facing window where it gets bright, consistent light with some gentle direct sun. Under grow lights, use 5000K–6500K placed 8–12 inches from the top of the plant. In lower light, the variegation fades and new leaves come in more green, often smaller. Strong, even light keeps the pattern crisp and supports fuller, more compact growth.

Watering should be steady but not frequent. Allow the soil to dry about halfway down before watering, then water thoroughly and let it drain, using a mix of succulent soil, perlite, and orchid bark for airflow. This plant shows clear signals—if leaves droop slightly while still firm, it’s ready for water. Browning on lighter variegated sections can come from light intensity or inconsistent moisture. If lower leaves yellow while the soil is wet, the roots are staying too saturated rather than needing more water.