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Rubber Plant “Tineke”

Rubber Plant “Tineke” is an attractive large-leaved foliage plant with strikingly variegated, glossy oval leaves that have a prominent midrib that is red underneath. The leaves emerge from red leaf sheaths.

Latin name
Ficus elastica “Tineke” (variegated)

Pronunciation
(“FY-kus ell-ASS-tik-ah”)

Common name
Ficus elastica Tineke

Origin
India and Malaysia

Ficus elastica is the original rubber plant. Elastica obviously means elastic, and refers to the sticky latex that exudes from the plant whenever its stems or leaves are damaged. This was used for the manufacture of soft rubber goods, such as elastic bands and erasers until the south American plant Hevea brasiliensis was introduced to south-east Asia in commercial plantations.

Ficus elastica was first introduced to the UK as a decorative plant in 1815.

Did you know?

The ‘Tineke’ cultivar adds a decorative, modern twist to this classic houseplant.

Ficus elastica ‘Tineke’ is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Its milky sap contains compounds that can irritate the skin and cause mouth discomfort, drooling and stomach upset.

caring for your plant

Light

Medium-low – medium.

Watering

Keep soil moist and do not dry out completely. As a rainforest plant, it will tolerate the occasional accidental overwatering.

Pruning

Small plants will rarely need pruning, but once they have grown to a more substantial size, branches can be cut back to a bud to encourage branching or to maintain an attractive shape.

Feeding

Add dilute fertilizer to the water every time you water the plant.

pest & diseases

Occasional mealybug, which can be controlled by keeping your plant clean.

Our plants are grown in Ecoponic, an alternative to soil. Officially known as a vulkaponic substrate, it replaces traditional compost with a clean, mineral-based medium that helps protect peatlands.

According to the IUCN UK Peatland Programme, “A loss of only 5% of UK peatland carbon would be equal to the UK’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.” As well as storing carbon, the natural wetlands where peat is found are critical to the survival of plants and wildlife. Ecoponic also improves plant health and uses water more efficiently.

Find out more about Ecoponic here.

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Did you know?

Research from the University of Exeter found that offices with plants can increase productivity by up to 15% while also improving concentration and job satisfaction.