Ficus elastica 'Tineke', a rubber tree with variegated leaves
Ficus elastica 'Tineke'
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 10a (-1.1°C ≤ T° < 1.7°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Moraceae
- Genus
- Ficus
- Species
- Ficus elastica
Fig trees are among the most popular houseplants. If you want to put a new spin on this classic, opt for a Ficus elastica 'Tineke'. Its leathery, colorful leaves will add a modern touch to this must-have for home decor and gardening.
How can you recognize the Ficus elastica 'Tineke'?
An upright-growing tree, the Ficus elastica 'Tineke' can reach up to ten meters in height when planted in the ground. When grown in a pot indoors, it can reach three meters.
The single, irregular trunk branches out with age. Mature plants also develop aerial roots.
The elliptical leaves are leathery and thick, just like ficus elastica botanical Ficus elastica. But the leaf blades display a variety of colors, ranging from shades of green to cream-colored margins and even a hint of pink!
Ficus elastica 'Tineke' is grown solely for its decorative foliage. The flowers are hidden within the fruits, which are oblong, yellow syconia. These false figs are not edible.
The plant is said to have air-purifying properties. However, it is toxic. Its branches and leaves contain a latex that causes irritation if touched or ingested. Be sure to keep your plant out of reach of young children and pets. Also, be sure to wear gloves when pruning it.
Our care tips
The Ficus elastica 'Tineke' don't like change. Once yours has been installed away from draughts, don't move it again. It could lose its leaves.
Watering
Before watering, make sure the substrate is two or three centimetres dry by dipping your fingers into the soil. If this is the case, moisten the root ball with non-calcareous water at room temperature.
To avoid drowning the roots, don't leave stagnant water in the dish.
Misting
Your Ficus elastica 'Tineke' appreciates a misting of its foliage and fruit. Spray it with non-calcareous water at room temperature. In addition to improving humidity, you'll prevent the appearance of pests.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Ficus elastica 'Tineke' to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
Choose a pierced pot slightly larger than the previous one. First lay a bed of clay balls or gravel to optimize drainage. Top it off with a special potting soil for green plants. This will provide your shrub with nutrients, at least for a few weeks.
You can place the pot in a saucer filled with moist clay balls. This will improve the hygrometry without risk to the roots.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Add nutrients with a fertilizer for foliage plants.
Cleaning
Remove dust from foliage with a clean, damp cloth. This will enable your plant to take full advantage of the sunlight.
Prune
Trim your Ficus elastica 'Tineke', whatever its size, to make it denser. Use a clean, sharp tool. Shorten each branch by at least five centimetres, cutting above a healthy leaf. Remove dead branches too.
Caution! Sap is toxic. Wear gloves for protection.
Planting
Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.
Choose your location carefully, giving priority to:
- a sunny spot facing south or southwest;
- proximity to a wall to protect the tree from the wind and retain heat at night.
Soak the root ball in water until the bubbles disappear.
Meanwhile, dig a hole two to three times as wide and deep as the root ball. Remove stones, roots, and other weeds. Place a little compost at the bottom and cover with a thin layer of soil.
Place the plant in the center of the hole. The base of the shrub should be level with the ground. Fill in with a mixture of soil, potting mix, and sand. Tamp down the soil.
Dig a shallow basin around the base and water thoroughly. Finish by mulching around the base to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
Taking cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Cut off the end of a branch about fifteen centimeters long. Remove all leaves except the top pair.
Soak your cutting in a glass of water at room temperature. Only the stem end should be immersed. Change the water every three days to keep it clear.
Place your cutting in a bright spot away from direct sunlight.
Place your cutting in a bright spot away from direct sunlight.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Substrates
- Humus soilSandy soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn potsIn tubs
- Tags
- BeginnerToxic
- Origin
- East Asia
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 10a (-1.1°C ≤ T° < 1.7°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenLight greenRosePale pinkCream
- Fruit color
- Yellow
Discover plants from the same family
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
