Ficus Tineke Houseplant Guide: All About The Variegated Rubber Plant
Extra Care:
Ficus Tineke
Pink and blonde highlights never looked so good — and never have to be touched up! This adorable variegated Ficus elastica might start small, but with the proper care and minimal effort from you, it will grow and proudly show off its distinctive colors. Ficus Tinekes are tough cookies and do best in bright indirect light, but remember to let the soil dry out between watering as these indoor plants don’t like wet soil. This plant will thrive in indirect light and prefers high humidity. Allow soil to dry out completely between watering.
Light
The ficus elastica can handle low light conditions, but it is advised that you put it somewhere where it can get a bright source of indirect sunlight. Rotate the plant in intervals to ensure all the parts get sufficient light. If you can’t find somewhere with enough light, don’t worry; it can grow under lower amounts of light too. Learn where to put your plants for the best light !
Water
The Ficus Tineke has specific watering needs you need to be aware of. It can become oversensitive to too much watering, but the conundrum is that it doesn’t do well in too dry soil. You don’t have to water it all the way through, as watering the top one inch of the soil is okay. Weather conditions also vary as you need to water once a week during summer, and for winter, you can water your plant every two weeks.
Soil
Ficus Tineke needs a soil medium that can retain moisture but drain excess water to avoid the root rot. Most pre-mixed soils will suffice. Make sure that there is plenty of organic matter, like coco-coir, peat moss, or shredded leaves, and avoid soils that contain moisture retaining crystals. If your soil drains too quickly, we recommend re-potting your Rubber Tree into a compost-rich soil mixture with drainage materials mixed in. Learn how to create your own universal soil mixture for all of your indoor plants!
Temperature
The ficus elastica is native to the Southeast regions of India, with an average temperature of 80F°. And so, it requires a similar temperature to grow. It would be best if you kept your room temperature between 60F° to 80F° for the best results. Anything below 55F° is bad for your plant. You also need to be aware of any sudden weather changes. That includes changes in wind or sudden rain.
Humidity
When it comes to humidity, your rubber bush doesn’t require much. The average humidity level in your home is enough for your Ficus Tineke to grow, but it doesn’t mean you can’t do more for your plant. Regular misting with the help of a pebble tray or watering through a spray bottle can help. For the best humidity level, you should buy a humidifier and place it near your plant to let the magic of plant growth happen.
Fertilizer
Nutrition is an essential tool for your plant to grow. But don’t worry, as this particular plant isn’t picky in what it needs to grow. You can provide your plant with a general houseplant fertilizer to provide it with replenished nutrients. It only requires fertilization during a specific period of the year, from spring through summer, and always remember to get half of the recommended dosage.
Growth Rate
Ficus elastica ‘Tineke’ has been known to start small but has a fast growth rate. It can grow 24 inches per year.
Pet Friend or Foe
All ficus, including Ficus Tineke are considered toxic! Foe.
Pro Tips
- You need to place your plant in a pot with moist soil that can drain away excess water. This will help you find the perfect balance between wet and dry soil.
- This plant is known for growing tall, even indoors. Suppose you want to maintain the length indoors. You may have to trim it now and then; otherwise, move it outdoors for it to reach its full potential.
- Keep a close eye on this ficus as it is prone to insects and disease. Use a safe repellent for your plants if you see any spider mites around them.
- Find out the do’s and don’ts for your new indoor plants!
Ficus Tineke Houseplant Guide: All About The Variegated Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica Tineke features waxy, smooth, ovate leaves with hues of olive and cream. With tree-like growth, this indoor plant typically starts as a compact tabletop plant and grows upwards, filling out into a grand floor plant. The natural, soft colors make this plant perfect for any style or design of home.
The rubber tree was (perhaps unsurprisingly) utilized to make rubber products centuries ago. The plant produces a milky, latex substance which was the key ingredient of the rubber. This substance is excreted by the plant when a leaf or stem breaks and it is considered mildly toxic. Avoid getting it on your skin, in the eyes, or ingesting as it is an irritant.
Indoors this plant will grow to heights of 5-6 feet, but outdoors this plant can get enormous. The traditional rubber plants (within the same genus as the Tineke) are also referred to as ‘strangler plants’ or you may also know them as Banyan trees. These plants grow out of control, taking over any surrounding plants (aka strangling), and are even banned as an invasive species in some parts of the world. The elastica subspecies tends to stay more controlled, and indoors, this plant will stay very manageable in its contained space.
Indoor Care:
Preferring bright, indirect light, the Ficus Tineke will thrive and show the best colors under this condition. You’ll know if it’s getting too little light as new leaves will display faded colors and overall growth will subside. Keep in mind that too much sun is also not good — keep the Tineke away from harsh, direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves (especially the lighter cream parts of the leaf).
Water
When it comes to watering, the Ficus Tineke is unique because it does enjoy a consistent schedule unlike other houseplants. Specifically, you’ll want to water this indoor plant once the top 1-2 inches of soil becomes dry to the touch. Depending on your home environment that could mean anywhere from once a week to once every two weeks. Once you figure out what makes your plant happy, stick to that same routine until the season drastically changes (the plant will require less water in winter and more in summer).
Looking for signs of over or under watering? If you’ve over watered, the plant will likely display yellowing leaves or brown spots may form on the leaves. On the other hand, if you underwater, the plant will experience leaf loss as leaves one by one will loosen and fall off. Keep in mind though that it is natural for leaves located lower on the stem to drop over time (especially as growth becomes larger and taller). The plant simply needs to expend more energy on newer growth.
Fertilizer:
During the active growing season of spring-summer, the Ficus Tineke will absolutely need some food in order to continue growing. We recommend fertilizing once a month with an indoor plant fertilizer. There are many different kinds, but we tend to prefer a granular mixture. Always follow the instructions on the box or bag carefully and err on the side of less is more. Depending on the type, too much fertilizer can burn the leaves and cause irreparable plant damage. When the weather starts getting cool in the fall, cut back and eventually stop supplementing with fertilizer. Winter weather typically means the plant will experience slowed to no growth (which is very normal), and therefore extra nutrients will be unnecessary (and can even be harmful).
Repotting:
Ficus Tineke will want to be repotted about once every two years. This plant enjoys being slightly pot bound, so it’s important to wait until the right moment to move it to a larger home. If the soil is not retaining any moisture when you water (and it’s leaking straight through the bottom holes) then it’s most likely time to repot.
When repotting, remember that you’ll need a loose and well-draining potting mix. As for the pot, only go up a size that’s about 2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot. This helps support healthy and prosperous growth for the plant as too large of a pot and too much room can actually hinder the plant. Repotting is important to allow the roots to continually grow, and fresh soil rejuvenates the plant!
Extra Care:
Ficus Tineke may benefit from extra moisture in the air. Since the rubber tree is native to forests of Asia, it is accustomed to higher humidity and temperatures. Likewise, this plant may want an extra dose of humidity and will not tolerate temperature extremes. Keep the climate neutral (never below 55 degrees) and this plant will be happiest.
While quite resistant, the Ficus Tineke can experience common houseplant pests. Most notably, spider mites and mealybugs tend to be the biggest nuisance with this plant. Always check regularly for pests, and eradicate as soon as possible.
Toxicity: Considered toxic if ingested by humans, cats, and dogs.
1 comment
Is their a specific soil to use when changing them into pots? If so, is their a certain brand that you recommend?