Ficus elastica Teneke

Common Name:
Variegated Rubber Plant 'Tineke'

Description:
Ficus elastica 'Tineke' is a stunning variegated cultivar of the classic rubber plant, admired for its large, glossy leaves marbled in shades of creamy white, sage green, and blush pink. Each leaf appears hand-painted, giving the plant a vibrant and artistic flair. Native to Southeast Asia, this evergreen species is well-suited to indoor life in Melbourne, where it brings a bold, tropical feel to any room. It thrives in bright, indirect light to maintain its vivid variegation, and prefers free-draining soil with a chance to dry out slightly between waterings. Ficus 'Tineke' is relatively low maintenance and highly adaptable, though it will benefit from regular wiping of the leaves to keep them dust-free and breathing well. While it may flower in its natural habitat, flowering is extremely rare in cultivation and not a feature of this plant. Its upright, tree-like form makes it ideal as a statement piece in homes and office spaces.

Form:

• Tree - Small

• Shrub - Medium

Mature Size:

• Height: 2–3 metres (indoors)

• Width: 1–1.5 metres

Aspect:

• Full Sun (morning only)

• Part Shade

• Indoors / Well lit

Flowering:

• Does not flower under Melbourne's weather conditions

Flower Colour:

• Not applicable

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots

• Disease Resistant

• Air-purifying qualities (indoors)

• Suitable for Topiary

• Low Maintenance

• Bold Foliage Feature

Toxicity:

• Toxic to pets (cats and dogs) and humans if ingested; may cause oral and gastrointestinal irritation

Companion Plants:

• Philodendron 'Birkin'

• Monstera deliciosa

• Sansevieria trifasciata (Snake Plant)

• Alocasia 'Polly'

• Dracaena marginata