Rubber Tree 'Tineke' | Ficus elastica 'Tineke', 8"

The thick paddle-shaped leaves of the Rubber Tree ‘Tineke’ are decorated with splashes of; khaki green, dark green, and patches of cream/white. 

Key Information and Plant Overview

• Other Common Names: Belize, Tricolor
• Binomial Name: Ficus elastica ‘Tineke’
• Care Level: Easy to medium
• Light: Bright, indirect light with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight
• Water: Allow the top 2” of the soil to dry
• Pet Friendly: No

Tineke has all the wonderful benefits of its sister “Decora” but with the added wow factor. The thick paddle-shaped leaves are decorated with splashes of; khaki green, dark green, and patches of cream/white. Regardless of what name you call it by Belize, Tri-colour, or Tineke, it is a stunning plant. Because of its cream coloring, this Rubber Tree will be slower growing than its single-colored sisters. You may notice that new leaves will appear a soft blush color around the edges, this will fade as the leaves mature. 

PlantX Top Tip: To keep the gorgeous marking ensure the plant has bright indirect light. Anything less will cause the plant's pattern to dwindle.

How to Care for Rubber Plant ‘Tineke’

• Light: Bright, indirect light. Can tolerate direct sun for about 4 hours.
• Water: Allow the top 2 inches of the soil to dry before watering. Keep a consistent watering routine - never let the plant completely dry out.
• Humidity: Average relative humidity of 25% to 49%
• Temperature: Average from 18°C to 24°C (65°F - 75°F)
• Fertilizer: Follow a monthly fertilizing schedule when the plant is actively growing. In most cases, this is in the spring and summer. Use a balanced fertilizer - this means a ratio of NPK that is all the same. Ex: 10-10-10.
• Soil: Use a well-draining, high organic matter soil mix.
• Propagation: Stem cuttings
• Repotting: Can be done every 12-18 months. Choose a pot that is 2” larger in diameter than the original pot.
• Cleaning Tip: Using a damp soft cloth wipe down the leaves to remove dust and other debris.
• Toxicity: Toxic. Always keep plants away from children and pets.

Rubber Plant ‘Tineke’ - Common Problems

My ficus is dropping leaves: Ensure you are following a consistent watering routine. Sometimes when a ficus plant is moved, it will go into shock causing it to lose leaves. Don’t worry as this is only temporary. If you find a spot with bright light, keep it there.

The leaves are drooping on my plant: This is a sign it needs water. Try not to let the plant get to this stage as it can result in edema which is essentially moisture stress. Keep a consistent watering routine.

The new leaves are growing but then immediately falling off: This can be many issues but you should ask yourself when was the last time you fertilized or repotted your plant in fresh soil? Sometimes when new leaves cannot become fully developed, it means there is a lack of nutrients or sunlight.

Signs of Overwatering: New growth becomes soft and brown and the leaves begin to drop.

Common Pests: Susceptible to thrips, fungus gnats, spider mites, and scale. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does a Tineke rubber tree get?

The ficus can reach heights of 1-8 feet. If you want a larger plant, continue repotting every 12-18 months. If your plant has reached its desired height, keep it in the same size pot with a refresh of soil every 12-18 months.