Ficus elastica 'Tineke'
Ficus elastica 'Tineke'
Common Names: Variegated Rubber Plant, Rubber Tree, Ficus Tineke
Full Botanical Name: Ficus elastica 'Tineke'
Country and/or Region of Origin: Native to Southeast Asia, particularly India, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Overview
With its creamy-white, green, and soft-pink marbled leaves, Ficus elastica ‘Tineke’ is a bold and striking statement plant. A more colorful cousin of the classic Rubber Plant, 'Tineke' adds a contemporary feel to any room with its sculptural form and glossy, variegated foliage. It’s relatively low-maintenance, air-purifying, and perfect for anyone wanting to elevate their indoor jungle with something a little more unique.
Growing Conditions in Native Habitat
In the wild, Ficus elastica grows as a large tree in warm, tropical climates—often found in forests with high humidity and bright, filtered light.
Care Guide
Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light to maintain its variegation. Can tolerate medium light, but colors may fade in low-light conditions.
Ideal Room: A sunny living room or hallway with lots of natural light makes the perfect home for this beauty.
Feeding: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer to support healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity but adapts well to normal indoor conditions. Misting occasionally or placing near other plants can be beneficial.
Ideal Temperature: Keep between 60–85°F (16–29°C). Protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Watering: Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry. Avoid overwatering—this plant prefers to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.
Pet/Child Safe: No. The sap is toxic if ingested and may cause skin irritation. Keep out of reach of pets and children.
Soil Type: Use a well-draining potting mix. A blend of peat, perlite, and pine bark is ideal to prevent soggy roots.
Propagation: Propagate via stem cuttings with at least one node. Allow cuttings to callous before rooting in water or moist soil.
Eventual Height and Spread: Indoors, can reach 2–3 metres tall with time and care. Can be pruned to maintain a more compact shape.
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast in optimal conditions. Growth will slow in lower light or cooler seasons.
Pests and Treatment: May occasionally attract scale or spider mites. Treat with neem oil or a gentle insecticidal soap if needed.
Repotting: Repot every 1–2 years or when rootbound. Choose a pot with good drainage and go up just one size to prevent overwatering issues.
Pruning: Prune in spring to shape or control height. Always wear gloves when pruning to avoid irritation from the milky sap.
Air Purification: An excellent air purifier, removing toxins like formaldehyde from the air—great for improving indoor air quality.
Folklore: Ficus plants are considered symbols of abundance, endurance, and growth in various cultures, often associated with good luck and prosperity when kept indoors.
Important Information
You're in good hands with Aroma QuartzWe're committed to delivering quality plants with top-notch service. Every plant is backed by our 7-day guarantee, ensuring it arrives in good health.
Our team carefully prepares each plant for its journey, but since plants are living things, they can be sensitive to changes. Minor cosmetic imperfections may occur, but we always strive to photograph and disclose any flaws before shipping. After all, traveling across the country in a box can be a bit of an adjustment!
If you experience any issues within 7 days of receiving your order, reach out to our customer support team via our contact form with your order details and photos of the issue. Please note that once the guarantee period ends, we can’t offer refunds, as we can’t account for care and environmental factors. Also, repotting your plant within the first 7 days voids the guarantee—so let it settle in first!
We've been shipping plants across the country for many years now, and we like to think we've perfected the process!
To keep your plant secure, we carefully wrap the soil with tissue paper and tape if needed, then protect the plant with corrugated cardboard. If extra protection is required, we’ll cushion the leaves with additional tissue paper. The plant is then placed into a sturdy box, and any empty spaces are filled with eco-friendly void fill made from cornstarch—it dissolves in water, so it’s as kind to the planet as it is to your plant! 🌱♻️
Sometimes, we’ll add a note on your packing slip to water your plant upon arrival, so keep an eye out for that. This is because shipping a freshly watered plant can lead to sogginess, and being in darkness during transit can make it unhappy.
If your plant arrives looking a little worse for wear, send us a photo of the plant and packaging (if relevant) right away, and we’ll be happy to advise.
We’re proud to offer FREE local delivery by e-Cargo bike in partnership with Shropshire Cycle Hub – a fantastic local charity working to make sustainable transport accessible for everyone. This eco-conscious service is available for eligible orders within 3 miles of our Shrewsbury Market Hall shop.
🚲 How does it work?
If your delivery address is within 3 miles of our store, the “Free e-Cargo Bike Delivery” option will appear at checkout automatically. Just select it and we’ll take care of the rest!
📦 When will my order arrive?
Orders placed before 10am (Tuesday–Saturday) are eligible for same-day delivery, subject to availability. Deliveries are made between 10am and 12pm on those days.
🌍 Why e-Cargo bikes?
Not only is this delivery method carbon-neutral and friendly to the planet, but it also supports local volunteer efforts and brings a smile to our local community 💚
👥 Who delivers my order?
Your parcel will be delivered by trained volunteers from Shropshire Cycle Hub using a state-of-the-art electric cargo bike. Big thanks to them for making this possible!
🛍 What can I order?
Any of our products are eligible – including houseplants, candles, wax melts, and gifts. We’ll pack everything carefully (just like our nationwide orders) to make sure it arrives in perfect condition.
This service is made possible with support from:
💚 Shropshire Cycle Hub
🏛 Shrewsbury Market Hall
🌳 Shropshire Council
🏘 Shrewsbury Town Council
For any questions, feel free to drop us a message – we’re always happy to help.
Select Click & Collect at checkout to pick up your order from our Shrewsbury shop. You’ll receive an email when your order is ready—where possible, please collect it the same day, as we have limited space.
If you need to collect later, just let us know in the message box at checkout. Some items, like gift boxes, kits, and pre-orders, may take longer—drop us a note with your preferred collection date, and we’ll confirm if there are any delays. 😊
We don’t offer free returns for change of mind, but if you’re unhappy with your order, please get in touch. If your parcel arrives damaged, send us photos so we can look into it.
Need an exchange? We’re happy to help—just reach out. Additional delivery charges may apply.
For plants, we offer a 7-day return policy, while other items can be returned within 30 days (excluding sale and personalized items, which are non-returnable).
You can return or exchange items for free at our Shrewsbury shop. In-store purchases follow different policies, so check our "In-Store Returns & Exchanges" section for details.
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