How To Make Your Plants Happy: Tineke Rubber Tree Care Guide

Drawing of tineke rubber tree

Light

This plant will thrive best with bright, indirect light to help develop the beautiful, variegated leaves. While it can tolerate lower light conditions, please note the leaves will turn more green. It is recommend to keep out of direct sunlight.

Water

In summer, water about once a week to keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy. In cooler months, wait until the top of the soil gets dry and then give the plant a deep, thorough soak allowing water to drip out into the saucer. Be sure to choose a pot with drainage holes.

Environment

Standard household temperatures are fine for this plant, ideally around 65°F -75°F. Avoid sudden temperature drops and levels below 55°F. This plant enjoy a humid space, so mist the leaves especially if the air in your home is dry or during the hot summer months.

Growth

This plant can typically grow to be up to 6'-8' tall indoors. To promote growth, feed your plant once a month from spring - summer with a well balanced fertilizer. No fertilizer is necessary during the winter months.

Repotting

Repotting your rubber tree is essential to allow the plant to grow. It is a fast growing plant so consider repotting every couple of years during spring to allow for new growth or when the roots are pot bound. Choose a new pot that is only one size larger each time you repot and use a well-draining potting mix.

Propagating

This plant is difficult to propagate but not impossible. To do so, take a stem cutting that is only a few inches long and set aside in a place for the sap to dry for about an hour. After an hour, mix rooting hormone in your potting mix and give each cutting its own pot to grow. Placing a heating pad under the pot will help with success.

Toxicity

Rubber trees are mildly toxic to humans and pets.

Tineke rubber tree leaf

About the Tineke Rubber Tree

Botanical Name: Ficus elastica “Variegata”

Nicknames: Tineke Rubber Tree, Variegated Rubber Tree, Rubber Plant

The Tineke Rubber Tree is a full plant that has large, almond-shaped leaves that range from green to yellow to pink. It is the perfect plant for a bright spot in your home. It is a strong and sturdy plant that can be used as a decorative plant or accent to your space. While it can reach heights of almost 40' in its natural habitat, it typically will not get much larger than 8' tall in your home. The large leaves convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, absorb harmful air pollutants, and eliminate mold spores and bacteria in the air.

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