Ficus elastica 'Tineke' (v)
rubber plant 'Tineke'
A tropical evergreen tree growing to 4m (13ft) or more, popularly grown in temperate climates as a houseplant for its broadly elliptical, variegated foliage to 40cm (16in) long, dark-green and cream on the upper surface, lighter on the under surface, each with a prominent midrib which along with the leaf stalk is reddish brown. In cultivation, yellow fruits can only appear on the largest plants.
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Cream Red Brown | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Cream Red Brown | |||
| Autumn | Green Cream Red Brown | |||
| Winter | Green Cream Red Brown |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Moraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Ficus can be evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs or climbers, with often leathery, simple, entire or lobed leaves and tiny flowers borne within a hollow receptacle which enlarges to form the fruit
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass or as a houseplant in a loam-based compost with added bark chippings, in full or filtered light. Water moderately and apply a high nitrogen fertiliser every four weeks during growth. Stop feeding and keep just moist over winter. See ornamental fig cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by air layering in spring or late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.