tineke rubber tree plant Tineke - Rubber Tree - Ficus elastica - Live Plant

tineke rubber tree plant Tineke - Rubber Tree - Ficus elastica - Live PlantThe Ficus elastica is often referred to as the Rubber Tree because the sap of this species is the original source of latex, but there's nothing plastic about this tree. It's alive. The Tineke Ficus elastica Rubber Tree is one of the more challenging varieties and is not for beginners. The plant needs bright indirect light for long periods and soil to be left to be a little drier (but not dry) between waterings to keep the leaves in top condition.

The Ficus elastica is often referred to as the Rubber Tree because the sap of this species is the original source of latex, but there's nothing plastic about this tree. It's alive.

The Tineke Ficus elastica Rubber Tree is one of the more challenging varieties and is not for beginners. The plant needs bright indirect light for long periods and soil to be left to be a little drier (but not dry) between waterings to keep the leaves in top condition. Tineke has creamy white variegation across its foliage resembling hand-painted art. Tineke requires bright indirect light so should be placed near a window to maintain the white variegated sections of leaves This is not as easy to place within the home as other varieties such as Black Knight or Robusta so give your Tineke pride of place rather than a dim corner.

Light Requirements: Bright Indirect Light is ideal, can handle part-day Sun. 

Provide enough light to maintain the leaves otherwise they may die back.

Moisture & Soil Requirements: Prefers evenly moist soil with good drainage in warm seasons - never soggy soil. Water when the first few centimeters of soil are dry.

Growth & Nutrients: Tree /shrub. Aggressive roots, will fill up nearly any container, keep away from water pipes outside. Prune at the start of spring to the desired shape. Suits apartments or houses of any size. Feed with a general-purpose fertiliser for containers from the start of spring each year to autumn when growth slows down.

Temperature, Humidity & Ambient requirements: Prefers warm humid environments inside but can deal with most home environments. Grows well outdoors in frost-free northern NZ

Toxicity: Moderately toxic. Don't let anyone or anything eat it. The sap is a skin irritant so do not touch.