Photo: © Daniel IseliPlantoScanImage: PlantoScan
Rubber Fig Plant Care
Ficus elastica 'Tineke'
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its striking variegated leaves, featuring a mix of green, white, and pink hues. Originating from Southeast Asia, the Ficus elastica 'Tineke' is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and easy care requirements. Its beautiful coloration and low maintenance nature make it a must-have for any indoor plant enthusiast.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect
65–85°F
50–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Rubber Fig?
Water Rubber Fig every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Rubber Fig Native To?
What Is the Rubber Fig?
Rubber Fig (Ficus elastica 'Tineke') belongs to the family. Rubber Fig is native to Southeast Asia, Indonesia.
Rubber Fig displays an upright, bushy growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Rubber Fig produces none.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Rubber Fig?
Ficus elastica 'Tineke' requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Rubber Fig Need?
Rubber Fig thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Rubber Fig in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Rubber Fig Prefer?
Ficus elastica 'Tineke' grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Rubber Fig prefers humidity levels of 50–60%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Rubber Fig?
Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Rubber Fig to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Rubber Fig?
Feed Rubber Fig every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Rubber Fig?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Rubber Fig?
Rubber Fig can be propagated through stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fig tree plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Rubber Fig Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Rubber Fig?
Rubber Fig is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Rubber Fig Need?
Rubber Fig grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Rubber Fig is native to Southeast Asia, Indonesia. In cooler regions, grow Rubber Fig as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Rubber Fig is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Ficus genus — compare its care with other Ficus species on PlantoScan.
Rubber Fig thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Ficus Species
Other Ficus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ficus elastica 'Tineke' — World Flora Online.
- Pet toxicity: Rubber Fig is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: © Daniel Iseli, PlantoScan.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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