All three varieties—Ruby, Tineke, and Burgundy—are cultivated selections of the same plant species, Ficus elastica, commonly known as the rubber tree or rubber plant. This species belongs to the Moraceae family, which also includes figs and mulberries. Therefore, the primary differences between them are not at the species level but are rather variations in their cultivar status, specifically bred and selected for their unique and distinctive foliage characteristics. They are all tropical broadleaf evergreen trees or large shrubs in their native habitat.
The most significant difference lies in the pigmentation and patterning of their leaves. The Ruby variety is a strikingly variegated cultivar. Its leaves display a dramatic mix of colors, typically featuring patches of cream or white, solid green, and vibrant pink or red hues, especially prominent on new growth and the sheath (stipule) that protects the emerging leaf. The Tineke cultivar is also variegated but generally presents a more consistent and softer pattern. Its leaves are primarily a mosaic of dark green, creamy white, and subtle shades of pale grey-green, often with a pinkish tinge on the midrib and new leaf stems. In contrast, the Burgundy variety is not variegated at all. It is known for its solid, deep, and uniform coloration, which is a very dark green that appears almost black, with strong reddish or purplish undertones, particularly on new leaves and the undersides of mature ones.
These visual differences are a direct result of the presence, absence, and concentration of various plant pigments within the leaf tissues. The green color in all varieties comes from chlorophyll, essential for photosynthesis. The Burgundy variety produces exceptionally high levels of anthocyanins, which are pigments that create red, purple, and blue hues in plants. This masks the green chlorophyll to a large extent, giving the leaves their characteristic deep, wine-colored appearance. The Ruby and Tineke varieties, being variegated, have sectors of leaf cells that are mutated and lack chlorophyll entirely. These sections appear white or cream. The pink and red colors in the Ruby cultivar are again due to anthocyanins, which are expressed in these chlorophyll-deficient cells, creating the brilliant pink patches. Tineke may show these pigments too but usually to a much lesser degree.
Due to their differing leaf compositions, their growth rates and light needs vary. The solid green Burgundy variety, with its full complement of chlorophyll in every cell, is generally the most tolerant of lower light conditions, though it will thrive in bright, indirect light. The heavily variegated Ruby and Tineke cultivars have less total chlorophyll across their leaf surface because of the large white sectors. Consequently, they require significantly brighter, indirect light to photosynthesize efficiently and maintain their vigorous growth and vibrant colors. Without sufficient light, they may become leggy, revert to more green growth, or their growth may slow considerably.
