While commonly grouped under the name "Rubber Plant," the varieties Ficus elastica 'Burgundy', Ficus elastica 'Tineke', and Ficus elastica 'Robusta' are distinct cultivars of the same species, *Ficus elastica*. This species is a broadleaf evergreen tree belonging to the Moraceae (fig) family, native to parts of India and Indonesia. The differences between these cultivars are primarily expressed in their foliage, which is an adaptation selected and stabilized by horticulturists for aesthetic appeal.
This cultivar is considered one of the closest to the original wild form of *Ficus elastica* in terms of its foliage characteristics. Its leaves are the largest and broadest of the three, exhibiting a robust, thick, and glossy texture. The primary pigment is a deep, solid green, which is a result of high concentrations of chlorophyll to maximize photosynthetic efficiency. The leaves are ovate with a pronounced acuminate tip (drip tip), an adaptation that helps shed excess water in its native humid, tropical rainforest habitat. Its growth habit is strong and upright, and it is often noted for its resilience and vigorous growth under optimal indoor conditions, making it a robust choice as its name implies.
The 'Burgundy' cultivar is a striking morphological variant defined by a significant accumulation of anthocyanin pigments. These pigments, which appear red, purple, or deep burgundy, mask a portion of the underlying green chlorophyll. This results in new leaves unfurling from a protective sheath (called a stipule) in a deep, almost blackish-red hue. As the leaves mature, they often retain this rich burgundy tone on the underside while the top surface develops a dark green sheen with reddish undertones. From a botanical perspective, anthocyanins are thought to serve various functions, including photoprotection—shielding the plant's sensitive photosynthetic tissues from damage by high-intensity light—which can be an advantage in very bright environments.
The 'Tineke' is a variegated cultivar, a genetic mutation that causes a partial loss of chlorophyll in specific patterns across the leaf blade. Its foliage is a mosaic of dark green, creamy white, and subtle shades of pink and grey-green. The green sections are where chlorophyll is present and active in photosynthesis. The white and cream sectors lack chlorophyll and are therefore incapable of photosynthesis. For the plant to sustain itself, the green portions must produce enough energy to support the entire leaf and the plant's growth. This makes 'Tineke' generally a slower grower than its fully green counterparts and more susceptible to stress from low light, as it requires bright, indirect light to maintain its energy production and the stunning variegation pattern.
