Perhaps the most common and recognizable variety, 'Decora' is what most people envision as a standard rubber plant. From a botanical perspective, its defining features are its large, broad, ovate leaves that exhibit a pronounced glossy sheen. The new growth is particularly noteworthy; it emerges wrapped in a striking rosy-red sheath called a stipule, which is not a leaf itself but a protective covering. As the leaf expands and matures, this stipule dries and falls away, revealing the deep green, leathery leaf beneath. The leaf itself has an almost architectural structure with a prominent central midrib, which is often reddish on the underside, adding to its ornamental appeal. Its robust nature and efficient transpiration rate make it a highly adaptable indoor specimen.
These cultivars are celebrated for their stunning foliar variegation, a result of a genetic mutation that causes a lack of chlorophyll in certain sections of the leaf tissue. 'Tineke' displays an elegant pattern of irregular cream, gray-green, and white patches across the leaf surface, edged with the classic dark green. The petioles and midribs often retain a pinkish hue. 'Ruby', as its name suggests, takes this a step further. Its new growth is a dramatic flush of deep pink and red, which settles into a variegated pattern of green, cream, and persistent pink splashes. Botanically, the paler sections have less chlorophyll, meaning these varieties often grow more slowly than their fully green counterparts as they have less capacity for photosynthesis, requiring brighter, indirect light to sustain their energy needs.
This variety is a masterpiece of anthocyanin accumulation. 'Burgundy' is characterized by its nearly blackish-purple new leaves, which mature to a very deep, glossy green-burgundy hue. The entire plant, including its stems and the undersides of its leaves, maintains this rich, dark coloration. The abundance of anthocyanin pigments, which mask the green chlorophyll, gives this plant its unique appearance. These pigments may also serve a protective function, shielding the plant's tissues from potential damage caused by high light intensity. Its care is similar to the green varieties, but its darker leaves allow it to tolerate slightly lower light conditions more effectively than the variegated forms.
These varieties offer a different growth habit prized by indoor gardeners. 'Abidjan' is similar to 'Burgundy' with its dark, reddish-black leaves but often exhibits a denser, more compact form. 'Melany', however, is particularly notable for its naturally bushy and smaller stature. Unlike the standard varieties that can become tall and tree-like, 'Melany' has shorter internodes (the spaces between leaves on the stem), resulting in a fuller plant that requires less pruning to maintain a bushy appearance. This makes it an excellent choice for spaces where a large, vertical specimen is not practical. Its leaves are a deep green with reddish undertones and a leathery texture, maintaining the genus's classic drought-tolerant adaptations.
