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Understanding Our Container Sizes
At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.
Container Sizes
Quart
Plant age: 6 months to 1 year Best for:Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.
#1 Container
Plant age: 1 to 2 years Best for:Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.
#2 Container
Plant age: 2 to 3 years Best for:Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.
#3 Container
Plant age: 3 to 4 years Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.
#5 Container and Larger
Plant age: 4 to 5+ years Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.
Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?
Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.
Root Pouch Containers
Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.
There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:
Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.
Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.
The Variegated Rubber Plant, sold under the cultivar name Tineke, layers cream and green marbling across the same stiff, glossy leaves that make Ficus elastica a classic floor plant. New leaves unfurl with a soft pink tint before settling into their cream and green pattern, giving the plant a soft, ever changing look as it grows.
Because the cream sections carry less chlorophyll than solid green foliage, Tineke wants a consistently bright spot to hold its pattern. See our full houseplant collection for more statement foliage plants, and read our guide on bringing the garden indoors for placement ideas.
Choose your size at checkout, a 6 or 8 inch nursery pot, shipped potted and ready to grow. Keep it away from cats and dogs.
Planting & Care
Light
Bright indirect light is important for Tineke. The cream sections of the leaf carry less chlorophyll, so consistent bright light keeps the variegation defined. In low light, new growth trends back toward plain green.
Water
Water when the top of the soil is dry, then water thoroughly until it drains. Cut back in fall and winter while growth slows. Never let the pot sit in standing water.
Humidity and Temperature
Average household humidity is fine. Keep temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit and away from cold drafts and sudden temperature drops, which can cause leaf drop.
Soil and Feeding
Plant in a well draining, soil based potting mix. Feed monthly through spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer, and skip feeding in fall and winter.
Pruning and Propagation
Prune main stems to encourage a bushier habit. Cuttings root readily, though variegated cuttings can occasionally revert to solid green, a normal genetic possibility with variegated Ficus. Wear gloves when cutting, since the milky sap can irritate skin.
Pets
Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. The milky latex sap contains compounds that irritate the mouth and digestive tract if chewed, and can irritate skin on contact.
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping Rates
Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
Under $50
$9.99
$50 - $99.99
$14.99
$100 - $149.99
$16.99
$150 - $198.99
$24.99
$199+
FREE
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
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Yes. Like other Ficus elastica plants, its milky latex sap contains compounds that irritate the mouth and digestive tract if chewed and can irritate skin on contact, so keep it out of reach of cats and dogs.
Why is the variegation on my Tineke fading to plain green?
Insufficient light is the most common cause. Tineke needs consistently bright indirect light to hold its cream pattern, more than a solid dark leaved rubber plant needs.
How is Tineke different from Ruby?
Both are variegated with pink tinged new growth, but Tineke's pink fades faster as leaves mature, and its leaf sheaths are greenish rather than the bold pink of Ruby's sheaths.
Can a variegated cutting revert to solid green?
Yes, occasionally. This is a normal genetic possibility with variegated Ficus elastica cultivars, and it does not affect the health of the rest of the plant.
Can I grow Variegated Rubber Plant outdoors?
Only in USDA zones 9 through 12. Everywhere else it is a houseplant, though it can summer outdoors in a bright, sheltered spot.
Extend your plant protection to a full year with Growing & Glowing Guarantee Plus.
Every plant already includes our free 45-day guarantee. Adding Plus at checkout gives you extended coverage for properly planted and cared-for plants.
What you get:
Full store credit for the cost of your plant
Free shipping on your replacement order
Coverage for a full year from delivery
To file a claim: Send photos to support@naturehills.com or use our live chat.
Not covered: Improper planting, weather extremes, pest or wildlife damage, or plants outside their recommended zone. Annuals, bulbs, grass plugs, and hard goods are not eligible.
