At first glance, one might mistake the Variegated Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica 'Ruby') for its cousin, 'Tineke,' but 'Ruby' has much more bling, with pink and red hues mixed in with the white and green leaves. These two varieties can achieve similar stature - eight to twelve feet tall and up to five feet wide at maturity - but 'Tineke' is much more subdued. Put 'Ruby' in too dark an environment, and chances are its pink/red tones will fade.

All the rubber plants do best in a well-lit room, benefit from periodic misting and/or leaf cleaning, and survive missed waterings much better than too many. Keep the thick leathery leaves out of reach of curious pets and little people, as ingestion will cause gastric distress.