Why Are Rubber Plant Leaves Turning Yellow? Full Analysis of Causes and Solutions
The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is an evergreen tree in the Moraceae family. Its leaves stay emerald green all year round, making it very suitable for indoor decoration. Grown indoors, it looks majestic and impressive, and can evoke a tropical atmosphere. But during care, the phenomenon of yellow leaves on the rubber plant appears. What is going on? Let's take a look.
1. Excessive light
The rubber plant is suited to growing and developing in an environment with ample light but no intense direct sunlight. If its growing environment has extremely intense sunlight, its leaves will be scorched from within and thus turn yellow.
Solution: After the leaves are scorched by intense light, promptly move the potted plant to a semi-shaded environment so it can slowly recover. If moving it is inconvenient, then set up a shade net to block the intense light for it and protect its leaves.
2. Overwatering
During care, because of frequent watering, the potting soil becomes waterlogged, so the roots and stems suffer from waterlogging, the root system is deprived of oxygen and suffocates, and its ability to absorb water and nutrients becomes weak, or it may even be unable to absorb nutrients and water, thus causing the plant's leaves to turn yellow and drop.
Solution: First take the main stem out of the original pot, cut off the roots that have already suffered from waterlogging, then choose a new pot and replant it. After that, reduce the frequency and number of waterings so it slowly recovers.
3. Temperature too low
The rubber plant is suited to growing in warm regions. When the temperature is too low, the plant will be affected, causing the leaves to turn yellow, and in severe cases it may cause the plant to die.
Solution: In winter, place the rubber plant in a warm spot indoors for care, ensuring the temperature stays above 6-8 degrees. If the suitable temperature is relatively low, you can put a plastic bag over the top of the plant to keep it warm, but the bag should also have a few holes poked in it to increase ventilation and air permeability.
4. Insufficient fertilizer
The rubber plant has a relatively high demand for fertilizer, and its growth and development require sufficient nutrients. If it is not fertilized for a long time, it will cause nutrient deficiency in the plant, resulting in yellow leaves and leaf drop.
Prevention and treatment method: When planting and repotting, add a little base fertilizer. During the growing season, apply a thin liquid fertilizer once every half month. It is best to choose phosphorus and potassium fertilizers; excess nitrogen fertilizer will make it grow leggy and affect its appearance.
The above is an introduction to the causes of yellow leaves on the rubber plant and the solutions, hoping it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please follow us.