What to Do When Rubber Plant Leaves Droop? Causes and Solutions

The rubber plant is a well-known potted foliage plant, also known as the Indian rubber tree, Indian banyan large-leaf green, red-mouthed rubber tree, etc. It is an evergreen tree of the genus Ficus in the Moraceae family, suitable for indoor decorative arrangements. Small and medium-sized plants are often used to beautify living rooms and studies, while medium and large plants are suitable for placement on both sides of the entrance halls and in the center of lobbies of large buildings. Let's take a look below at what to do when rubber plant leaves droop!

Why Do Rubber Plant Leaves Droop?

1. Too dry: Indoor air that is too dry can cause rubber plant leaves to droop. In the hot midsummer season with high evaporation, you should not only water from the roots but also frequently spray the leaf surfaces.

2. Unsuitable light: If the rubber plant is placed in a dark place for a long time and is suddenly exposed to strong sunlight, the leaves will naturally wilt, easily causing the leaves to droop.

3. Overwatering: The rubber plant is a drought-tolerant plant. If watering continues for a long time and damages the roots, it will also cause the leaves to droop. Therefore, you must wait until the potting soil is dry before watering.

What to Do When Rubber Plant Leaves Droop?

1. Watering: The rubber plant can simply be kept in a state where the soil is on the dry side or slightly moist. In summer, water more; in winter, supply less water, watering once or twice a month is enough. When watering, water thoroughly, but do not let water accumulate in the pot.

2. Light: The rubber plant likes strong direct sunlight and also tolerates shady environments, but during cultivation it should receive no less than 4 hours of direct sunlight every day. If conditions permit, it is best to ensure the plant can receive full sun.

3. Temperature: The rubber plant likes high temperatures and grows fastest in summer and autumn. The ambient temperature should be kept between 20-30°C. When the temperature is below 10°C, it is basically in a state of stagnant growth, and the overwintering temperature should not be lower than 5°C.

How to Grow Rubber Plants So They Thrive?

1. Temperature: The best temperature for the rubber plant is 20-25°C. It can even grow well above 30°C, but in winter, if the temperature is too low, the rubber plant will drop a large number of leaves. Its cold tolerance is very poor, and in northern China it needs to overwinter in a greenhouse.

2. Light: It is indeed true that sunlight is the food of plants. In rubber plant cultivation methods, sunlight is also a treasure. Giving it sufficient sunlight allows it to grow vigorously. From May to September, provide appropriate shade.

3. Fertilizing: Fertilizer is like calcium supplements, strengthening its “physical health.” In rubber plant cultivation methods, fertilizing is also one of the key points. It can reduce the occurrence of spots and make the leaves brighter. Using nitrogen fertilizer alone is enough, and remember to stop fertilizing in winter.

4. Pruning: When spring arrives, it is time to prune the rubber plant. Cut off the forked branches inside the canopy, inward-growing branches, and thin weak branches to maintain internal ventilation as well as good light penetration and the overall shape.

5. Soil: The rubber plant likes fertile, loose, slightly acidic soil. The potting soil should be prepared with 4 parts leaf mold soil, grass ash soil plus about 1 part river sand and a small amount of base fertilizer.

6. Watering: During the hot summer season, the rubber plant grows relatively fast and should be given plenty of fertilizer and water, but avoid water accumulation in the pot. After autumn begins, gradually reduce watering to promote full plant growth and help it overwinter.