What to do when rubber plant leaves droop? Teach you the correct solution
The rubber plant is a well-known potted foliage plant, also known as the Indian rubber tree, Indian banyan large-leaf green, red-mouth rubber tree, etc. It is an evergreen tree of the genus Ficus in the mulberry 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 arranging on both sides of the entrance halls of large buildings and in the center of lobbies. Now let's take a look 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, evaporation is high, so 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 over a long period damages the roots, it can also cause the leaves to droop, so you must wait until the potting soil is dry before watering again.
What to do when rubber plant leaves droop?
1. Watering: For the rubber plant, it is enough to keep the soil slightly dry or slightly moist most of the time. Water more in summer and supply less water in winter, once to 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 allow, 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 and 30 degrees. When the temperature is below 10 degrees, growth basically stagnates. The overwintering temperature should not be lower than 5 degrees.
How to grow a rubber plant so it thrives?
1. Temperature: The best temperature for the rubber plant is 20 to 25 degrees. It can even grow well above 30 degrees, but in winter, if the temperature is too low, the rubber plant will shed a large number of leaves. Its cold resistance 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, sunlight is also a treasure. Giving it enough sunlight allows it to grow vigorously. From May to September, provide appropriate shade.
3. Fertilizing: Fertilizer is like calcium supplementation, strengthening its “physical health.” In rubber plant cultivation, fertilizing is also one of the key points. It can reduce the occurrence of spots and make the leaves more glossy. Simply using nitrogen fertilizer 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 crown, inward-growing branches, and thin weak branches to maintain internal ventilation, good light penetration, and the overall shape.
5. Soil: The rubber plant likes fertile, loose, slightly acidic soil. The potting soil should preferably be prepared with 4 parts leaf mold, 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 solid plant growth and help it overwinter.