What causes a rubber plant to drop its leaves

The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is an evergreen foliage plant, and because its leaves are large and glossy it is loved by many people; placed in the home it adds a lot of life, but at the same time some minor problems can appear, such as yellowing and leaf drop after being kept for a while. So what is going on when a rubber plant drops its leaves? And what should be done? Below, the Plant Encyclopedia editors explain the causes of leaf drop in rubber plants and the solutions.

1. Soil compaction caused by not repotting for a long time

In the early stage of growth, the rubber plant needs to be repotted once a year, and the pot diameter should get larger year by year. After 6 to 8 years of growth, it can be repotted once every three years. If it is not repotted for a long time, the potting soil will become severely compacted and the soil aeration will be poor, causing the fine roots of the rubber plant to suffocate and die, so they cannot absorb water and nutrients, which causes the leaves to wither, yellow and drop.

Solution: When the temperature reaches above 15°C, repot it, cut off the dead roots, and shake off most of the old soil. Remove the yellowed leaves, cut the stem back appropriately, and replace the previously compacted potting soil with fresh, fertile growing medium. Keep the soil moist regularly; this can prompt it to grow new roots, recover to a healthy state, and develop into a plant with many branches. In later care, keep the potting soil well aerated and drained; while keeping the potting soil moderately moist, loosen the potting soil once every 15 to 20 days, so that repeated watering does not cause the potting soil to compact and lead to root rot or root shrinkage.

2. Temperature too low

The minimum temperature the rubber plant can adapt to is above 6 to 8°C. If the indoor temperature in winter is below 5°C, leaves will wither, yellow and drop.

Solution: Raise the indoor temperature for overwintering, and be sure to keep it above 6 to 8°C.

3. Overwatering

Although the rubber plant is a plant that likes water, if it is watered too much, especially from August to September when the weather is still rather muggy, overwatering causes water to accumulate in the pot; or if it is overwatered during overwintering, when the plant is in a dormant period and transpiration is reduced, the water in the pot cannot be discharged in time.

Solution: First cut off the roots that have already rotted, until the cut surface is fresh and white latex seeps out. Let it air dry briefly until the latex at the wound dries, or apply sulfur powder to the wound to disinfect it, or smear clean plant ash or charcoal dust on the wound. At the same time, cut off part of the branches to reduce transpiration water loss, then repot it; when replanting, choose clean, slightly damp fine sand to first surround the root wound, and on the outside plant it in fresh, loose sandy loam. Strengthen shading and misting management, and do not water again until the potting soil is dry; as long as the root system is not too severely damaged, new fine fibrous roots will grow from the wound area of the roots after one month. In later care, just keep the potting soil slightly moist; do not water excessively, and mist the leaves more in the morning and evening.

4. Too much fertilizer or no fertilizer for a long time

The rubber plant is a plant that likes fertilizer, but if too much fertilizer is applied, or if raw fertilizer, heavy fertilizer or concentrated fertilizer is applied by mistake, root rot will occur due to water damage or fertilizer burn, causing the leaves to wither and yellow. If the root rot is caused by fertilizer burn, the roots will be accompanied by an unpleasant smell. Also, not fertilizing for a long time will cause malnutrition, leading to yellowing leaves and leaf drop.

Solution: Stop fertilizing immediately and change the soil right away. If it has not been fertilized for a long time, add base fertilizer when repotting, promptly remove the yellow leaves, and fertilize once every half month, mainly with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer.

5. Improper ventilation

If the room is not ventilated for a long time and the environment is stuffy, a large amount of harmful gases will accumulate; even though the rubber plant can purify the air, it is still hard for it to cope with this situation.

Solution: Open the windows in time for ventilation and keep the indoor air fresh. In winter, you can open the windows at noon when the temperature is higher to change the indoor air.

6. Infection with gray mold

If the care environment is unsuitable, the rubber plant is prone to gray mold, which needs to be controlled in time.

Solution: Remove and destroy diseased leaves promptly, and promptly clean up fallen leaves. Appropriately increase indoor light and raise the room temperature. When diseased leaves are found, promptly spray a 600-fold solution of chlorothalonil wettable powder, once every 7 to 10 days, 2 to 3 times in a row, which can effectively control the spread of the disease.

[Tips] The rubber plant belongs to tropical tree species; it likes plenty of sunlight and cannot tolerate shade. If it does not get sunlight for a long time indoors, the problems of yellow leaves and leaf drop will appear. It needs to be placed in a place with plenty of sunlight and keep good light; in winter it is best if it can also get full sun.