The most common cause of yellowing leaves among Rubber Trees is improper soil moisture–in particular, overwatering. Only water your Rubber Tree when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Soil should remain damp, but not wet. In the winter, you can allow your plant to dry out a little more between waterings.
Each plant has its own rhythm. So if you probe the soil with your finger and find it to be thoroughly soggy or drenched, you've identified the cause of the yellow, pale leaves: and you need to let your Rubber Tree's soil dry out entirely before you resume watering.
Yellow leaves and a heavy pot may be your Rubber Plant's cry for help—overwatering is often the culprit. Root rot can follow, turning roots into mush and sapping the life from your plant. Signs: Yellow leaves, root rot. Causes: Too much water, poor drainage.
Your Rubber Plant enjoys weekly waterings. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, especially during the winter when you may only need to water your plant fortnightly.
A yellow leaf has lost its chlorophyll (pigment) and it can't turn green again even after you correct the problem. Don't worry, if the plant regains its health, it's possible that new leaves will fill in during the next growing season. Growing plants is always a matter of patience.
Overwatering means yellowing leaves, a general feeling of flop (science calls it wilting!), fuzzy soil, and a pot that feels like it could double as a weight. Underwatering shows itself with crispy leaves, that same sad droop, and bone-dry soil.
For example, if a plant is deficient in magnesium, its leaves can become pale and yellow—a condition known as chlorosis. Epsom salt can prevent this by providing the necessary magnesium. Since Epsom salt promotes chlorophyll production, it can also help make the foliage green and lush.
Rubber Plants prefer a bright spot indoors away from direct sunlight - direct sun, particularly hot afternoon sun, can burn the leaves. You'll find Rubber Plants in different forms including those with dark green or dark purple leaves and variegated forms with leaves mottled white/green or pink/green.
Keep their soil slightly moist, make sure they get plenty of sunshine, and if you're at a comfortable temperature, they'll be comfortable too.
If the soil feels moist, do not water. If you are unsure, check again in a few days. Never mist your foliage. Misting leaves causes fungal issues and disease.
A healthy rubber plant will happily boast beautiful, glossy, deep emerald green leaves. They're an extremely fast-growing plant, so you'll also know if your plant is healthy if it shoots up dramatically during its growing season!
WHAT'S THE PROBLEM WITH RUBBER? Rubber grows on around 14 million hectares worldwide. Similar to palmoil, the production of natural rubber has been associated with deforestation. Also loss of biodiversity and soil erosion due to monoculture cultivation are major ecological problems of rubber cultivation.
The best rubber plant location, as per vastu is the south east but do note that rubber plants also require a lot of sunlight but the warmth should not be intense. Its best to place them in the east or southeastern facing windows so that they get the morning sunlight.
💦 Overwatering and poor drainage are main causes of rubber plant root rot. 🌱 Treating root rot involves removing rotten roots, using fungicide, and repotting. 🛡️ Prevention is key: adjust watering, use well-draining soil, and ensure air circulation.
Often, yellowing also occurs due to exposure to the sun. If you're wearing your shoes outside, try to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. You can also consider using a conditioner or polish with UV protection to keep your shoes looking new for longer.
Dull drooping foliage: This is an indication that your Rubber Tree may be underwatered, giving your plant a dull lifeless appearance.
To make a rubber tree plant bushy, prune back the branches a few inches in late winter. This stimulates branching at the cut. Remove dead or damaged leaves anytime, but always wear gloves — the rubber plant's milky sap can cause skin reactions.
Lifespan and Growth Insights
Average Lifespan: In the right conditions, a Rubber Plant can grace your space for 10-15 years, sometimes even longer. Growth Timeline: Achieving full size can take several years, with the plant's growth rate slowing as it matures.
Choose a pot that's no more than ⅓ larger than the root ball of your plant.
Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Increase frequency with increased light.
Trim a 2- to 4-inch section off the top of a healthy stem. Remove all the leaves from the shoot except at the very top. Plant the cutting in your prepared container and mist with a spray bottle. Place in a warm and humid environment receiving bright light.
You can put your rubber plant outside in the summer, provided you keep it in partial shade on the porch, where it's shielded from the UV rays. For a young rubber tree, gradually acclimate it to the outdoor environment, ensuring it doesn't get overexposed to heat and direct sunlight.
For potted plants, Scott recommends applying the Epsom salt solution once per month. When planting a magnesium-loving plant in your garden, such as roses, Scott recommends adding a light sprinkle of Epsom salt to the soil before planting it into the garden.
As is often the case, the best things to do about summer leaf yellowing are things that are done before summer arrives. For trees, these include regular mulching and fertilizing, careful pruning, accurate irrigation and, as always, the right tree planted in the right place.
Symptoms of calcium deficiency include stunted plant growth, leaf curling, dark leaf veins, weakened plants, and blossom-end rot in fruits. Fruit plants like tomatoes and peppers may develop dark, sunken areas in the fruit.