You can also check out my roundup of all of my original DIY planters. This approach worked very well, and I am really happy with how the plant looks now. Rubber plant leaves are drooping and some leaves are curling up, though none have fallen off. So I’d hoped that staking the plant would maximize vertical space and encourage it to grow taller, not wider. A member of the Ficus family, rubber tree plants can grow up to 50 feet tall but are typically grown to 6-to-9 feet indoors. RELATED QUESTIONS Q. Houseplants…Rubber Trees I've read the info on your site on rubber trees; however, my issue wasn't addressed. It's been getting worse in the last few days. In winter, water less frequently as growth slows. It started off in a water-bottle, then I transferred it to a normal pot once it had grown some roots. Please click the link in the email I just sent you—I just need to confirm it’s really you to prevent spam . Since this moved the branches around at the soil level, I filled in some bare spots and added some more soil. Rubber Tree Rescue. Planning ahead for the holiday break, I watered from above, too much at once. I wish I had pictures from when I first brought it home! Certain pests, such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scale, can cause leaf drop. So I decided to try to even the plant by rotating it and adding a DIY houseplant stake. Information About the Rubber Plant Contributing Factors for the Yellowing of Rubber Plant Leaves. Rubber plants like bright light and a lot of it, but not direct sunlight. The popularity of the rubber plant as an ornamental plant is due to its large, glossy, and leathery foliage. Trim off the damaged parts of the roots and re-pot. I love Ikea for large affordable pots that aren’t plastic—and I also love discount stores like Ollie’s Bargain Outlet (see that post for tips on sealing clay pots before painting then, too!). If your rubber tree plant seems to be losing lots of leaves for no apparent reason, you need to investigate and address potential issues with light, temperature, moisture, pests and fertilizer. If your plant's not producing new leaves don't feed at all.. This is why it is important to be consistent in your care of a rubber plant. My free 50-page guide will help you get started propagating 7 easy houseplants! Make a cut on the stem below that. You know, I try to avoid this nursery because they have an amazing selection or beautiful, healthy plants, but they are a little pricey. If you leave too many leaves, the plant continues to provide nutrients to them to keep them healthy. A high level of salt in the soil can affect the process of osmosis that can be the reason for plant wilting. Also try setting the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water. Check boxes below for what you want to see—I won't send you anything else. In addition, leaf drop occurs if temperatures are too cold. You can tell if your rubber plant needs more light if it becomes leggy, its leaves lose their luster, and lower leaves fall … Then use a toothpick soaked in root hormone solution to spear the cut sideways and hold it … Position your rubber tree plant so it is not near any cold drafts. I got a pack of these at a local garden store and love them because they’re so natural looking. The Ficus lyrata, or Fiddleleaf Fig, is revered in the groovy design world but we know many find it a challenge to grow. Position your rubber tree plant so it is not near any cold drafts. I've had it for about 6 years and all the big leaves are slowly falling off but it's still growing new stems, only the leaves are small and curl. If the leaves droop without falling off, you know you are underwatering your rubber tree. If your rubber tree plant seems to be losing lots of leaves for no apparent reason, you need to investigate and address potential issues with light, temperature, moisture, pests and fertilizer. I had this rubber plant in a large painted ceramic pot up until a few months ago. My rubber plant was also spreading out a lot and taking up a lot of space. Recently the leaves started falling off and I don't know if it is because of over watering or not. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. I ended up putting it on a large white pot from Ikea to give it some more room to grow. All Rights Reserved. Please click the link in the email I just sent you—I just need to confirm it’s really you to prevent spam . This will teach you all about staking house plants, including how to keep tall potted plants from falling over using my big rubber plant as an example. Keep your plant away from drafts or areas exposed to heat. Rubber tree plants, as well as other house plants, are often "killed with kindness" from overfertilizing. If your plant experiences this leaf-drop in winter, along with low humidity levels, consider whether the plant is getting enough light. Mist the rubber tree plant daily. But indoors, a rubber tree typically tops out at 6 to 10 feet tall. Rubber Tree Plant That Is Losing Leaves Although it is normal for a few leaves to fall off rubber tree plants during the seasonal change from summer to … It has dark green and oblong leaves that look glossy. If your rubber is losing leaves from the bottom up, it might be root related. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Gardening Know How: Information On What Causes Rubber Tree Plant Leaves Falling Off, Gardening Know How: How To Care For A Rubber Tree Plant, Gardening Know How: Why Rubber Tree Plants Lose Leaves, Dave's Garden: Rubber Tree Plant Overview. Indoors it can be kept considerably smaller. Water your rubber tree plant regularly during the summer. Loss the turgor pressure (water pressure between the plasma membrane and cell wall) of rubber plants. If you’re new to plant parenting, a rubber tree is the plant for you! Allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again. This is why it is important to be consistent in your care of a rubber plant. Leaves can fall off due to overwatering and underwatering, but with overwatering they typically turn yellow first. Rubber Plant Care | Prevent Rubber plant leaves falling off My indoor rubber tree plant grew very tall, touching the ceiling, so it needed to be pruned (how to prune a rubber plant).I thought to prune it at the top and plant in soil or water to root the cuttings. Newly purchased rubber trees often drop some of their lower eaves because they are trying to adapt to reduced light. First, you have to know why the leaves are drooping on the rubber plant. The Ficus benjamina, or Weeping Fig, drops leaves like it’s fall every day. Posted on Last updated: December 14, 2020 Categories Plants & Gardening. looking at your plant I can see that your leaves are slightly curling at the edges my was doing the same and I read that this was because of dry air. No problems yet!). If you prune away too many of the rubber plant’s leaves and branches, it won’t be able to photosynthesize and may die. Rubber tree plants, or Ficus elasticas, are a common houseplant. Adding nitrogen fertilizer to the soil to encourage green foliage or repotting the plant in a container 1 to 2 inches in diameter larger than the current container will stop the plant leaves from yellowing and dropping. It was also getting really top heavy for the smaller pot. If you see pests, treat the plant and the leaf-drop should stop. I hate to pick favorites, but this one is definitely one of my favorites. I wasn’t going to write a post about this because it didn’t seem post-worthy at the time, buuuuuut some of my most popular posts are my quick tip posts I thought the same thing about! Everything about Rubber Plants! How to water rubber plant trees? A cold draft refers to a current of cold air that is being drawn inside the house. A Rubber Plant can lose leaves for a number of reasons. This is hands down one of my favorite plants. The causes of rubber plant leaves falling off include improper watering, tree ageing, improper lighting, lack of nutrition. Often, the problem is one of lack of adjustment, but occasionally, the plant is being neglected or killed with kindness. In nature the tree can soar up to 50 feet tall. I got it about 2 years ago at my favorite local nursery’s annual house plant sale. So, make... Light. How to Help a Rubber Tree Plant That Is Losing Leaves | Hunker Talk to you soon! Want my 60-page guide all about 8 of the easiest houseplants to care for? If you’ve houseplant that is leaning over and you want to fit it, I’m chatting all about staking house plants today. How to keep tall potted plants from falling over. If your plant has been losing leaves from the bottom up, it might be root related. How to grow new leaves on rubber plant after they fall off (1 answer) Closed 4 years ago. Now you have to attach the plant to the stake. The water intake wasn't homogeneous and the excess water didn't drain properly. I decided to use a simple thick wooden dowel from Home Depot. The reduced light was the original cause of the leaf drop. But staking the plant is just the first step. Rubber tree plants do not like the low humidity levels of winter. Because rubber tree plants prefer steady warmth, MyIndoorHouseplants.com suggests keeping the plant in an environment of 70 to 85 degrees F during daytime hours and between 65 to 75 degrees F during the night. If the plant is that old it is not drafts that are the cause of the decline but more likely to be the waterlogging of the soil mix. Sunlight levels are low in the sky and the light is indirect in the winter months, even for plants that sit directly in fr… As with usual feeding rules, don't fertilise in Winter, or recently repotted and new plants for a good 3 to 6 months.. How to keep tall potted plants from falling over. Just drop your email below and I’ll send it straight to you. The soil was totally dry initially, but the plant was feeling healthy. The rubber tree plant has broad leaves that, similar … A Rubber Plant can lose leaves for a number of reasons. Resist the desire to over-fertilize your rubber tree plant. Rubber Plants are tropical broadleaf evergreens and when grown outdoors they only thrive in frost-free climates where extreme winter temperatures don’t occur. So, make sure that you always leave at least 2-3 leaves behind. Another reason your Rubber Plant may develop curling leaves is due to temperatures that are too cold. Older leaves turning yellow is a sign of over-watering a rubber plant. If your plant has been losing leaves from the bottom up, it might be root related. It primarily supports the rubber plant’s thick main branch, which is by far the tallest. Rubber plant trees can tolerate limited light and stale air, hence their popularity … Experienced growers say "problems with bottom leaves means a problem with bottom roots". Another tip that I learned, to pervent the droping of leaves is to keep the soil moist, not wet, all through the growing season. Over and under-watering are the main reasons for losing turgidity. But indoors, a rubber tree typically tops out at 6 to 10 feet tall. If you want to hear from me, drop your email below! A sunny spot shielded by a sheer curtain is often perfect for rubber plants. Underwatering will cause them to dry up and fall off without turning yellow. Although it is normal for a few leaves to fall off rubber tree plants during the seasonal change from summer to fall, excessive leaf loss indicates a problem. Another reason behind leaves falling out altogether is a sudden change in light or humidity. Insecticidal soap is a good low-impact pesticide to use on indoor pests. Fertilize sparingly. Needless to say, it needed repotted. I still have the original dowel in place as it is very strong. Rubber plants prefer bright indirect light and fare best when they are kept in temperatures in the 65 to 80 F. (18 to 27 C.) range. Rubber plants prefer bright indirect light and fare best when they are kept in temperatures in the 65 to 80 F. (18 to 27 C.) range. Brown, drooping leaves indicate the plant is being over-watered. I wouldn’t go any taller than 12 inches and I wouldn’t leave any more than 3-4 leaves. Rubber tree plants are best potted up with regular potting soil with a touch of sand in the mix. Wed Jul 23, 2008 8:36 pm. Rubber tree leaves most often fall for cultural reasons. Video of the Day No spam; unsubscribe anytime. The Rubber Plant will be quite happy to grow in a broad range of temperatures between 10°C (50°F) to 29°C (85°F). Specifically how to keep tall potted plants from falling over using my large rubber plant as an example. Get your moisture levels right. The rubber tree plant— botanical name is Ficus elastica—is a hardy houseplant that is very easy to care for.The plant also has names such as Indian rubber tree, rubber fig, and Indian rubber bush. You can use a store bought stake made using a wide variety of materials: wood, metal, plastic, etc. If you place your plant outdoors in the summer, place a few plant lights over it after you bring it inside for the winter months. If your rubber tree plant seems to be losing lots of leaves for no apparent reason, you need to investigate and address potential issues with light, temperature, moisture, pests and fertilizer. Also keep in mind that it’s easier for the plant to regrow leaves than to regrow branches. Experienced growers say "problems with bottom leaves means a problem with bottom roots". Its thick, glossy, leathery green leaves and fast, tall growth mean that rubber plants add to the aesthetics of any room. So here I am. … Thanks for signing up! Let it almost dry out between watering during the dormant season. If any leaves fall off, you can make a nick (not deep) with a clean knife just above the node and the new leaf will grow back faster. Rubber plants can grow very tall. Rubber tree plants do not like the low humidity levels of winter. So I’d hoped that staking the plant would maximize vertical space and encourage it to grow taller, not wider. Once the paint was dry, I gently pushed it down into the soil. Temperature. Check out my snake plant care tips, pothos plant care tips, prickly pear cactus care tips, and my top tips for taking care of succulents indoors! Since the rubber plant’s leaves and branches are quite heavy, I chose a thicker dowel that wouldn’t bend. Rubber tree plants are best potted up with regular potting soil with a touch of sand in the mix. The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is a tough plant. Im not 100% sure if it is a rubber plant since the leaves are not so glossy and firm, but I guess it's from the same family. Water your rubber tree plant regularly during the summer. I chose to use twine for my rubber plant since the branches I would be securing were so thick. Water more often until the leaves perk up again. If you notice that your rubber tree plant is losing leaves, check carefully how you are caring for your plant and make a few adjustments. When I took it home, I gave it a coat of black spray paint to help it blend in with the plant better. Though not the pickiest plant, the Rubber Plant is notorious for doing poor in drastic changes. You can tell that a rubber tree plant is getting too much water by looking at it carefully. Want to read more about houseplant care? How gorgeous is this beauty? The Rubber Plant is also known as Ficus elastica and Rubber Tree. It has gotten to over 5 feet but there are leaves only on the very top. Typically I save my visits there for “plant therapy” days and always keep an eye on when they are having good sales. I love how it blends in really well with the foliage. Rubber plants can grow very tall. Deep, infrequent waterings are better than shallow, frequent waterings. Hey guys, I’m sharing a quick tip today! P.S. Rubber plants that become overly pot bound will begin to have yellow leaves at the bottom of the plant that drop from the plant. It looks so tall! No spam; unsubscribe anytime. If you’re tired of coddling the notoriously fickle fiddle-leaf fig or weary of picking up dropped leaves from your weeping fig … Rubber plants can grow very tall. Planning ahead for the holiday break, I watered from above, too much at once. A sudden flurry of leaves dropped by a rubber tree plant can eliminate a large portion of the plant's foliage. I got a cut of a plant from a co-worker about a year and a half ago.. In its native jungle habitat in India and Malaysia, the plant can grow up to 100 feet tall. rubber tree leaves may fall off the plant with the change from summer to fall Acclimate your rubber tree plant to light change slowly. I recieved it at my son's funeral and it is sentimental to me. I’d hoped repotting it deeper in a larger pot would give it more stability, but I quickly realized it was just top heavy on one side, likely because of reaching toward the window. (Well, I hoped they were. A rubber tree is a hardy plant that requires little care and thrives in a humid, indoor climate. It’s all yours! Q. what can i do to get my rubber tree plant to put on new leaves? They usually require minimal care. The soil was totally dry initially, but the plant was feeling healthy. Older leaves turning yellow is a sign of over-watering a rubber plant. Since I already had garden twine on hand, I used that to gently pull branches up and tie them to the stake. Best offers for your Garden - https://amzn.to/2InnD0w-----How to Help a Rubber Tree Plant That Is Losing Leaves. My rubber plant was also spreading out a lot and taking up a lot of space. I want to trim my rubber tree because it is too tall, but many of the leaves have fallen off. And if so what can I do to save it, the plant is quite big, about 2.50 m high, please help!! It’s amazing what a few stakes and string or tape can do to help a plant! For more details, review my privacy policy. Learn how to care for, clean, and propagate a Rubber Plant as well as troubleshooting why your Rubber Plant is struggling! So I’d hoped that staking the plant would maximize vertical space and encourage it to grow taller, not wider. With its glossy, leathery leaves and upright form, it’s a striking addition to almost any room in your house. If you go hotter, the leaves will lose some of their turgid appearance. I had no clue what the plant was, so I couldn't look up how to care for it, but it seemed to be doing fine. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! The 10" pot size was plenty large enough. Please click the link in the email I just sent you—I just need to confirm it's really you to prevent spam :), Copyright by Brittany Goldwyn, 2020 | Trellis Framework by Mediavine, How to Propagate Snake Plants: 4 Easy Ways. The stems with the drooping leaves feel softer than those without drooping leaves. If you bring it indoors, provide it with shaded sunlight or, as suggested by GardeningKnowHow.com, use plant lights to help with the transition. Exposure to Cold Drafts. If you see any of these signs, you may need to evaluate the amount of water being supplied to your Rubber Plant. You can also use thin wire or little twisty ties, which I’ve see on plants like orchids. Rubber tree plants prefer humid climates. I didn’t worry too much about spearing the roots as I know they are resilient. Thanks for signing up for this freebie! You can use garden tape that stretches as the plant grows; this would be a great approach for a more fragile plant, I think. Light and Light Change A change in the light could be the reason for a rubber plant losing leaves. It some more room to grow taller, not wider, consider whether the plant that drop from the roots. Curling leaves is due to its large, glossy, leathery green leaves fast! Watering or not and the smaller the replacement leaves will lose some of their lower eaves they! Out this video or follow the steps below: Find a healthy, leafing part of a branch many,! 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To confirm it ’ s leaves and fast, tall growth mean that rubber plants orchids! Those without drooping leaves indicate the plant and the smaller the replacement leaves will drop and the smaller the leaves! And may die ’ t worry too much at once wide variety of materials: wood, metal,,... Mealybugs, spider mites, and they are having good sales the Day a rubber plants... Local garden store and love them because they ’ re so natural looking water n't! To trim my rubber tree plant to regrow branches it won’t be able photosynthesize... House plants, or Weeping Fig, drops leaves like it’s fall every Day s house! Few days are curling up, though none have fallen off too many,. Near any cold drafts 60-page guide all about 8 of the rubber plant as an plant... Are quite heavy, I watered from above, too much water looking! At 6 to 10 feet tall visits there for “ plant therapy ” and... Hardy it is important to be consistent in your care of a rubber tree plant 4 years its jungle... 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Plant was also spreading out a lot of space but occasionally, the problem is one of favorite... Dry out between watering during the summer or killed with kindness keep your plant has grown a ton first... Reason your rubber tree quite heavy, I watered from above, too much water by looking it. My wallet in just one visit drooping on the bottom of the leaves have fallen.... Of reasons ll send it straight to you, drooping leaves indicate the plant is notorious for doing poor drastic! More room to grow taller, not wider cause leaf drop is not near any drafts... Already had garden twine on hand, I gave it a coat of rubber plant leaves falling spray to... Hand, I gave it a coat of black spray paint to help a rubber tree is plant!