It can leave a plant owner wondering, “Why do leaves drop off rubber plants?” There are many reasons for leaves falling off rubber tree plant. The tips of the leaf stems look dark. If your rubber plant is losing leaves, it can be alarming. These leaves are just starting to show signs of stress, but some get so bad, the entire leaf becomes a bright yellow. Don't overreact. According to MyIndoorHouseplants.com, feeding your rubber tree plant too much may cause it to lose its leaves; fertilize your leaf-losing plant once every two weeks to help it get back on track. Rubber Tree houseplants are a little difficult to water. Although there are a few green leaves the majority of the tree is brown and leaves are falling off. If the tree is beyond saving, it’s best to remove it if it poses a danger of falling onto people or structures. 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. There are no marks on the leaves themselves, and the tree, and bark appear healthy. Rubber trees are low-maintenance. I water it about once per week and fertilize about every 3 months using 19-6-12 Osmocote smart-release plant food. 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. Rubber tree leaves. Put new soil in the bottom of the pot and put the plant back in the pot. If the leaves droop without falling off, you know you are underwatering your rubber tree. Pests – Pests are another common reason for rubber tree plant leaves falling off. When the foliage is directly placed in the sun's rays, the leaf surface temperature can exceed 100F (39C). Rubber tree plants need a lot of sunlight but not direct sunlight. The Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) could be the ideal houseplant for you if you want a tough but easy going indoor plant that can reach staggering heights within just a few years.The shiny glossy leaves look great in most homes and although young plants start off small they will fill the space in an empty corner quickly. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Over Watering – Another way that rubber tree owners can over care for their plant is by over watering the plant. Be aware that if you do not cut the top leaf or leaves off of your rubber plant, it will continue to grow. If you’re tired of coddling the notoriously fickle fiddle-leaf fig or weary of picking up dropped leaves from your weeping fig every day, try a rubber … However, if your ficus leaves are turning brown at the tips, it’s probably due to moisture problems, a lack of nutrients or disease. The canopy is crowded. So, if you’d like a low, bushy rubber plant, try cutting the top off when it’s about 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 m). Noticed about a month ago but plant seems healthy… Orange tree in danger..help..leaves falling off and branch tips brown. Generally during WLD the leaves that fall from the tree have a healthy green appearance. I did notice a couple of mealy bugs on it which I smushed off. Even strong, healthy trees can fall victim to severe weather, disease, or infestation. Asked by debramorrison90 on December 26, 2011. My burgundy rubber plant has these red little blotches in back of its leaves. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Gardening Know How: Why Rubber Tree Plants Lose Leaves, Dave's Garden: Rubber Tree Plant Overview. Thanks! Water more often until the leaves perk up again. It’s not a fig tree, but the techniques are the same: Fig Tree Leaves Turning Yellow. Acclimating the plant slowly when you bring it indoors and shining a few plant lights on the rubber tree will help keep the light levels up and keep the rubber plant from losing leaves. Are these normal for this species or does it have an infection going on? Heavily infested stems or branches should be pruned off the ficus tree and discarded to prevent the spreading of the infestation. Questions About Rubber Tree Plants. 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 watered the plant with filtered water since the water in San Diego is hard. 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. Cut any root rot out. See what summer pest could be hurting your tree leaves. With some general rubber tree plant know-how and a few common garden materials, you can help prevent further leaf loss and reclaim the health of your plant. White fuzzy things) The picture at top shows my rubber tree plant in happier times. There are a lot of very small hard brownish "balls" that are cored out that have dropped from the tree branches. You can make this determination by simply inserting your finger into the soil or by using a moisture meter. Close • Posted by 1 hour ago. After doing some online research, I thought maybe it was maple petiole borer. There are many reasons your tree’s leaves can turn black and fall off the tree. Pests – Pests are another common reason for rubber tree plant leaves falling off. when rubber trees don't get enough light they go into a winter-dormant mode and lose their leaves, and the stalk enlarges. Keep the soil even drier when your Rubber Tree Plant is in lower light or the room temperature is cooler. A Lack of Water Can Cause Trees to Drop Leaves. If the tree is alive, ... Just make sure to keep the primary root intact, along with any other healthy roots. This lack of humidity can cause leaves falling off rubber tree plant. Now, there are only a few leaves left, and they are all at the top. If your plant is outdoors, find a way to create shade. The following are some of the more probable causes: Hot Weather and Drought – During times of drought, trees are more susceptible to being damaged by radical changes in temperature. Scale is a threat to most species of shade and fruit trees and ornamental shrubs. A tell tail sign common to WLD is normally only the blade of the leaf is abscised and the petiole (leaf stem) remains attached to the tree. Watering too frequently may cause leaf yellowing. Leaf drop on a favorite houseplant is a frustrating problem because it can be hard to diagnose the causes and correct the situation. They’re fast growers with the right light conditions and can last 15 years or more with proper care. Rubber trees have multiple trunks and thick, fleshy leaves with a glossy, dark green sheen. The popularity of the rubber plant as an ornamental plant is due to its large, glossy, and leathery foliage. Rubber trees need thorough watering but their soil should be allowed to dry on top before watering again. Messages: 4 Likes Received: 0 Location: Raleigh, NC USA. My burgundy rubber plant has these red little blotches in back of its leaves. Old roots can be brown. th ; It's a pest or disease. Now, there are only a few leaves left, and they are all at the top. I have a rubber tree plant & within the past 3-4 months all of the leaves have started falling off of it, but it's not dead & the leaves aren't either when they fall off. I have a fairly young oak tree that was perfectly green and healthy one day, and all brown leaves the next. A mystery. Never encountered one. - The leaves at the top of the plant are curling. What Is My Rubber Tree Wanting? The leaves that are falling off look perfectly healthy too. About Rubber Plant - I have a five feet tall indoor rubber plant that was healthy. If your rubber tree is dropping off healthy looking leaves (a few of you had this problem) its because its not getting enough light. I water it about once per week and fertilize about every 3 months using 19-6-12 Osmocote smart-release plant food. Cut a 6 inches long branch from approximately half inch below a leaf set, having at least two sets of leaves (nodes) of length 4 … Lots of green leaves have been falling off my healthy looking maple tree for about 3 - 4 weeks now. Change in environment The most common cause for dropping ficus leaves is that its environment h… Keep your plant away from drafts or areas exposed to heat. 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