A plant expert explains why and what to do about it.
Rubber plants(Ficus elastica)arepopular houseplants, beloved for leaves so shiny they look lacquered.
So what should you do when your plant begins dropping those gorgeous glossy leaves?
First of all, take a few breaths.
Then check out what a house plant pro has to say about it.
Paris Lalicatais a plant education expert for the online plant seller The Sill.
Causes of Rubber Plant Leaves Falling Off
Rubber plants have their quirks.
Here are some possible causes of a rubber plant’s leaves falling off.
She points out that theyre also “sensitive to sudden changes in light.
Overwatering or Underwatering
There is a chance the leaf drop could be related to overwatering or underwatering.
Give a rubber tree too much water, and its leaves will fall off.
An infestation of any of these pests can weaken the plant and make it drop its leaves.
They dont do well in the cool, dry indoor air of winter.
The same will happen if the plant doesnt get enough humidity.
Prevention and Treatment
Once your rubber plant leaves are falling off, give it TLC immediately.
Heres what she recommends.
Proper Watering Techniques
Water a rubber tree once every week or two.
Let the soil dry out between waterings.
In spring and summer (the peak growing season for a rubber plant) increase thewatering frequency.
Check the top 1 inch of soil in the pot.
When it is dry to the touch, water the plant.
Pest Prevention Tips
Pests come with the territory when you own plants, Lalicata says.
Act preventively to keep them away.
The best way to keep pests from your rubber plants is to confirm the plants are strong and healthy.
Pests attack plants that are under stress due to poor nutrition, insufficient light, or incorrect watering.
Light Requirements
Rubber trees needbright, indirect lightto thrive.
If leaves are falling off, check the air temperature with a thermometer and the humidity with a hygrometer.
The water in the dish evaporates into the air, increasing the humidity near your plant.
The pebbles in the dish prevent your plants roots from standing in water and getting too wet.
Just ensure water level stays below the top of the pebbles.
Provide your rubber tree with the right growing conditions to keep its lovely leaves on the plant.
Give it bright light, moderate but consistent moisture, and stay vigilant for pests.
Youll be rewarded with a healthy, vibrant rubber plant with leaves that stay put.
