Rubber Tree Leaves Falling

9 years ago

Hi!

I just inherited a Rubber tree from a friend who said she couldn't give it enough light and the leaves were falling off. My house is quite dark, but I put it by the only window we have that gives a lot of light (indirect). Far enough away though that he doesn't get a draft.

I have attached a picture, but it was taken at night, so it doesn't reflect the amount of light he gets. The window is to the left and is a full length deck window facing to the south.

Still the leaves are falling off, one each day! You can see one in the bottom of the plant. Yet there is new growth and the leaves look healthy. The leaves are green when they fall and look healthy (besides not being on the tree). They don't brown or anything.

A lot of the leaves on the plant are curled/are curling! I don't know anything about the soil as she got it from someone else too, so the soil type is lost.

The container is big, but has no drainage, so as soon as it's a bit warmer outside (freezing cold currently) we will take it outside and drill some holes into the bottom. I don't want to over water because of root rot. But I don't know what to do! I love the look of rubber plants and really want to keep this guy alive!

Featured Answer

Embothrium

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

If it is sitting in water it needs to be helped immediately. The defoliation is it falling apart and dying, basically.

[My Liking this (my own) post was a mistake]

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Comments (11)

Embothrium
9 years ago
Looked like it was probably too wet even before I read the bit at the last about the impeded drainage.
Shawnee Penner
Original Author
9 years ago
Awesome, thank you! I've left it for a bit, because I wondered about that too, but the top soil is bone dry now. DO you think the roots are too wet? I'm scared to dig down because I don't want to damage the roots.
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floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
9 years ago
House plant pots must have drainage holes. Your rubber plant needs repotting into a container with a hole and it also looks as if it lacks light.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
9 years ago
dont forget the stresses relating to relocation .... especially if you were in MI.. and moved it outdoors in cold weather ...

i would also look into propagation ... many of these things are very easy to reroot ... and consider starting over with the some vibrant new pieces ... one might say.. a failsafe ...

spread some paper.. and drill the holes.. no excuse to wait months ...

also ... any idea.. last time it was repotted ... media does wear out ... and a prime example of that.. is inability to perfect watering.. even beyond the hole issue ...

ken
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
9 years ago
btw.. there is a houseplant forum .... bet you get more advice there ... ken
Shawnee Penner
Original Author
9 years ago
Oh okay, I didn't know! First time here, thank you so much for your advice! I might try propagating it as a last resort.
Logan L Johnson
9 years ago
I will add, that it may have root damage from being in sitting water that may require light root pruning. Also, that's a really cool floor.
Shawnee Penner
Original Author
9 years ago
I wondered about the roots. I'll probably have to repot when it gets warmer, and see what's going on there. Thank you so much! I think our house hasn't been changed since it was built in the '70's.
Shawnee Penner
Original Author
9 years ago
Awesome, thanks everyone! I have to find a way to repot it without it freezing to death outside (no room in our house!) and then hopefully it will come back.
treebarb Z5 Denver
9 years ago
Shawnee, it doesn't have to be done outside. Lay down some newspaper, plastic sheeting or a bed sheet you don't mind washing in an area that's easy to clean, like the bathroom or kitchen and repot the poor thing or at least get some holes drilled in the pot, then put a saucer or bowl under it. It's begging for help!