Rubber tree - is this bark or stem rot?

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Just noticed my previously healthy rubber tree has some odd stem discoloration —- kind of blackened with bits of yellow and cracking but also some spots are light brown with cracking. Is this normal — turning into bark maybe?

the plant is in a cactus soil / perlite mix and I let it dry out mostly between watering. Has a drainage hole, and gets plenty of sunlight. I pulled it out and checked the roots and they weren’t wet / rotting and it was Pretty dry all the way through. I water about once a week. It isn’t root bound, either.

Otherwise it appears healthy — it has been regularly sprouting new leaves all summer long.

would love some some advice or thoughts! I love this plant and want to make sure it’s okay.

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Comments (4)

lynn327
Original Author
8 years ago
here's another photo -- for some reason I can't get it to upload to the original post. it's not squishy at the discolored points on the stem, either.
tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
As the vascular cambium lays down files of cells on either side, and the tree or other plant with bark increases in diameter, cells on the outside of the living bark die and form what we think of as bark. As the plant with bark continues to increase in diameter, the bark splits to form fissures and the characteristic type of bark we usually notice on older trees. It's a normal part of Ficus morphology.

Al
lynn327 thanked tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
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Ferdinan USDA zone 9
8 years ago
In other words,nuttin to worry about.
lynn327 thanked Ferdinan USDA zone 9
lynn327
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you! Then I shall proceed as normal with my care.

appreciate the fast responses! I lurk a lot here and have learned so much, but this is the first time I wasnt able to find the answer to my question. Thanks!!