Curling leaves on rubber tree plants are usually indicative of too little water. It's been getting worse in the last few days. Ficus elastica (more commonly known as a rubber plant, rubber tree or rubber tree plant) is a popular houseplant because of its waxy leaves and larger-than-life appearance. As it grows best in temperature up to 30 degree, but if it gets higher than thirty degree plant leaves may get affected and show curls. With its glossy, leathery leaves and upright form, it’s a striking addition to almost any room in your house. The plant is about three years old and has seemed to be happy until this last year. Most likely, curling leaves are a sign of overwatering a rubber tree plant. CAUSE: Heat stress causes rapid evaporation, so plants curl up to conserve moisture. I've lost about 4 so far which isn't crazy but it seems to be progressing quickly. The causes of rubber plant leaves falling off include improper watering, tree ageing, improper lighting, lack of nutrition. ABOUT HILTON: Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Hilton Carter began his passion for plants in the spring of 2014, while living in New Orleans. 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. I might suggest giving it less water when you water (my rubber plant seems to curl less when I do that; I used to think it needed like a gallon, since it's a very large plant, but no; it's happier with less), and increasing light. The Ficus benjamina, or Weeping Fig, drops leaves like it’s fall every day. Also known as the Baby Rubber Plant, it is actually unrelated to the Hevea Bransiliensis, the primary resource of natural rubber. It only wants to grow up, lose it's leaves on the bottom, only produce small leaves, etc. Illinois. They look like they photo and then turn almost completely orange before falling off. Usually, the leaf growth should resolve itself if you leave the soil to dry out. If you’re new to plant parenting, a rubber tree is the plant for you! Light and Light Change A change in the light could be the reason for a rubber plant losing leaves. If the leaves curl and then drop, this could be due to exposure to frost. I didn’t worry too much about spearing the roots as I know they are resilient. The stems with the drooping leaves feel softer than those without drooping leaves. In Brief. In some cases, you may need to identify pest and disease problems on plant leaves. This article will help. First, observe are the leaves only drooping or drooping leaves are falling? Messages: 3 Likes Received: 0 Location: Japan. Help. When the temperature cools or the soil dries out after a few days or so the curling and drooping look should disappear. Q. The reason behind the rubber plant leaves turning yellow and falling off could range from exposure to dry air, powdery mildew, to the plant being pot bound. (Well, I hoped they were. Plant leaves can sometimes change colour or produce unusual marks, blotches or even weird-looking structures on them. This can happen when temperatures exceed 29°C (85°F), or when you've over watered. Since the rubber plant’s leaves and branches are quite heavy, I chose a thicker dowel that wouldn’t bend. The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is a tough plant. The Rubber Plant is also known as Ficus elastica and Rubber Tree. I got a tiny rubber plant seedling and I think it was doing alright. Older rubber tree leaves are strong and straight, but newer leaves are curled on the edges and do not seem to grow as large as the older leaves. When I took it home, I gave it a coat of black spray paint to help it blend in with the plant better. 2. Tags: leaves yellowing; watering; AnnaK New Member. Just after I purchased it the leaves started curling in on themselves, turning brown and falling off. The Ficus lyrata, or Fiddleleaf Fig, is revered in the groovy design world but we know many find it a challenge to grow. Greetings! There are several possible reasons. If your plant is dry – you can stick your finger into the soil to check it – try to get it on a regular watering schedule. Rubber plants’ water needs vary according to season: In the growing season (summer), the plant should be kept moist. – … I do add vitamins to it at long intervals – like 3 months. I also noticed when I watered it that the water just ran right through the pot and poured out of the bottom. Click on the links where appropriate to find out even more about prevention and control. Rubber trees have multiple trunks and thick, fleshy leaves with a glossy, dark green sheen. Oct 31, 2015 - Although rubber tree plant is relatively trouble-free, it can fall prey to various pests and diseases that can cause leaf curl on rubber plants. Curling leaves on rubber plants (Ficus elastica) is a common problem, but can be easily fixed. Discussion in 'Indoor and Greenhouse Plants' started by AnnaK, Aug 17, 2018. Other signs that your plant is not getting enough water are leaves that are curling inward, drooping down, or becoming “crunchy”-looking. I am pretty new to plants. I've had this rubber plant over a year, it's about 5 ft tall now. Rubber Plant leaves curling or drooping . Learn how to care for, clean, and propagate a Rubber Plant as well as troubleshooting why your Rubber Plant is struggling! Mealybugs also cause yellow or white spots on the foliage and a sticky substance on the plant or nearby furniture. What causes rubber plant leaves to curl? The upper leaves are most affected. I can't say if the leaves will recover, though. If your rubber is losing leaves from the bottom up, it might be root related. Here are some of the more common leaf problems. SYMPTOMS: Edges of leaves curl inward and form a cup, even when the lights are off. It stores water in its thick leaves, which shrivel in drought and plump when water is available. Both mealybugs and excessive light cause houseplant leaves to curl. Just started growing plants about 6 months ago. Once your rubber plant has reached a height that you’d like to keep it at, prune the top leaves from the plant. I have absolutely no idea what I am doing wrong! I'm not sure if the plant is just shocked from the change or if I am doing something wrong? Rubber Tree plant new leaves curl and discolored. 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). In its native jungle habitat in India and Malaysia, the plant can grow up to 100 feet tall. … According to the NASA Clean Air study, the rubber plant is one of the potent air-cleaning plants that can naturally remove a pollutant called formaldehyde from the air. If it’s dry, water and, if not, let it be. Everything about Rubber Plants! This includes wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or even misting them. Rubber plants can grow up to 100 feet in their native homeland of Southeast Asia. Why are rubber plant leaves curling? Upward-curling leaves may indicate a major problem on pepper (Capsicum annuum) or tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants. It causes dark green leaves and curled tips (“the claw”). 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. Curling of New Rubber Tree Leaves. The pot has drainage holes. I'd like to see it branch out, and get larger leaves. How long have you had it? How to identify, fix and prevent curled leaves. The best way to check is by inserting your finger into the soil (up to an inch) and see if it feels wet at all. It started as a small plant that I bought in a nursery. Consider lighting if you find no sign of the flat, oval insects, which can measure from a … Aphids. Kelsgrv Dec 30, 2019 10:53 AM CST. It can grow to over 100' tall outdoors. Are Your Rubber Tree Leaves Drooping? How it looks and displaying: The rubber plant is all about having a small tree indoors with broad shiny attractive leaves. Views: 192, Replies: 4 » Jump to the end. A Nitrogen toxicity is the result of the plant getting too much Nitrogen (usually from too high levels of nutrients overall, or by using a Vegetative nutrient in the flowering stage). I've had this Rubber Plant for over 3 1/2 years, maybe more. Simple solutions for rubber plant leaf curling. I have a rubber plant (I believe) that isn't doing very well. I've only been watering when the top inch of the soil is dry (about once a week) and have fertilized it once with 10/10/10 fertilizer. I bought this plant a month ago and I have noticed some of the leaves curling in. Right before the leaves fall off the plant, they will turn yellow. 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. Ask a Question forum: Rubber plant leaves curling? Did You Know? Growing in hot temperatures above 85°F (29°C) could also cause Ficus plant leaves to curl. Predisposed to enjoy partial shade, rubber tree plants grow to heights between 2 and 10 feet tall indoors. Around a month ago I noticed a couple leaves were turning orange. Indoors it can be kept considerably smaller. (228) 497-0777 2965 Old Spanish Trail, Gautier, MS 39553 – Main 3124 Ladnier Road, Gautier, MS 39553 – Annex Simple solutions for rubber plant leaf curling. During the dormant season, your plant may only need water once or twice a month. Watch for droopy leaves, which indicate a need for more water. 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