Rubber fig losing lower leaves - Ask Extension
We have a beautiful rubber fig (ficus elastica) that we got about 2-3 months ago. It started losing it's leaves pretty early after getting it. At that...
Knowledgebase
Rubber fig losing lower leaves #803850
Asked July 31, 2022, 10:28 AM EDT
We have a beautiful rubber fig (ficus elastica) that we got about 2-3 months ago. It started losing it's leaves pretty early after getting it. At that time it was probably in a spot that's too shady, and I watered it weekly. So I moved it to where it is now, nearer a south facing window, and I've been watering sometimes weekly and sometimes every other week. New leaves are growing out the top, but the bottome leaves keep falling off, about one every two weeks or so. One more note: I didn't replant it after bringing it home from the greenhouse, it's still in the greenhouse pot.
Can you give any advice?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Rubber plants grow well indoors in areas that are well-lit such as in east-facing windows or near a west-facing window, but out of direct sunlight. A lack of sufficient light causes the plant to grow long spaces on stems between the leaf nodes (the point where a leaf grows out from the stem). Plants without sufficient light may also drop their older leaves.
Rubber plants should be moist at all times, but too much or too little water can cause issues. Avoid overwatering by feeling the soil. Rubber plant may need less frequent watering during the winter months.
Rubber plants should be moist at all times, but too much or too little water can cause issues. Avoid overwatering by feeling the soil. Rubber plant may need less frequent watering during the winter months.
